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Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe

Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe for Comfort Food Dinner

This creamy vegan mac and cheese recipe delivers the same rich, cheesy comfort you crave without dairy. You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into a silky sauce, perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or satisfying plant-based cravings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Base
  • 250g elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 10 minutes)
  • 1½ cups unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric (for color)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ cup steamed broccoli or peas
  • ¼ cup vegan cheese shreds (for extra richness)

Method
 

  1. Boil salted water and cook macaroni until al dente, then drain while reserving some pasta water for later adjustments.
  2. Soak cashews in hot water for 10 minutes to soften them for blending into a smooth sauce.
  3. Blend cashews with plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and spices until completely creamy and lump-free.
  4. Heat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and becomes glossy.
  5. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce, mixing thoroughly and adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water.
  6. Add optional flavors or vegetables, adjust seasoning, and serve warm for the best texture and taste.

Notes

  • Always soak cashews properly because softened nuts blend more smoothly and create a creamier sauce without graininess.
  • Stir the sauce constantly while heating to prevent sticking and ensure even thickening throughout.
  • Reserve pasta water before draining because it helps adjust the sauce consistency while improving how it coats the pasta.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning at the end since flavors develop more fully once the sauce is heated.