When you’re in the mood for yummy comfort food, look no further than this vegan cashew mac and cheese! It’s easy to make and oh-so-delicious.
Cashew Mac and Cheese
Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of mac and cheese? But for those of us following a plant-based and gluten-free diet, this dish may seem “off-limits.”
Not anymore! In fact, this recipe for cashew mac and cheese is completely vegan, totally gluten free, and just as wonderful as the original. It’s like a big ole bowl of comfort.
And converting this classic dish is easier than you may think.
First, grab a box of your favorite gluten free elbow macaroni and cook like usual. Next, whip up my simple cashew cheese sauce. Finally, mix it all together and dive right in!
Including the time it takes to cook the pasta, this meal can be ready in about half an hour. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or at the end of the long day when all you want to do is cozy up to something delicious.
So whether you’re looking for something to warm you up on a chilly day or simply want to treat yourself to a yummy plant-based dish, give this vegan mac and cheese a try. You’ll be so glad you did!
How Do You Make Vegan Cheese Sauce?
It seriously couldn’t be easier… just add the ingredients to your blender or food processor, then pulse until your sauce is smooth!
No messy stove-top cooking. No dirty pots and pans. Just an easy, simple, rich, creamy, wonderful faux-cheese sauce.
The blended cashews are what make the sauce so hearty. You’re basically blending them into cashew butter. Then, when you add the other ingredients like nutritional yeast and garlic, you give it that delicious cheese-like flavor.
Honestly, I would eat it like soup.
Can You Make Cashew Mac and Cheese Ahead Of Time?
Do you prefer to meal prep so your weeknight dinners are a breeze? This recipe is a great candidate.
I would recommend making just the cashew sauce in advance. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will last for up to a week.
Then, when you’re ready to eat, just make your pasta how you like it! Once cooked, make sure to add the cheese sauce right away so it will warm up with the hot pasta.
If you find yourself with leftover vegan mac and cheese, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta may get a little soft from the sauce, but it will still be delicious!
What To Serve With Vegan Mac and Cheese
This hearty dish is so good, it can definitely stand all on its own. But if you want to serve it with some sides, you really can’t go wrong!
This easy 4-bean salad is a great way to add fiber and veggies to your table. And it only takes about 10 minutes to throw together.
Looking for even more comfort? These gluten free sweet potatoes are quick to prep and oh-so-tasty.
And of course, you can never go wrong with a simple side salad. Grab your favorite lettuce, dress it in a little olive oil with a squeeze of fresh lemon, sprinkle with salt, and you’re golden!
How To Make Cashew Mac and Cheese
Cook the pasta to your liking, then rinse in cold water and drain.
Add the vegan butter to the pasta. Stir until combined.
In a blender or food processor, combine the cashews, water, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, turmeric, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
Pulse on high until well blended and smooth.
Pour the cheese mixture over the pasta, then stir to combine. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a couple of tablespoons of water.
Serve topped with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Other Vegan Options From The Keto Option That You Might Like
Vegan Pasta with Browned Butter Sage Sauce
Instant Pot Gluten Free Lentil Soup (vegan option)
Instant Pot Vegan Sweet Potato Soup
Vegan No Bake Mini Cheesecake Recipe
Cashew Mac and Cheese (Vegan, Gluten Free)
Ingredients
- 16 ounces gluten free elbow macaroni
- 1 cup raw cashews
- ⅔ cup water
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to your liking, then rinse in cold water and drain.
- Add the vegan butter to the pasta. Stir until combined.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cashews, water, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, turmeric, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Pulse on high until well blended and smooth.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the pasta, then stir to combine. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a couple of tablespoons of water.
- Serve topped with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Trina Krug is a Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach and host of the Carbless Conversations Podcast. With a Master’s Degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, her single mission in life is to facilitate self-healing in herself and those around her through awareness, lifestyle shifts and low-carb eating. As a current Doctor of Science student, she continues her studies in functional nutrition.