Vegan Macaroni and Cheese with White Sauce is a dish where every bite is pure comfort! It’s a gourmet version of the classic Mac and Cheese dish that we all love. This recipe takes Mac and Cheese to a whole new level! Make this Vegan Macaroni and Cheese and enjoy the velvety, heavenly delight of this luxurious dish.
But there’s more! You can customize your dish with a garnish of vibrant chopped sundried tomatoes, fresh green onions, and briny sliced olives, or chopped herbs, to add additional bursts of color and flavor. It’s a feast for the senses that will satisfy your comfort food cravings, guilt-free.
Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or simply love delicious food, this Macaroni and Cheese recipe will surely win your heart and become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Prepare to be amazed as you savor the incredible flavors and creamy satisfaction of this plant-based delight. Don’t miss out on this mouthwatering experience. It’s time to treat yourself to a bowl of pure comfort and joy.
Serving options or pairings
Vegan Macaroni and Cheese in White Sauce is perfect on it’s own. It can also be paired with other dishes. Here are a few ideas:
Salads: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is very complimentary with this dish. The crisp, freshness of the salad will be a nice contrast to the creamy Mac and Cheese.
Bread: Crusty bread or garlic bread on the side adds a nice crunch and additional flavors to the meal.
Vegan Protein: Vegan Lentil Burger or Quick Lentil Meatballs on the side or in a sandwich make a very satisfying meal.
Add more Toppings: Other great topping may be vegan bacon, vegan sour cream, vegan ricotta, vegan feta cheese, or vegan parmesan.
Storage tips
If you have leftovers of the vegan Macaroni and Cheese, here are some storage tips to help keep it fresh:
Refrigeration: Transfer the leftover Macaroni and Cheese to an airtight container or a sealable storage bag. Place it in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, it can typically last for 3 days in the refrigerator.
Reheating: When ready to reheat, you can either warm it up in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or transfer it to a saucepan and heat it gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop. Add a splash of plant-based milk or water to help loosen the sauce if needed.
Adjusting Consistency: The sauce may thicken as it cools and is refrigerated. If desired, you can add a splash of plant-based milk or water while reheating to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
Freezing: If you anticipate not consuming the leftovers within a few days, you can freeze the Macaroni and Cheese. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the frozen Macaroni and Cheese overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Please note that the texture and consistency of the dish may change slightly upon reheating, but it should still be enjoyable. Remember to use your best judgment and discard any leftovers that show signs of spoilage or have been stored for an extended period.
Vegan Macaroni and Cheese with White Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for 4 hours or overnight to soften
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat)
- 1 cup cooked russet potatoes, mashed
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 -2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional garnish: chopped sundried tomatoes, sliced green onions, sliced olives
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, plant-based milk, mashed russet potato, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, coconut oil or olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- In a large saucepan, heat the sauce mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a desired consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cooked macaroni pasta to the saucepan and stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the pasta through.
- Remove from heat and serve the Vegan Macaroni and Cheese in bowls. Optional: Garnish with chopped sundried tomatoes, sliced green onions, and sliced olives for added flavor and color.
Made it without olives and everyone raved. Good recipe.
Glad you enjoyed it!