Vegan Mac and Cheese

This comforting vegan mac and cheese is the perfect option if you're dairy free or vegan! It is the best way to satisfy your cheesy cravings without compromising on flavor. This dish is so easy to make and ready in less than 20 minutes. It makes the perfect easy meal or side dish. The best part about this recipe is that you only need a handful of ingredients and a blender! The sauce if cheesy creamy and packed with nutty and tangy flavor! This recipe is super kid-friendly as well! I used my favorite cashew cheese sauce for this recipe. If you love this sauce, you will also love using it in my pasta bake!

Why You'll Love This Dish

It's so easy to make!

This vegan mac and cheese is ready in about 20 minutes.

This recipe uses simple ingredients.

It is super kid-friendly!

It is dairy free, vegan and easy to make gluten free.

The sauce is super creamy, cheesy, nutty and tangy!

This recipe makes the perfect easy meal or side dish.

Equipment Needed

All you need to make this vegan mac and cheese is a pot, high-speed blender and measuring cups and spoons.

Ingredients Needed

Pasta: I used gluten free pasta because I am gluten free but feel free to use any pasta you want! I like using shells for this. I think it just tastes better!

Cashews: Cashews, when soaked and blended, have a remarkable ability to transform into a smooth and creamy consistency. This mimics the texture of dairy cheese in the sauce. The key is soaking the cashews for at least 4 hours before making this sauce! 

Lemon Juice: Cashew cheese sauce can sometimes lean towards richness due to the cashews and other ingredients. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a touch of acidity that helps to brighten the overall flavor profile. This helps the sauce taste light and fresh! 

Avocado Oil: Oil can contribute slightly to the overall creaminess of the cashew cheese sauce.

Salt: My favorite is Redmond's Real Salt because it is high-quality and made with zero fillers. If you use my discount code LESSWITHLAUR you can get 15% off Redmond's website.

Garlic: I used a garlic clove in this recipe but feel free to use garlic powder if that's what you have on hand!

Almond Milk: The cashews are the primary source of creaminess, but milk helps to create a smooth and enjoyable texture that's similar to dairy-based cheese sauces.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather your ingredients.

Step 2: Cook pasta according to instructions on box.

Step 3: Combine all ingredients for sauce in a high-speed blender.

Step 4: Pour over pasta, serve and enjoy!

Storage

Store this vegan mac and cheese in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. The sauce can also be frozen separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months. I like to do this so that I have it on hand at all times!

Variations

Spice: Feel free to add spice to this recipe by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Vegetables: Add in vegetables to make this recipe more colorful! I like to add broccoli, peppers and onions.

Crispy: Add breadcrumbs to the top of this recipe for a crunch!

Herbs: Garnish with bright herbs like parsley, dill or chives for a fresh flavor!

How to Serve

This vegan mac and cheese is a versatile dip that can be served in many different ways:

Serve this mac and cheese as a comforting dinner. Add a side salad or vegetables!

This dish can be served as an appetizer at parties or BBQs!

This also makes a fun meal for kids!

Recipe FAQ

Does it freeze well?

If you are looking for a way to freeze this recipe I would recommend making the sauce and freezing it separately. Prepare the pasta once you are ready to serve it and heat up the sauce.

Can you substitute the cashews in this recipe? 

Cashews make up the bulk of the sauce so they are unable to be substituted.

What is vegan mac and cheese made of?

This vegan mac and cheese uses cashews to make a creamy sauce!

Can I make this nut free?

This recipe cannot be made nut free because the bulk of the sauce is made of cashews.

Can I use water instead of milk?

I would not recommend using water instead of milk because the sauce will not be as thick and creamy.

What can I top this mac and cheese with?

I like to add chives on top of this mac and cheese!

Related Recipes

Be sure to try these vegan ideas next:

Gluten Free Pop Tarts

Vegan Fruit Dip

Vegan Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Vegan Pumpkin Brownies

Vegan Ice Cream Sandwiches

If you make this vegan mac and cheese and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or Tik Tok.