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a bowl of macaroni and cheese

Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the creamy decadence of our Vegan Mac and Cheese, a plant-based twist on the classic comfort dish! Made with wholesome boiled potato, carrot, and cashews blended into a smooth cheese sauce. Dairy-free, delicious, and ready in 35 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 7 oz approx. 2 cups Macaroni pasta
  • 1 Boiled potato peeled and cubed
  • 1 Boiled carrot peeled and sliced
  • 1/3 cup Raw cashews soaked in hot water for 15 mins
  • 1/2 Onion roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced or whole
  • 2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1/2 cup Full-fat coconut milk canned
  • A splash of Lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A pinch of Turmeric for golden cheddar color

Method
 

  1. Step 1 (Boil Pasta): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente (approx. 7–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2 (Boil Veggies & Soak Cashews): Boil the peeled potato and carrot chunks in a small pot for 10–15 minutes until fork-tender. Simultaneously, soak raw cashews in boiling hot water for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3 (Blend Cheese Sauce): In a high-speed blender, combine the boiled potato, boiled carrot, drained soaked cashews, onion, garlic, olive oil, nutritional yeast, water, coconut milk, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a pinch of turmeric. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4 (Combine Sauce & Pasta): Add the cooked macaroni back to your pot or a large bowl. Pour the velvety blended cheese sauce over the pasta.
  5. Step 5 (Toss & Adjust): Stir thoroughly until every noodle is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  6. Step 6 (Serve Hot): Transfer to serving bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or extra nutritional yeast, and serve hot!

Notes

  • Soak Cashews Well: For a completely smooth, grit-free sauce, ensure raw cashews are soaked in hot water for at least 15 minutes (or boiled for 5 minutes).
  • Customizable Add-ins: Feel free to stir in steamed broccoli, jalapeños, or bake with breadcrumbs on top for a casserole crunch!
  • Reheating Tip: Leftover mac and cheese thickens in the fridge; stir in 1–2 tablespoons of water or plant milk when reheating on the stove.