Craving comfort food that's both deliciously creamy and completely plant-based? Get ready to revolutionize your mac and cheese experience with this mind-blowing Easy Cheesy Vegan Mac that will make you forget all about traditional dairy-laden recipes! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a mouth-watering dish so rich and satisfying, even non-vegans won't believe it's completely dairy-free. Prepare to fall in love with the most incredible vegan mac and cheese that proves plant-based eating can be utterly indulgent and irresistible!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by soaking the cashews in water for at least 2 hours. If you're short on time, you can soak them in hot water for 15-20 minutes to soften them quickly.
- Once the cashews are soaked, drain and rinse them under cold water. This will help remove any excess salt or impurities.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Add the macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheesy sauce. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Blend the mixture on high speed until it is completely smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and return it to the pot over low heat.
- Pour the cheesy sauce over the macaroni, stirring well to ensure all the pasta is coated evenly.
- Continue to heat the macaroni and cheese over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until everything is heated through and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Taste the mac and cheese and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Easy Cheesy Vegan Mac hot, garnished with additional nutritional yeast or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Cashew Soaking Secrets: For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, plan ahead and soak cashews for at least 2 hours. Short on time? Use hot water for a 15-20 minute quick soak.
- Blending Brilliance: Blend the sauce ingredients on high speed for at least 1-2 minutes to ensure an ultra-smooth, creamy texture without any cashew chunks.
- Consistency is Key: If your sauce seems too thick, gradually add more almond milk until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
- Flavor Boosting: Don't be afraid to experiment with additional seasonings like smoked paprika, onion powder, or a dash of turmeric for extra depth.
- Nutritional Yeast Tip: The nutritional yeast is crucial for that classic cheesy flavor, so don't skip it! Use a high-quality brand for the best taste.
- Serving Suggestion: For extra indulgence, top with breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of extra nutritional yeast before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 374kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
