AMAZING VEGAN MACARONI AND CHEESE

Quick and easy vegan mac and cheese that everyone will love! Dinner in less than 30 minutes.

4.34 from 3 votes

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Course: Entree, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Vegan

Keyword: mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, vegan cheese sauce

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 15

Soak Cashews: 6

Total Time: 30

Servings: Servings

Calories: 353kcal

1 pound pasta Shells or elbows are our preference
2 cups soaked or boiled cashews soak overnight or boil for 15 minutes.
1 cup steamed cauliflower do not use raw or the flavor will overpower the cheese sauce
½ cup plus 2 tbsp nutritional yeast Do NOT use brewers or active yeast.
3 tbsp vegan butter We like Miyoko's or Earth Balance
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper Optional
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
1 tsp sea salt Add more if needed.
½ cup cashew or soy milk more if needed
Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350°
Salt the pasta water with 2 tbsp sea salt and bring to a boil. Cook as directed on the package. For best results, drain the pasta 2 minutes less than the recommended time.
Steam 1 cup cauliflower until it’s tender, approximately 5 minutes. Let cool.
Drain and rinse the cashews and put in a powerful blender or food processor. Add the 1 cup steamed cauliflower, ½ cup plus 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 3 tbsp vegan butter, 1 tbsp lemon juice, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, 1 tsp sea salt, and ½ cup plant milk (add more if needeand blend until the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy. Scrape the sides once or twice while blending to ensure that there are no solid pieces of nuts.
Taste the cheese sauce and add more salt, the black pepper, and more cayenne if you want a spicier mac and cheese, blend for 20 seconds.
When the pasta is al dente (cook for 2 minutes less than the package recommenddrain the water and place in a medium lasagna pan or a shallow baking dish. Pour the cheese mixture on top and stir it well to coat all of the pasta. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it begins to brown on top.
Sprinkle with coconut bacon if desired.

NUTRITIONAL DISCLAIMER