Baked Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumb Topping
This baked mac and cheese is a vegan-friendly dish that is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. The breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunch and flavor contrast. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a potluck.
Baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This vegan version is just as delicious as the traditional version, but it is made with plant-based ingredients. I developed this recipe after years of experimenting with different vegan cheese sauces. I finally found the perfect combination of cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This cheese sauce is creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, and it pairs perfectly with the cooked macaroni. I like to top my baked mac and cheese with a breadcrumb topping made with bread crumbs, melted vegan butter, and chopped fresh parsley. This topping adds a nice crunch and flavor contrast to the dish. This vegan baked mac and cheese is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Baked Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumb Topping Baked Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumb Topping Baked Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumb Topping Baked Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumb Topping
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
  3. While macaroni is cooking, make the cheese sauce: In a blender, combine cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  4. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  5. Drain macaroni and add to the cheese sauce.
  6. Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  7. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted vegan butter.
  8. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over macaroni and cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Why It Works
  • The cashews in the cheese sauce give it a creamy and cheesy texture.
  • The vegetable broth adds flavor and depth to the cheese sauce.
  • The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor to the cheese sauce.
  • The lemon juice adds a bit of acidity to the cheese sauce, which helps to balance out the richness of the cashews.
  • The smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor to the cheese sauce.
  • The garlic powder adds a garlicky flavor to the cheese sauce.
  • The breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunch and flavor contrast to the dish.