Few things hit the spot quite like a steaming bowl of mac and cheese—and this Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese delivers all the creamy, cozy goodness you crave, with none of the dairy. Whether you’re plant-based by choice or necessity, or just trying to cut back on animal products, this recipe gives you a foolproof way to enjoy a beloved comfort food classic.
Loaded with flavor, silky in texture, and built from wholesome ingredients, this vegan mac and cheese is the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed. With no complicated steps or hard-to-find items, it’s the ultimate blend of quick, creamy, and satisfying. And let’s not forget: it’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and ready in just 30 minutes.
What makes it truly special? It sneaks in veggies like carrots and potatoes into the cheese sauce for extra nutrition, uses cashews for richness, and harnesses the magic of nutritional yeast to mimic that sharp cheddar flavor—without a trace of dairy.
🌱 Why It’s Healthy
This easy vegan mac and cheese recipe isn’t just about comfort—it’s packed with nutrients that help fuel your body:
- Nutritional Yeast provides B-vitamins, especially B12 (when fortified), and adds that umami, cheesy punch.
- Cashews deliver healthy fats and plant-based protein, giving the sauce its silky texture without needing cream or cheese.
- Carrots and Potatoes sneak in fiber, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants while contributing body and sweetness to the sauce.
- Turmeric, although used sparingly, brings anti-inflammatory properties and a golden hue.
Free from cholesterol and saturated fats typically found in traditional mac and cheese, this version is heart-friendly and supportive of a well-balanced, plant-based diet.
🥔 What is a Cashew?
Cashews are kidney-shaped seeds sourced from the cashew tree, native to Brazil. Unlike most nuts, cashews grow outside the fruit, dangling from the bottom of a cashew apple. Once harvested and roasted, they become buttery, slightly sweet, and incredibly versatile.
Nutritional benefits of cashews include:
- Healthy monounsaturated fats for heart health.
- Magnesium and copper for bone and nerve support.
- Protein and fiber to help with satiety.
Fun fact: Soaked and blended cashews create an ultra-smooth, dairy-free base that’s ideal for creamy sauces—like our vegan cheese!
🛍️ Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting dish to life—and how you can tweak it based on what’s in your kitchen:
🧀 Cheese Sauce
- Cashews: Provide creaminess. Sub with sunflower seeds or silken tofu for nut-free options.
- Nutritional Yeast: Adds that signature cheesy flavor. No real substitute, but you could use vegan cheese if needed.
- Carrots + Potatoes: Thicken the sauce while adding nutrients and sweetness.
- Garlic & Onion Powder, Mustard, Turmeric: Build the flavor profile. Feel free to skip mustard if you’re sensitive to the tang.
🥛 Liquid Base
- Vegetable Broth: Balances the richness. Use low-sodium to control salt.
- Almond Milk: Creamy without overpowering. Oat or soy milk also works great.
🍝 Pasta
- Elbow Macaroni: Classic shape. Sub with gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if preferred.
👨🍳 Chef’s Tips For This Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese
- Soak Cashews: If you don’t have a high-speed blender, soak cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes for a smoother sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente—this prevents mushiness when you reheat or mix with the sauce.
- Blend Until Velvety: Keep blending until the sauce is ultra-smooth. Add a splash more broth if it’s too thick.
- Customize the Toppings: Try toasted breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
📢 You May Also Like
If you loved this Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe, check out these other delicious and easy-to-make recipes:
- Easy Vegan Corn Chowder Recipe – Ready in 30 Minutes!
- Quick Vegan Alfredo Pasta
- Dairy-Free Creamy Broccoli Soup
- 15-Minute Vegan Chili Mac
- Easy Vegan Queso Dip
- One-Pot Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta
😋 Deliciousness Starts Now!
Ready to dig into creamy, comforting, plant-based perfection? This Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese is calling your name. Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let the cheesy magic begin!
Description
Indulge in this lusciously creamy vegan mac and cheese, boasting a smooth texture and rich flavor profile.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Cheesy Sauce
-
Cook the Vegetables
In a saucepan, sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in olive oil until soft.Cooking the vegetables adds depth of flavor to the sauce. -
Make the Sauce
Add 2 cups of peeled and diced potatoes, 1 cup of chopped carrots, 1 cup of cashews, 1 cup of nutritional yeast, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, 1 tsp of mustard, 1/2 tsp of turmeric, and 2 cups of vegetable broth to the saucepan. Cook until the veggies are tender. -
Blend the Sauce
Transfer the cooked mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more vegetable broth if needed for desired consistency.
Cook the Pasta
-
Boil the Pasta
Cook 16 oz of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large pot, mix the cooked pasta with the cheesy sauce until well combined. Heat over low heat until the sauce is heated through.
Serve and Enjoy
-
Garnish and Serve
Serve the vegan mac and cheese hot, garnished with chopped parsley, black pepper, or breadcrumbs for extra flavor and texture. -
Enjoy!
Indulge in this creamy, plant-based mac and cheese that's sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 593kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13.3g21%
- Saturated Fat 6.8g34%
- Sodium 657.9mg28%
- Potassium 224.6mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 92.7g31%
- Dietary Fiber 21.6g87%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 39.4g79%
- Calcium 241.3 mg
- Iron 4.9 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ____ (*Keep in mind that these are approximate values and may vary slightly depending on the brands and exact proportions of ingredients used. For more precise measurements, it’s best to use a specific nutritional calculator or product labels for the ingredients you’re using.)
Note
- For a nut-free version, use unsweetened oat milk or any other dairy-free milk of choice instead of cashew milk.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the nutritional yeast is certified gluten-free.
- Add a pinch of turmeric for a more vibrant yellow color.
- For extra creaminess, blend in a tablespoon of white miso paste.
- Customize with your favorite toppings like sautéed mushrooms, crispy breadcrumbs, or chopped fresh herbs.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of plant-based milk to revive the creaminess.
