It’s hard to believe this creamy, cheesy pasta is totally plant-based.
Plus, there’s no denying that mac ‘n’ cheese is top-tier comfort food. We’re classing it as an absolute essential for any time of year, but particularly on cold gloomy nights.
And it offers up 16g of plant-powered protein to help you hit your protein goal and satisfy your pasta cravings.
- What is Vegan Mac 'N' Cheese?
- Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Can You Meal Prep Vegan Mac 'N' Cheese?
- Variations and Add-Ins
- What Can I Serve with Vegan Mac 'N' Cheese?
- Equipment Needed
- Vegan Mac 'N' Cheese Recipe
- FAQs
What is Vegan Mac 'N' Cheese?
Vegan mac ‘n’ cheese offers up the same creamy goodness as standard mac ‘n’ cheese, but without the cheese. And no, it’s not made with dairy-free cheese either. The combination of nutritional yeast alongside cashews creates a delicious, rich cheese-like sauce.
Looking to increase your plant-powered protein intake? We've got you:
Vegan Protein Powder | Best Vegan Alternatives To Whey Protein
Nutritionist unpacks your options.
Why You Will Love this Recipe
Firstly, you can never go wrong with a pasta dish. Secondly, it’s completely plant-based, but still delivers 16g of protein per serving. Cook it up mid-week or pull together a batch on the weekend to sort your lunches for the week. Simple, delicious, and creamy. What more could you want?
Can You Meal Prep Vegan Mac 'N' Cheese?
Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is a meal prep must-try. Offering up four servings, it’ll get you most of the way through the week. Just divvy it up across your airtight containers and you’re good to go.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Give it a boost in spice – Throw in a mix of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to give it a spicy flair.
- Level up your protein – Lentils, chickpeas, or some crumbled tempeh would give this dish an extra protein punch.
- A luxurious twist – A drizzle of truffle oil would turn this dish from comfort food to a meal worth a Michelin star.
What Can I Serve with Vegan Mac 'N' Cheese?
- Roasted veggies
- Crispy oven fries
- Vegan coleslaw
- Sweet potatoes
Equipment Needed
- Boiling pan
- Frying pan
- Food processor or blender
- Sieve
Vegan Mac 'N' Cheese Recipe
Vegan Mac 'N’ Cheese
- Servings
- Serves 4
- Prep Time
- 20 minutes
- Cook Time
- 10 minutes
- Passive Time
- 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups macaroni
- Drizzle olive oil
- 1/2 white onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked & drained)
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 3 tbsp. nutritional yeast
- Pinch salt
- 1 liter vegetable stock
- 3 tbsp. toasted breadcrumbs
Instructions
First add the macaroni to a pan of boiling water and cook for 9-11 minutes (or as per the pack instructions).
Meanwhile heat the olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat and add the onion. Fry for a few minutes to soften and then add the garlic. Fry for another 2 minutes.
Add the onion and garlic to a food processor or blender along with the soaked & drained cashews, chilli powder, cumin, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the vegetable stock and blend until thick and smooth.
Drain the macaroni and place back in the pan. Then add the ‘cheese’ sauce to the macaroni and stir through until fully combined.
Serve immediately with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for an extra crunch. Enjoy!
Nutritional info per serving:
| Calories | 452 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 63g |
| Protein | 17g |
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the vegan mac ‘n’ cheese 3-4 days before serving. Once cool, store in the fridge in an airtight container and reheat until piping hot before eating.
Can I freeze vegan mac 'n' cheese?
If you’re looking to prep a bit further in advance, you can always pop your mac ‘n’ cheese in the freezer. One option is to batch cook the sauce and freeze it to add to fresh pasta or freeze the whole meal. To thaw, let it sit in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Pasta Lover?
If you’re a pasta fanatic, add these five other recipes into your repertoire.
High-Protein Pasta Recipes | 5 Delicious Ideas
Remember the days when pasta was impossible to get hold of? *shudders*
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