Vegan Mac and Cheese

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Vegan mac and cheese on a green plate
Vegan mac and cheese on a green plate
Yields:
8
serving(s)
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes
Cal/Serv:
408
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Creamy, comforting, and surprisingly indulgent, this vegan mac and cheese wraps you in warmth from the very first bite. The velvety sauce, rich from blended cashews and brightened with a hint of lemon, clings to every curve of tender pasta like a silky blanket.

Each forkful delivers a deep, cheesy savoriness with a gentle golden hue, kissed by garlic and a subtle nuttiness that lingers. If you choose the baked version, a crisp, buttery breadcrumb topping adds the perfect contrast—golden, smoky, and lightly crunchy against the soft, luscious layers beneath.

It’s the kind of dish that feels nostalgic yet elevated, cozy yet satisfying, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas and your plate with pure comfort. Every bite feels like a hug—creamy, rich, and completely plant-based without missing a thing.

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Recipe Information

Ingredients

8
  • 1 1/2 raw cashews
  • 2 cup water
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 12 oz elbow pasta
  • 7 oz bag vegan cheddar cheese shredded (Optional)

Optional breadcrumb topping

  • 1 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 tbsp vegan butter melted
  • 1/4 tsp paprika smoked

Directions

  1. If planning on baking it with the breadcrumb topping, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a casserole dish (I used a 9×13 inch dish). Skip this step for stovetop mac and cheese.
  2. Soften the cashews by covering them in boiling water for 5 minutes. We do this by heating up water in the tea kettle and then pouring the boiling water over the cashews in a large glass measuring cup.
  3. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, but do not overcook. Drain and set aside.
  4. Drain the soaked cashews and discard the soaking water. Add the cashews, fresh water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, turmeric, garlic powder, salt and bag of shredded cheese (if using) to a high-powered blender and blend until very smooth.

Stovetop version

  1. Simply return the pasta to the pot and pour in the cheese sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens and serve immediately.

Baked version (The best option)

  1. Make the breadcrumb topping by mixing the breadcrumbs, melted vegan butter and smoked paprika in a small bowl until crumbly and moist.
  2. Add the drained pasta to the prepared casserole dish, and pour in the cheese sauce. Stir to coat the noodles. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on the pasta and bake, uncovered for 15 minutes. I also broiled it for a few minutes until golden brown. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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