Vegan macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food with a plant-based twist. It’s made with a creamy cashew-based sauce, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and various spices and seasonings. It’s super easy to make and so delicious! Vegan mac and cheese can be served as a main dish or as a side dish. Don’t forget that it can be customized with different add-ins to suit personal and family tastes, Several favorites are adding in extra cheese or vegan parmesan, roasted veggies or vegan bacon bits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake Macaroni and Cheese?

Yes, you can bake vegan macaroni and cheese. After you have mixed the macaroni and cheese sauce together, you can transfer it to a baking dish and bake it in the oven until it is hot and bubbly. To do this, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish, and bake it for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy. You may also add breadcrumbs or vegan cheese on top for added texture and flavor.

What are the best toppings and add-ins?

This recipes uses the popular topping of breadcrumbs and parsley. There are many toppings or mix-ins that can be added to vegan macaroni and cheese to make it even more delicious. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination. Here are some more delicious alternatives and options:

  • Breadcrumbs and parsley
  • Thinly sliced green onions
  • Chopped sundried tomatoes
  • A heaping spoonful of vegan sour cream
  • Crispy fried onions or shallots
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Hot sauce
  • Vegan bacon bits.
  • Avocado slices on top
  • Vegan parmesan cheese from the store or homemade Vegan Parmesan Cheese
  • Sprinkle of paprika or smoked paprika
  • Roasted broccoli or cauliflower
  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • Sliced jalapeños or other spicy peppers
  • Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives
  • BBQ pulled jackfruit
  • Vegan chorizo or vegan spicy sausage
  • Caramelized onions
  • Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or Brussels sprouts
  • Grilled or sautéed mushrooms and onions
  • Vegan sausage or tofu crumbles
  • Vegan chili or stew
  • Vegan meatballs or meatless crumbles. Try Vegan Chickpea Meatballs as a topping.
  • Vegan BBQ pulled pork or jackfruit
  • Vegan fried or baked tofu
  • Vegan tempeh bacon
  • Vegan seitan or vegan chicken tenders.

You can also experiment with adding different types of vegan cheeses, such as vegan cheddar, vegan pepper jack, or vegan smoked gouda, to add different flavors and textures to your mac and cheese.

What does vegan mac and cheese pair well with?

  • Vegan macaroni and cheese pairs well with many different vegan mains. Some popular options include roasted vegetables, tofu or tempeh dishes, vegan meat substitutes like seitan or soy curls, vegan meatloaf, lentil or chickpea curries, and vegan chili. It can also be served alongside a salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Roasted vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower for a healthy and flavorful meal.
  • Vegan meat substitutes: Add some vegan meat alternatives like soy chorizo, vegan sausage, or vegan bacon bits to your mac and cheese for some added protein and flavor.
  • Grilled Portobello mushrooms: Top your mac and cheese with some sliced, grilled Portobello mushrooms for a meaty and satisfying addition.
  • Vegan chili: Serve your mac and cheese with a side of vegan chili for a hearty and filling meal.
  • Vegan coleslaw: Add some crunch to your meal with a side of vegan coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a vegan mayo-based dressing.
  • Crispy tofu nuggets: Serve your mac and cheese with some crispy tofu nuggets or strips for a fun and delicious plant-based twist on a classic comfort food pairing.
  • Tofu-based dishes such as tofu stir-fry or tofu scramble.
  • Vegan burgers, sandwiches or wraps such as Vegan Lentil burgers, Roasted Vegetable and Pesto Sandwich or Chickpea Salad Sandwich.
  • Salads with a variety of fresh greens and vegetables.

Storage tips

Vegan macaroni and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of non-dairy milk to help restore the creamy consistency if necessary.

Easy Vegan Macaroni and Cheese

Vegan macaroni and cheese is a plant-based version of the classic comfort food. It's made with a creamy cashew-based sauce, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and various spices and seasonings. It's super easy to make and so delicious! Vegan mac and cheese can be served as a main dish or as a side dish and can be customized with different add-ins, such as roasted veggies or vegan bacon bits.
Print Recipe
Vegan Macaroni and Cheese garnished with parsley and vegan parmesan cheese served in a teal bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Optional toppings: chopped parsley, breadcrumbs

Instructions

  • Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions.
  • While the macaroni cooks, combine the cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, onion powder, salt, smoked paprika, turmeric, and black pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Drain the cooked macaroni and return it to the pot. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir to combine.
  • Heat the macaroni and cheese over low heat until heated through.
  • Serve hot with chopped parsley and/or breadcrumbs as desired. Enjoy your vegan macaroni and cheese!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating