Creamy and Dreamy: 10 Vegan Mac n Cheese Recipes You’ll Love
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that many people love, but those who adhere to a vegan diet may feel that they have to miss out on this beloved dish. Fear not! We’ve compiled a list of 10 delectable vegan mac n cheese recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping things plant-based. Each recipe is rich, creamy, and downright delicious. So grab your pots and pans, and let’s get cooking!
1. Traditional Vegan Mac n Cheese
This recipe mimics the classic mac n cheese with a rich and creamy cashew-based sauce that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
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- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
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- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours)
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- 1 cup nutritional yeast
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- 1/2 cup almond milk
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- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
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- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
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- Salt and pepper to taste
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- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
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- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
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- In a blender, combine soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
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- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix well. Heat over low until warmed through.
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- Drizzle with olive oil and serve hot.
2. Spicy Vegan Mac n Cheese
If you like a kick of heat in your dishes, this spicy vegan mac n cheese will become your new favorite!
Ingredients:
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- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
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- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked)
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- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
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- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
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- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
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- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
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- Salt to taste
Instructions:
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- Cook the macaroni according to package directions and set aside.
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- Blend cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, jalapeño, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
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- Toss the sauce with the macaroni and heat over low until warm and creamy.
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- Garnish with chopped jalapeños if desired and serve warm.
3. Vegan Mac n Cheese with Cauliflower
This mac n cheese recipe uses cauliflower to create a creamy texture without all the calories!
Ingredients:
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- 1 cup uncooked macaroni
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- 2 cups cauliflower florets (steamed)
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- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
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- 1 cup vegetable broth
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- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
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- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
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- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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- Cook the macaroni as per the package instructions and drain.
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- In a blender, combine the steamed cauliflower, nutritional yeast, vegetable broth, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
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- Mix the creamy sauce with the pasta and heat on low.
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- Serve warm, garnished with parsley or chives.
4. Vegan Mac n Cheese with Butternut Squash
This version incorporates nutritious butternut squash to create a stunningly creamy and vibrant cheese substitute.
Ingredients:
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- 2 cups elbow macaroni
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- 1 cup butternut squash (cooked and pureed)
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- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
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- 3/4 cup almond milk
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- 1 tablespoon olive oil
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- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
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- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
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- In a bowl, mix together the butternut squash puree, nutritional yeast, almond milk, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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- Combine the sauce with the pasta and heat gently on the stove.
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- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chili flakes for an added kick.
5. Creamy Vegan Mac n Cheese with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This rich variation incorporates sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
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- 2 cups macaroni
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- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked)
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- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
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- 3/4 cup almond milk
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- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
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- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
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- Salt to taste
Instructions:
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- Cook the macaroni as per the package instructions.
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- In a blender, combine soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, garlic powder, and salt. Blend until smooth.
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- Mix the creamy sauce with the cooked macaroni and fold in the sun-dried tomatoes.
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- Serve warm, adding fresh basil if desired.
6. Vegan Mac n Cheese with Spinach and Artichokes
This combination provides a delicious twist to traditional mac n cheese and packs in some greens!
Ingredients:
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- 2 cups elbow macaroni
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- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked)
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- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
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- 1 cup almond milk
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- 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
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- 1/2 cup canned artichoke hearts (chopped)
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- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
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- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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- Prepare macaroni according to the package and set aside.
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- In a blender, mix cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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- Combine the spinach, artichokes, and cheese sauce with the macaroni.
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- Heat gently and serve warm.
7. Vegan Mac n Cheese with Garlic and Mushrooms
This savory version boasts the deep flavors of garlic and mushrooms for a hearty meal.
Ingredients:
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- 2 cups macaroni
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- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked)
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- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
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- 1 cup almond milk
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- 2 cups mushrooms (sliced)
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- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
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- 1 tablespoon olive oil
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- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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- Cook macaroni according to package directions.
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- In a skillet, heat oil and sauté garlic and mushrooms until soft.
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- Blend cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
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- Combine sauce with macaroni and sautéed mushrooms. Stir to mix and serve warm.
8. Vegan Mac n Cheese with Broccoli
Add some green to your plate with this healthy and vibrant mac n cheese option!
Ingredients:
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- 2 cups elbow macaroni
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- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked)
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- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
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- 3/4 cup almond milk
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- 1 cup broccoli florets (steamed)
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- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
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- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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- Cook macaroni as directed and set aside.
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- Blend together cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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- Add broccoli and cheese sauce to the macaroni, stirring well to combine.
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- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra nutritional yeast.
9. Vegan Mac n Cheese with Truffle Oil
Elevate your mac n cheese experience with a touch of luxurious truffle oil.
Ingredients:
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- 2 cups macaroni
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- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked)
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- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
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- 3/4 cup almond milk
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- 1 tablespoon truffle oil
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- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
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- Salt to taste
Instructions:
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- Prepare macaroni according to package instructions.
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- In a blender, mix together cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
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- Add the truffle oil to the sauce and combine with the warm macaroni.
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- Serve immediately for a fancy comfort food experience.
10. Vegan Mac n Cheese with Pesto
This fresh and vibrant version combines the flavors of basil pesto with creamy vegan cheese.
Ingredients:
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- 2 cups macaroni
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- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked)
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- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
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- 3/4 cup almond milk
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- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
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- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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- Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
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- Blend cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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- Mix in the basil pesto with the cheese sauce and pour over the macaroni.
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- Serve warm and enjoy the bold flavors!
Conclusion
Vegan mac n cheese doesn’t have to be bland or boring! With these ten creative recipes, you can enjoy a rich, satisfying dish that conforms to your dietary preferences. From the classic style to unique flavors infused with greens, spices, and different sauces, there’s a recipe here for everyone. So whether you are a long-time vegan or simply looking to reduce dairy in your diet, take a leap and try out these creamy and dreamy recipes. Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
1. Can I replace cashews in these recipes?
Yes, you can use white beans or tofu as alternatives, although this may change the taste and texture slightly.
2. How do I make my mac n cheese even creamier?
Try adding more nutritional yeast, avocado, or a little coconut cream for richness.
3. Can these recipes be gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta to ensure all the recipes are gluten-free.
4. How long can I store the leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
5. Are these recipes suitable for children?
Yes, these vegan mac n cheese recipes are kid-friendly and can be adjusted for spice levels to suit young palates.