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Home » The Best Vegan Mac And Cheese

The Best Vegan Mac And Cheese

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This is the BEST Vegan Mac And Cheese recipe! A creamy delicious vegan cheese sauce made with raw cashews and poured over tender pasta. It’s SO easy to make and ready to eat in no time.

Vegan mac and cheese in bowl.

Yeah, I know. Every food blogger at some point says one of their recipes is “the best.” But, in this case, I really believe it.

Why? Because that’s what my kids said about this recipe. So, I’m just gonna go with it. Honestly, I do believe this vegan mac and cheese is one of the best recipes out there. And, I would love for you to have the chance to experience it.

Are you ready? Let’s GO!

macaroni noodles in sauce pan

Does Vegan Mac and Cheese Taste Good

Are you kidding me?!? Yes, it is absolutely delicious. It’s creamy, smooth, tangy, and rich. Just like regular mac and cheese. Do you think I’d ever put something on here I thought sucked?

I love you too much.

mac and cheese in sauce pan with cheese on top.

How Do You Make Vegan Mac and Cheese

Start by cooking your pasta according to the instructions on the package. But, be sure and not to overcook. While the pasta is cooking, boil the cashews for about 10 minutes, and drain them. This will allow them to blend much easier and make them super creamy.

Now, add the cashews to your blender along with the unsweetened almond milk, water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, turmeric, salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Blend everything on high until the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy.

Drain and rinse the pasta once it’s finished cooking. Pour the pasta back into the pot, stir in the vegan cheese sauce, and mix everything together. Now, just season to fit your taste and devour.

That’s it! The BEST Vegan Mac and Cheese even a non vegan will love!

Vegan mac and cheese in two bowls.

Can I Make It Gluten Free

Yes, absolutely! The cheese sauce is already gluten-free so just use your favorite gluten free pasta to take it all the way. It’s that easy.

What To Serve With Vegan Mac and Cheese

  • Vegan Parmesan
  • Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes
  • Green Bean Casserole with Onion Rings
  • Sweet Potato Casserole
mac and cheese in bowl with fork.

You will love this Vegan Mac & Cheese. It’s…

  • Ultra Creamy
  • Cheesy
  • Hearty
  • Satisfying
  • Easy to make
  • Perfect for the holidays
  • A major comfort food
  • Dairy free
  • & THE BEST

Looking for more vegan cheese recipes? Try my Vegan Cheese Sauce and Vegan Cashew Queso. Both are amazing!

Vegan mac and cheese in white bowl with fork.

Looking for Christmas gifts or just want to update your own kitchen? Check out these 20 Kitchen Must Haves For Healthy Vegan Cooking.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment below with a star rating. And, be sure to share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #shaneandsimple. I want to see your work!

Print

Vegan Mac And Cheese


★★★★★

5 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Shane Martin
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins.
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x
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Ingredients

  • 2 cup raw cashews, boiled for 10 mins.
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp. mustard (yellow or dijon)
  • 1/2 tsp. turmeric
  • 1 tsp. of salt
  • 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 16 ounces of elbow or shell pasta of choice, ideally whole grain if possible

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to the instruction on the package. But, be sure and not to overcook.
  2. Boil and drain the cashews. Add the cashews to your blender along with the almond milk, water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, turmeric, salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Blend on high until the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy. Set aside until the pasta is ready.
  3. Drain and rinse the pasta once it’s finished cooking. Pour the pasta back into the pot, stir in the vegan cheese sauce, and mix until everything is well combined.
  4. Season to taste and serve immediately!

Equipment

GreenPans

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Cashews

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Spatulas

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Vitamix

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  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: Vegan

Keywords: mac and cheese, vegan mac and cheese, plant based, healthy, thanksgiving, christmas, holiday, side dish

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @shaneandsimplecooking on Instagram and hashtag it #shaneandsimple

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Eliz

    November 15, 2019 at 1:59 pm

    Would soy milk affect the taste?

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      November 15, 2019 at 3:58 pm

      No, unsweetened soy milk would work just fine.

      Reply
  2. Marsha Mc

    November 18, 2019 at 7:59 pm

    Holy deliciousness, Batman!! This is awesome. Next time I’m going to try half regular and half dijon mustards, just to see how we like it. Have you tried this as a queso? I’m thinking that adding a can of green chiles or some rotel would be outstanding. Such a happy tummy right now….thanks for another winner, Shane!!

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      November 18, 2019 at 8:42 pm

      Marsha, that is so great! I’m so glad your tummy is happy:) Funny enough, I do have a cashew queso recipe on the blog. LOL!!! Just type “queso” in the search bar. Also, if you wouldn’t mind “rating” this recipe, I’d be eternally grateful. It helps me out with Google. 🙂 Blessings.

      Reply
  3. Marsha Mc

    November 18, 2019 at 10:46 pm

    Delicous

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      November 19, 2019 at 1:45 pm

      Thank you!!!

      Reply
  4. Trish

    November 20, 2019 at 7:00 pm

    I’ve made many different vegan Mac and cheese recipes before. Some have been nice while others just ok. When I received yours via email I scanned the ingredients and thought it wasn’t too much different than some others I’d made. I decided to make this tonight and I’m so thrilled I did!! This was excellent!! I must say I do believe this is the best vegan Mac and Cheese! Thanks for a keeper. So easy to bring together too.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      November 20, 2019 at 8:52 pm

      Wow, thank you so much, Trish! I’m so glad you liked it and honored you tried it. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with comments or questions. I really appreciate it. Blessings.

      Reply
  5. Effie

    November 26, 2019 at 12:46 pm

    How long will it keep in the refrigerator? Can you freeze unused portions?

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      November 26, 2019 at 4:45 pm

      I wouldn’t freeze it. But, it will keep up to a week in a covered container. Blessings.

      Reply
  6. Deron

    November 28, 2019 at 7:14 pm

    We made this as one of our sides for Thanksgiving and LOVED it! Admittedly, the amount of sauce made from the recipe was more than we needed, but the taste was so delicious! Definitely a new staple in our Thanksgiving line-up!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      November 29, 2019 at 9:11 pm

      Thank you, Deron! Is there such a thing as too much sauce? I think not. LOL! Happy Holidays!

      Reply
  7. Colleen

    December 13, 2019 at 9:28 pm

    Hi Shane – Would rice milk work in place of almond milk?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Shane Martin

      December 13, 2019 at 9:43 pm

      Yes, you should not have any issues.

      Reply

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