Name: The Best Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups raw cashews; 2 cups water (or 1 cup if not using vegan cheese); 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/2 cup nutritional yeast; 1/4 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 (7-oz) bag shredded vegan cheddar cheese (optional); 12 ounces elbow pasta; 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 4 tablespoons vegan butter, melted; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 7 reviews

If you’ve been searching high and low for a soul-satisfying, creamy comfort food that’s completely plant-based, look no further. This recipe is truly The Best Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe you’ll ever make. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with flavor, proving that dairy-free can absolutely deliver on all those nostalgic cheesy cravings. Plus, it’s easy to whip up in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight hero or a crowd-pleasing classic for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular baking dish filled with two visible layers: the bottom layer consists of small, pale yellow elbow macaroni noodles, and the top layer is a smooth, light yellow, frothy cheese sauce covering most of the noodles. A wooden spoon with a smooth texture is partially submerged in the dish, stirring the cheese sauce on the left side. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every great recipe starts with simple, approachable ingredients that come together beautifully to create amazing flavor and texture. Each component in this recipe lends a unique touch—from the creamy cashews to the tangy nutritional yeast—ensuring your mac and cheese turns out irresistibly cheesy and luscious.

Raw cashews, 1 1/2 cups: These are the secret to the creamy and rich base, soaking up flavor and blending into a silky sauce.
Water, 2 cups (or less): Used to blend the sauce to the perfect consistency; adjust based on whether you use vegan cheddar cheese for extra richness.
Fresh lemon juice, 3 tablespoons: Adds the perfect tang that brightens the cheesy flavor.
Nutritional yeast, 1/2 cup: This gives the sauce its signature cheesy, savory depth.
Turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon: Just a pinch gives a lovely golden color without overpowering.
Garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon: For a subtle hint of warm, aromatic flavor.
Salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons: Balances and highlights all the flavors beautifully.
Shredded vegan cheddar cheese, 1 (7-oz) bag (optional): Adds an extra layer of melty richness if you want a cheesier sauce.
Elbow pasta, 12 ounces: The perfect shape for holding onto all that delicious sauce.
Panko breadcrumbs, 1 1/2 cups (optional): For a crunchy topping when baked, taking this comfort food to the next level.
Vegan butter, 4 tablespoons (optional): Mixed with breadcrumbs to create that golden, crispy crust.
Smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon (optional): Adds a subtle smoky kick to the topping, enhancing the flavor profile.

How to Make The Best Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare for Baking (Optional)

If you’re craving that classic baked mac and cheese with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a casserole dish, typically 9×13 inches. If you prefer a quick stovetop version, you can skip this step and jump right into soaking the cashews. Even the simplest prep helps create that comforting baked finish we all love.

Step 2: Soak the Cashews

To get that velvety smooth sauce, start by softening your cashews. Pour boiling water over them and let them soak for about 5 minutes. This step is a game-changer for the texture, making sure the sauce blends perfectly creamy without any gritty bits.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While your cashews soak, cook the elbow pasta according to package instructions—but don’t overcook! Al dente is best here to avoid mushy noodles once baked or mixed with the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 4: Blend the Cheese Sauce

Drain the cashews and add them to a high-powered blender along with water, fresh lemon juice, nutritional yeast, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and the shredded vegan cheddar cheese if you’re using it. Blend everything until it’s incredibly smooth and creamy. The sauce will have a beautiful golden hue and a luscious texture that’s just waiting to coat your pasta.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

For the stovetop version: Return the cooked pasta to the pot, pour in the cheese sauce, and stir over medium heat until the sauce thickens and clings to the noodles. Serve it up immediately for an ultra-creamy, comforting bowl of mac and cheese magic.

For the baked version (the best!): Mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted vegan butter, and smoked paprika in a small bowl until well combined and crumbly. Toss your drained pasta with the cheese sauce in the prepared casserole dish, then sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly on top. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to achieve that irresistible golden-brown crust. Serve hot and savor the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures.

How to Serve The Best Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white oval baking dish filled with macaroni and cheese. The top layer is a golden brown, crunchy breadcrumb crust that covers the entire dish evenly. Below the crust, the creamy, light yellow macaroni pasta is visible where a spoon has scooped out a portion from the corner. The spoon has a silver handle and is placed inside the dish, partially submerged in the cheese sauce. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth underneath it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness that complements the creamy cheesy sauce. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika on top. These little touches take this dish from simple comfort food to an elegant, irresistible meal.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed or roasted veggies such as broccoli or asparagus also provide a lovely balance, adding color and nutrition alongside the indulgently creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to wow guests or just have fun with your meal? Serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with extra breadcrumbs and broiled to crispy perfection. Alternatively, try stuffing bell peppers or hollowed-out tomatoes with the mac and cheese for a playful, gluten-free twist that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This mac and cheese keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. You might notice the sauce thickens as it cools, which is totally normal. Just add a splash of warm water when reheating and stir gently to bring back that creamy texture without diluting the flavors.

Freezing

The cheese sauce freezes beautifully, making it super convenient to prepare ahead of time. Freeze it in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to reheat. For the full dish, freeze before baking and thaw before adding the breadcrumb topping and baking.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave over medium power, stirring occasionally. Adding a bit of warm water while reheating keeps the sauce silky and luscious, restoring it to its fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness.

FAQs

Can I make The Best Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe nut-free?

Since this recipe relies on cashews for creaminess, nut-free eaters might want to try a dairy-free mac and cheese version using alternative ingredients like cauliflower or potatoes to mimic the texture.

Is the vegan cheddar cheese necessary?

The vegan cheddar cheese is optional. Omitting it and reducing the water makes the sauce thicker and just as creamy. It’s all about your personal preference and dietary needs.

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Any gluten-free pasta will work perfectly, so feel free to swap it in if you’re avoiding gluten.

How spicy is this mac and cheese?

This recipe isn’t spicy by default, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a little kick if you like some heat.

What makes this The Best Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe compared to others?

The creamy cashew base combined with nutritional yeast and optional vegan cheddar cheese creates a richness and depth of flavor that mimics traditional mac and cheese wonderfully, all while being dairy-free and incredibly simple to make.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe because it really delivers all the comfort and flavor you’d want from mac and cheese, but completely plant-based. Whether you keep it classic stovetop or go for that golden baked topping, I promise this The Best Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy, dreamy bite!