This vegan mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, thanks to the use of cashews, nutritional yeast, and turmeric. It's also a good source of protein and fiber, and it's easy to make. Simply cook the macaroni according to package directions, then make the cheese sauce by blending together the cashews, nutritional yeast, olive oil, almond milk, lemon juice, turmeric, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Once the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy, add the macaroni and stir to combine. Heat through, then season with salt to taste. Serve immediately, topped with your favorite toppings.
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that's loved by people of all ages. But traditional mac and cheese is often made with dairy, which can be a problem for people who are lactose intolerant or vegan. This recipe for vegan mac and cheese is a delicious and dairy-free alternative to the classic dish. It's made with a creamy cheese sauce made from cashews, nutritional yeast, and turmeric. The turmeric gives the cheese sauce a beautiful yellow color and a slightly earthy flavor. This vegan mac and cheese is sure to please everyone at your table, regardless of their dietary restrictions.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 pound elbow macaroni (or other short pasta)
1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight and drained
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Instructions
Cook the macaroni according to package directions.
While the macaroni is cooking, make the cheese sauce. In a high-powered blender, combine the cashews, nutritional yeast, olive oil, almond milk, lemon juice, turmeric, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and add it to the cheese sauce.
Stir to combine and heat through.
Season with salt to taste.
Serve immediately, topped with your favorite toppings.
Why It Works
The cashews give the cheese sauce a creamy texture.
The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor.
The turmeric gives the cheese sauce a beautiful yellow color and a slightly earthy flavor.
The lemon juice adds a bit of brightness to the cheese sauce.
The smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness to the cheese sauce.
The black pepper adds a bit of spice to the cheese sauce.