Cashew-Based Vegan Mac and Cheese

This vegan take on the classic macaroni and cheese features a creamy, cheesy sauce made from cashews. It's nutty, slightly tangy, and incredibly satisfying, and it comes together in just a few minutes thanks to the high-powered blender. Try it with a sprinkle of your favorite herbs or a crunchy topping of bread crumbs.

Mac and cheese, a staple of American comfort food, holds a special place in many hearts. Creamy, rich, and often studded with gooey cheese pulls, it's a dish that has been enjoyed for generations. But for those following a vegan lifestyle, this beloved dish has long been off the menu due to the presence of dairy. Until now. This cashew-based vegan mac and cheese is a game-changer. With its creamy, nutty flavor and velvety texture, it rivals even the most decadent dairy-based versions. Best of all, it's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a high-powered blender. So gather your ingredients, fire up your blender, and prepare to indulge in a guilt-free bowl of vegan comfort food bliss.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 cup raw cashews
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions.
2. While the macaroni is cooking, make the cheese sauce. In a high-powered blender, combine the cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to reach desired consistency.
4. Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and add it to the cheese sauce.
5. Stir until well combined.
6. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs or bread crumbs.

Why It Works

• Cashews: Cashews provide the base for our creamy cheese sauce. They're rich in healthy fats, which contribute to the sauce's velvety texture and nutty flavor.
• Nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami flavor to the sauce. It's a deactivated yeast that is commonly used as a vegan substitute for cheese.
• Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a touch of tanginess to the sauce, balancing out the richness of the cashews and nutritional yeast.
• Onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika: These spices add depth and complexity to the sauce, mimicking the savory flavors found in traditional mac and cheese.
• High-powered blender: A high-powered blender is essential for creating a smooth and creamy sauce. It breaks down the cashews and nutritional yeast into a fine paste, resulting in a silky-smooth texture.