This vegan mac and cheese recipe is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect comfort food option. Below are two variations: a quick stovetop version and a baked version with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients

For the Cheese Sauce:

• Option 1 (Cashew-Based):
• 1 ½ cups raw cashews
• 2 cups water (or less if not using vegan cheese)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup nutritional yeast
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• Optional: 1 (7-oz) bag shredded vegan cheddar cheese
• Option 2 (Sweet Potato-Based):
• ¾ cup peeled and diced Yukon Gold potato
• ¾ cup peeled and diced sweet potato
• 2 garlic cloves
• ¼ cup raw cashews
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup water

For the Macaroni:

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni

For the Breadcrumb Topping (if baking):

• Option A:
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
• Option B:
• 3 thick slices white bread, toasted and blended into crumbs

Instructions

Stovetop Version:

1. Prepare the Cashews: Soak cashews in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add the elbow macaroni, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine soaked cashews, water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, turmeric, garlic powder, and salt. Blend until smooth.
4. Combine: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until evenly coated. Serve immediately.

Baked Version:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Cashews: Soak cashews as in the stovetop version.
3. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce: Blend soaked cashews with water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, turmeric, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
5. Combine: Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in a large bowl.
6. Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted vegan butter (or use blended bread).
7. Assemble: Transfer pasta mixture to a greased casserole dish, sprinkle breadcrumb topping evenly over it.
8. Bake: Bake for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a high-powered blender for a smoother sauce.
• Fresh lemon juice enhances flavor significantly compared to bottled varieties.
• Feel free to add vegetables like roasted broccoli or peas for extra nutrition.

Creative Add-Ins for Vegan Mac and Cheese

Enhancing vegan mac and cheese can be fun and delicious! Here are some creative add-ins to consider:

• Vegetables: Stir in thawed frozen peas, steamed broccoli, or sautéed spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Spices: Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or chili powder for a spicy kick. Pickled jalapeños can also spice things up.
• Protein: Incorporate crumbled tempeh, baked tofu, or black beans for extra protein.
• Flavor Boosters: Mix in a tablespoon of mustard for tanginess or nutritional yeast for a cheesier taste.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten the dish.

Using a Regular Blender

Yes, you can use a regular blender to make vegan mac and cheese. However, a high-speed blender is recommended for achieving a smoother consistency, especially when blending nuts or starchy vegetables. If using a regular blender, ensure the ingredients are well-soaked (if applicable) to facilitate blending.

Making Vegan Mac and Cheese Without Cashews

You can replace cashews with several alternatives:

• Silken Tofu: Provides creaminess without nuts.
• Sweet Potatoes or Carrots: Cooked and blended, these can create a creamy texture.
• Nut-Free Vegan Cheese: Store-bought options made from coconut or soy can be used as a base.

Good Vegan Cheese Alternatives

For mac and cheese, consider these vegan cheese alternatives:

• Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Vegan Shredded Cheese: Brands like Daiya or Follow Your Heart offer various flavors suitable for melting.
• Homemade Cashew Cheese: If nuts are acceptable, blend soaked cashews with nutritional yeast and spices.

Making Gluten-Free Vegan Mac and Cheese

To create a gluten-free version of vegan mac and cheese:

• Pasta Choice: Use gluten-free pasta made from brown rice, quinoa, or lentils.
• Thickening Agents: If using a sauce that requires thickening, consider cornstarch or tapioca starch as gluten-free alternatives.

These tips will help you customize your vegan mac and cheese to fit various dietary needs and preferences!