The Ultimate Vegan Mac & Cheese Recipe
Get ready to indulge in a plant-based version of everyone’s favorite comfort food: Mac + Cheese! Creamy, rich, and full of flavor, this vegan take on the classic dish is bound to be a hit. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself, this recipe brings together wholesome ingredients and a smooth, cheesy sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This dish is everything you want in a mac and cheese: creamy, indulgent, and satisfying. The velvety sauce is made with a blend of cashews, steamed veggies, and a touch of nutritional yeast, creating a bold, cheesy flavor that’s 100% plant-based. Plus, it’s easy to make and versatile—pair it with your favorite pasta for a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
What You'll Need
40 g vegan butter
40 g flour
0.4 lbs golden potatoes, washed and roughly chopped
0.2 lbs carrots, washed and roughly chopped
1 ¼ cups cashew cream (see instructions below)
1 ¼ cups raw cashews
2 ½ cups water (for soaking cashews)
¾ cup water (for blending)
½ cup water
1 ½ Tbsp olive oil
2 ½ tsp kosher salt
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
3 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp soy sauce
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 ½ Tbsp miso paste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cashew Cream
Soak the raw cashews in 2 ½ cups of water for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
Drain and rinse the cashews.
Blend the cashews with ¾ cup of fresh water until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Steam the chopped potatoes and carrots for about 15 minutes, or until soft.
Add the steamed veggies, cashew cream, and all remaining sauce ingredients to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
Step 3: Prepare the Roux
In a medium pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
Gradually stir in the flour, whisking continuously, until a smooth paste forms.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken
Slowly add the blended sauce mixture to the roux, whisking to combine.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until thickened and the flour is fully cooked.
Step 5: Assemble Your Mac + Cheese
Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. We recommend 1 cup of sauce for every ½ pound of pasta.
Toss the sauce with the pasta until evenly coated.
Enjoy Your Ultimate Comfort Dish
This Vegan Mac + Cheese is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, it’s bound to become a new favorite.
Let us know how it turns out! Share your creations with us on Instagram @virtuous_pie. We can’t wait to see your delicious dishes!
