The Best Vegan Mac And Cheese Recipe

This vegan mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food that everyone can enjoy. It’s plant based, dairy-free, creamy, and delicious, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be ready in no time!

If you are looking for a baked version of this classic favorite dish, try my baked vegan mac and cheese.

Mac and cheese is an all-time family favorite so why not make a super healthy version like this one so that you can serve it up guilt-free?

Looking for more vegan pasta dishes? Try my roasted butternut squash stuffed shells, vegan lasagna roll ups, or this one-pot cherry tomato and basil pasta.

Why you’ll LOVE this vegan mac and cheese recipe 

• Healthier alternative: Vegan mac and cheese typically uses plant-based ingredients, such as nut milk and nutritional yeast, which are lower in fat and calories compared to traditional mac and cheese made with dairy products.
• Dairy-free: Many people are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies, and plant-based mac and cheese provides a delicious alternative that is free from all animal products.
• Customizable: There are many variations of vegan mac and cheese, which allows you to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your perfect combination.
• Easy to make: Vegan mac and cheese can be made quickly and easily with simple ingredients, making it a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Delicious: Despite not having dairy, vegan mac and cheese can still be incredibly tasty and satisfying, with a creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Kid-friendly: The whole family will love this plant based mac and cheese recipe. The kids will not even know that the vegan cheese sauce contains vegetables. It is a great way to please the family and also add some nutrition to supper time.

Vegan Mac and Cheese Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make up this creamy plant based mac and cheese recipe.

• Onion and garlic: Adds a beautiful base to this vegan mac and cheese recipe. I like to use a combination of fresh and powdered onion and garlic for optimal flavor and texture in this recipe.
• Potato: A small potato helps to thicken the vegan cheese sauce and add a subtle flavor to the base. 
• Carrots: This helps the vegan sauce to have a lovely yellow/orange color. It also adds nutrition and flavor to the final sauce. 
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Add a touch of heat to the sauce. You can use as much or as little of this as you like.
• Cashews: The star of the ingredients, cashews give vegan cheese sauce its creamy texture. 
• Nutritional Yeast Flakes: The cheesy flavor comes from the nutritional yeast flakes. 
• Fresh Lemon Juice: I like to finish the sauce with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice as it adds brightness and I slight delicious tang to the sauce.  
• Turmeric: Helps to give the vegan cheese sauce its yellow/orange color.
• Vegan margarine (optional): This is optional, but I like to finish the sauce with a little bit of vegan margarine as it really pulls the sauce and flavors together.
• Salt to taste: Salt helps to balance the flavors. You can use sea salt or Himalayan pink salt.
• Olive oil: I use a little olive oil to sauté the onion and garlic, but if you would like to avoid the oil, use water instead. 
• Macaroni: Elbow noodles are a classic in this recipe, but you can get creative with the pasta you use. 

What is Vegan Mac and Cheese? 

Vegan mac and cheese is a dairy-free version of the classic recipe. This plant-based vegan mac and cheese is just as creamy, cheesy, and delicious without the use of any dairy products. It is easy to make and nutritious, as we have hidden a few vegetables in the vegan cheese sauce to amp up the flavor to a new level. 

How to Make Vegan Mac and Cheese

Vegan mac and cheese is super simple and easy to make. Start by making the vegan cheese sauce, mix with macaroni, and it’s ready to serve.

Step one: In a medium size pot, over medium to high heat, sauté onion, in olive oil for 3-4 minutes. Next add the thinly sliced potato, minced garlic, chopped carrots, garlic and onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, crushed red pepper, cashews, turmeric, nutritional yeast flakes, and water. Let it simmer until the potato and carrots are cooked and soft.

Step two: Transfer to a blender and add lemon juice, margarine (optional), and salt to taste. Blend until smooth.

Step three: Mix with macaroni and serve.

Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe Variations and Add-ins

• Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese: Add roasted butternut squash to your vegan mac and cheese sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
• Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese: Mix in fresh spinach and artichoke hearts to give your mac and cheese a burst of green and a tangy flavor. If you like artichokes, try my vegan artichoke spinach dip.
• Vegan Bacon Mac and Cheese: Add crispy vegan bacon bits for a smoky, savory flavor.
• Pesto Mac and Cheese: Mix in vegan pesto sauce to give this dish a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Mac and Cheese with Roasted Tomatoes: Roast cherry tomatoes with garlic and olive oil, then mix them into your mac and cheese for a burst of sweet and tangy flavor.
• Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese: There is something deliciously wonderful about noodles covered in a creamy vegan cheese sauce and topped with a crispy topping with just the right amount of crunch. Try baked vegan mac and cheese with crispy topping for a delicious meal the whole family will love.

Top Tips to Make the Best Vegan Mac and Cheese

• Soak cashews overight for a creamier sauce. This just helps to soften them up and reach that silky creamy texture you want in your mac and cheese.
• Blend sauce until smooth – keep going if it tastes grainy still. You want the vegan cheese sauce to be extremely creamy and smooth in texture.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. This is an age old trick. 
• Adjust seasoning to taste – no one wants to eat bland mac and cheese.
• Try different pasta shapes. Penne and farfalle go really well in place of a macaroni noodle.

Make ahead of instructions and storage

This plant-based mac and cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can then stir it into the pasta before serving. 

Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of plant-based milk or water to loosen the sauce.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

What to Serve with Vegan Mac and Cheese

Sky’s the limit when it comes to other dishes you can serve alongside this vegan mac and cheese recipe. 

Serve this vegan mac and cheese with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It’s also perfect as a side dish for potlucks or holiday gatherings.

• Salad: I love to serve this creamy vegan mac and cheese with a salad, like my sesame kale salad, cucumber mint salad, or my pear pecan salad. Looking for more salad options? Try this fresh corn salad or this Caesar salad?
• Roasted Veggies: This is a perfect dish to serve with roasted garlic Brussels sprouts, maple-glazed carrots, or roasted fall vegetables. 
• Burgers: Serve plant based mac and cheese as a side dish with burgers for a tasty meal the whole family will get excited about. Try my vegan mushroom oat burgers or my vegan all-American burger recipes. 
• Bread: Vegan garlic knots would go perfectly with this creamy pasta dish or this easy roll recipe. 

FAQs

Can I use almond milk instead of cashews? 

Yes, you can use almond milk instead of cashews for a lighter version of the recipe. However, the sauce won’t be as creamy and rich.

What does vegan mac and cheese taste like?

Vegan mac and cheese is creamy, flavorful, and delicious. It has a cheesy taste without the use of any dairy products. Cashews and nutritional yeast help to give this vegan mac and cheese its creamy and cheesy texture and taste. This recipe is one of my favorites. I could eat it practically every day… that’s how good it is!

What is nutritional yeast? 

Nutritional yeast flakes gives vegan mac and cheese its cheesy flavor. Nutritional yeast flakes are deactivated yeast that has a nutty, cheesy flavor. It has no leavening power but is rich in nutrients needed for the vegan diet. 

What pasta shape is best for vegan mac and cheese? 

Traditionally, mac and cheese is made with elbow macaroni pasta. However, many other shapes can work beautifully in this dish. Penne and farfalle go really well in place of a macaroni noodle.

Wrapping it up

Vegan mac and cheese is a delicious and satisfying dish that provides a healthier alternative to traditional mac and cheese. By using plant-based ingredients and experimenting with different flavors and textures, you can create a variety of tasty and creative variations. 

Whether you are lactose intolerant, have a dairy allergy, or simply want to enjoy a delicious, plant-based and sustainable meal, plant-based mac and cheese is a great option that is sure to please your taste buds. With the right ingredients and preparation, you can enjoy a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful bowl of vegan mac and cheese that is both satisfying and guilt-free.

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