How to Make Classic Vegan Mac and Cheese
If you’re looking for a vegan cashew mac and cheese dish that’s creamy and flavorful while also delivering a heap of nutritional benefits, you’re in the right place!
This cashew milk mac and cheese recipe is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food; our Unsweetened Cashew Milk brings most of the rich creaminess you’d expect from your dish, while the shredded vegan cheese adds further texture to make it perfect for everyone, whether you’re fully vegan, have a dairy intolerance, or are just looking for a healthier way to enjoy one of your favorites.
Our Very Best Vegan Cashew Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- • 1 cup Elmhurst 1925 Unsweetened Milked Cashews™
- • ½ cup Hearty Vegetable Stock
- • 3 cups Pasta, uncooked
- • 1 cup Vegan Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- • ½ cup Vegan Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- • 1 Tbsp. Nutritional Yeast
- • 1 Tsp. Granulated Garlic
- • 1 Tsp. Granulated Onion
- • 1 Tsp. Ground Mustard
- • Salt + Pepper to taste
Preparation
- Cook pasta al dente, according to package instructions. Usually about 6-8 minutes in boiling salted water. Drain, cool and set aside.
- Blend together cashew milk and vegetable stock and bring to a simmer. Slowly incorporate cheeses and whisk until blended together.
- Remove from heat and add in the spices and nutritional yeast. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer pasta to a baking dish and fold in cheese sauce until completely coated.
- Top with additional cheese shreds and pop under the broiler, watching until cheese has melted and browned.
Substitution Idea: To make your cashew milk mac and cheese keto-friendly - or if you’re just trying to eat more veggies - swap the pasta for 5-6 cups of cauliflower, cut into small florets, and cook until tender.
More Ways to Customize the Taste & Texture of Your Vegan Mac and Cheese
Like we always say, our vegan-friendly recipes are just a starting point for whatever you want to make. And it just so happens that our vegan cashew mac and cheese is one of the most versatile recipes around.
Try these tips in addition to the cauliflower keto swap above - and don’t forget to get in touch with your own tasty tips!
For a Softer, Creamier Texture
Stir in a tablespoon of your favorite vegan butter or add some extra Cashew Milk before baking. We often use Cashew Milk in our recipes as it’s the best Nut Milk in terms of behaving like dairy, and it is perfect here for the smooth and creamy texture you crave from your vegan mac and cheese.
For a Crispier Topping
Add anything like vegan breadcrumbs, vegan bacon pieces, or even bacon-flavored sprinkles or crushed crackers mixed with nutritional yeast work brilliantly for extra crunch.
For Bolder Flavors
Opt for whatever you’d usually add to uplift your recipes, or get creative with something new if you’re feeling daring! Smoked paprika, hot sauce, another tasty spice mix, or freshly picked chopped herbs like basil and parsley all work brilliantly.
Create Your Own Mac and Cheese Masterpiece
And if you haven’t already realized, these tips - as well as swapping your pasta for cauliflower or combining the two - can all be used interchangeably or together to create a cashew milk mac and cheese with a truly personal touch that the whole family can enjoy.
So customize freely and discover your own delicious - and favorite! - twist while enjoying all the nutritional and health benefits offered from swapping dairy for Cashew Milk!
