Are you ready to indulge in a creamy, dreamy bowl of Vegan Gluten-Free Mac N Cheese that will leave you craving more? This delightful recipe is not just a guilt-free comfort food; it’s a plant-based twist on a classic favorite that everyone will love! Packed with wholesome ingredients, this mac n cheese features a rich and cheesy sauce made from cashews and nutritional yeast, delivering all the flavor without any dairy. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a bowl of pure bliss!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pasta of choice
Instructions
- Begin by soaking the cashews in water for at least 2 hours. If you're short on time, you can soak them in hot water for 15-20 minutes to soften them more quickly.
- Once the cashews are soaked, drain and rinse them under cold water. This will help remove any excess starch and improve the flavor of the cheese sauce.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure everything is well combined.
- Once the cheese sauce is blended to a smooth consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt or a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Cook your pasta of choice according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and return it to the pot. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want the starch to help the sauce adhere.
- Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the hot pasta and stir well to combine, ensuring that all the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
- Heat the pasta and cheese sauce mixture over low heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until warmed through. This will help the flavors meld together.
- Serve the vegan gluten-free mac and cheese immediately. You can garnish it with additional nutritional yeast, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Soak Your Cashews: For the best texture, soak your cashews for at least 2 hours. If you’re in a hurry, a quick soak in hot water for 15-20 minutes works wonders too!
- Blend Until Smooth: Make sure to blend your ingredients thoroughly until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. This ensures a velvety texture that clings beautifully to your pasta.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your cheese sauce before combining it with the pasta. Feel free to add more salt or a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavor to your liking.
- Don’t Rinse the Pasta: After cooking, avoid rinsing your pasta. The starch helps the cheese sauce adhere better, creating a more flavorful dish.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Serve your mac n cheese with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, fresh herbs, or paprika for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
- Reheat Gently: If you have leftovers, reheat the pasta and cheese sauce mixture on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to keep it creamy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
