Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Vegan Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage, a hearty yet plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Featuring tender vegan elbow macaroni coated in a luscious, creamy cashew-based cheese sauce, this dish is packed with flavor thanks to nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and a hint of garlic and onion powder. Sliced vegan sausage adds a savory, meaty element, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite. Quick and easy to prepare in under 45 minutes, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an irresistible finish thatβs sure to delight vegans and non-vegans alike. Perfect for searches like "vegan comfort food," "dairy-free macaroni and cheese," and "plant-based sausage recipes."
Begin by soaking the cashews in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them. This will make them easier to blend.
While the cashews are soaking, cook the vegan macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside once cooked.
Slice the vegan sausage links into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender along with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, almond milk, and vegetable broth. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced vegan sausage pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are browned. Remove and set them aside.
In the same skillet, pour in the blended cheese sauce and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce is warm and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Add the cooked macaroni and sausage pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to ensure the macaroni and sausage are evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
Cook everything together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Calories |
2262 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 93.9 g | 120% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.9 g | 84% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3433 mg | 149% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 292.2 g | 106% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.0 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.3 g | ||
| Protein | 80.5 g | 161% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.2 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 651 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 19.1 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 1926 mg | 41% | |
*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.