Vegan Classic Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Vegan Classic Creamy Macaroni and Cheese, a plant-based twist on the beloved original. Featuring velvety cashew-based cheese sauce infused with nutritional yeast for that quintessential cheesy flavor, this recipe is both dairy-free and gluten-free, making it perfect for a variety of dietary needs. The blend of turmeric, paprika, and ground mustard adds a subtle depth of flavor, while coconut oil ensures a luxurious creaminess. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners yet indulgent enough for special occasions. Whether you're vegan or simply looking for a healthier, guilt-free mac and cheese, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni, gluten-free
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1.5 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp turmeric
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Start by soaking the raw cashews in hot water for 15 minutes to soften them.
While the cashews are soaking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gluten-free elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Once the cashews are softened, drain them and add them to a high-speed blender.
To the blender, add the unsweetened almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, paprika, ground mustard, sea salt, black pepper, coconut oil, and 1 cup of water.
Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Transfer the blended sauce to a large saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce is warmed through and slightly thickened.
Add the drained macaroni to the saucepan and stir well to ensure all pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice as desired.
Serve warm and enjoy your comforting, creamy vegan mac and cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
699 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.7 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.9 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 572 mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 88.6 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.1 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.1 g | ||
| Protein | 29.3 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 242 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 766 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
