Name: Vegan Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 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; 12 ounces elbow macaroni; Sea salt, to taste

why make this recipe

Vegan Mac and Cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that everyone can enjoy. Whether you follow a vegan diet or just want to eat healthier, this recipe offers a creamy, cheesy flavor without any dairy. It’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!

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how to make Vegan Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

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
12 ounces elbow macaroni
Sea salt, to taste

Directions

Make the vegan cheese: Start by placing the Yukon Gold potatoes and sweet potatoes in a saucepan. Cover them with cold water, adding a few pinches of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered until fork-tender, which should take about 8 to 12 minutes. Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a high-speed blender.
Add the garlic, cashews, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, onion powder, sea salt, olive oil, and water to the blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Make the mac and cheese: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
Stir in the vegan cheese sauce, adding some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Season with sea salt to taste and serve warm.

how to serve Vegan Mac and Cheese

Vegan Mac and Cheese is perfect on its own, but it also pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. You can add some fresh herbs on top for extra flavor and presentation. Feel free to serve it in individual bowls or a large dish for sharing.

how to store Vegan Mac and Cheese

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.

tips to make Vegan Mac and Cheese

For extra creaminess, blend the sauce a bit longer to ensure it’s perfectly smooth.
Add some spices like smoked paprika or chili powder to give it a little kick.
Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies, such as spinach or broccoli, for added nutrition.

variation

You can make a baked version of this dish by transferring the prepared mac and cheese into a baking dish, topping it with breadcrumbs, and baking it at 350°F for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

FAQs

What can I use instead of cashews?
If you have nut allergies, you can try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.

Can I freeze Vegan Mac and Cheese?
Yes! You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to two months. Just thaw it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Is nutritional yeast necessary?
Nutritional yeast gives the dish a cheesy flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it or use a different cheese substitute.