Main CourseAmerican

Vegan Mac and Cheese

Vegan Mac and Cheese

Prep

15m

Cook

25m

Total

40m

Serves

4

Cal

420

The ultimate comfort bowl - creamy, cheesy, and completely plant-based. This mac hits every nostalgic note without a drop of dairy.

The ultimate comfort bowl - creamy, cheesy, and completely plant-based. This mac hits every nostalgic note without a drop of dairy. Inspired by American flavors, this easy-to-make vegan mac and cheese comes together with 12 ingredients that come together beautifully and yields 4 generous servings. At 420 calories per serving, it's a satisfying choice that doesn't compromise on nutrition. Ready in 40 minutes (15 min prep, 25 min cook), it's proof that plant-based comfort food can be both simple and extraordinary.

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Ingredients

  • 16 oz Elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup Raw cashews (soaked 2 hours)
  • 1/4 cup Nutritional yeast
  • 1 cup Unsweetened oat milkBuy Oatly
  • 2 cloves Garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Vegan cheddar shreds (optional topping)Buy Violife

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. 2

    While pasta cooks, drain the soaked cashews and add them to a high-speed blender with oat milk, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, mustard, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

  3. 3

    Blend on high for 2 to 3 minutes until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  4. 4

    Pour the cashew cheese sauce into a large pot over medium heat. Stir constantly for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

  5. 5

    Add the cooked macaroni to the pot and toss until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.

  6. 6

    For an extra cheesy top, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with vegan cheddar shreds, and broil for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and bubbly.

  7. 7

    Let cool for 5 minutes before serving - the sauce will thicken as it rests.

Per Serving

Nutrition Facts

420Calories
14gProtein
16gFat
56gCarbs
4gFiber

Pro Tips

Don't skip the seasoning. Vegan comfort food shines when you're generous with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Check our vegan swap guide for recommended brands of plant-based products that work perfectly in this recipe.

Taste as you go and adjust seasoning before serving. Plant-based dishes often benefit from a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of salt at the end.

Serving Suggestions

Round out the plate with roasted seasonal vegetables on the side. Pair with fluffy rice, quinoa, or warm naan bread. Finish with a light dessert like fruit sorbet to end the meal.

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