There’s really nothing like a good bowl of mac and cheese for satisfying comfort food cravings. But for vegans, finding a dairy-free version that really delivers on creaminess and flavor can be a bit of a challenge.
The Secret to Vegan Mac and Cheese
The main issue with making a cheese sauce without dairy is achieving the right texture. Cashews are a popular vegan cheese base because they can be blended into a relatively smooth and creamy sauce. But it takes some tweaking.
The other challenge is replicating the flavor profile of a dairy-based cheese sauce. That’s where nutritional yeast comes in. This deactivated yeast is rich in B vitamins and adds a savory, cheesy flavor to dishes.
Plant-Based Ingredients for Vegan Mac and Cheese
Here are some of the most common plant-based ingredients used to make vegan mac and cheese:
- Cashews: Soak these nuts in water for at least 2 hours, then drain and rinse them before blending.
- Potatoes and carrots: Cook these vegetables until they’re soft, then blend them with other ingredients to make the cheese sauce.
- Nutritional yeast: This deactivated yeast adds a savory, cheesy flavor to vegan dishes.
The Best Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipes
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to get cooking! Here are some of the best vegan mac and cheese recipes that will have your taste buds dancing.
Classic Vegan Mac and Cheese
These recipes prove that you don’t need dairy to make delicious mac and cheese.
Creamy Cashew-Based Mac and Cheese
This classic cashew-based mac and cheese is a favorite among vegans for a reason. It’s creamy, indulgent, and easy to make.
Potato and Carrot Cheese Sauce
For a cheese sauce that’s a little thicker and stodgier than a traditional cashew-based sauce, try this potato and carrot version.
Flavor Variations
These recipes take the classic cheese sauce and add some fun twists.
Smoky Chipotle Mac and Cheese
Add some heat to your mac and cheese with this smoky chipotle version. It’s got a nice kick and is perfect for spice lovers.
Pesto-Infused Mac and Cheese
For a more herbaceous flavor, try this pesto-infused mac and cheese. It’s got a bright, fresh taste that pairs well with the cheesy sauce.
Buffalo-Style Mac and Cheese
If you like hot wings, you’ll love this buffalo-style mac and cheese. It’s got a nice spicy kick and is perfect for game day.
Creative Twists on Vegan Mac and Cheese
These recipes take the classic mac and cheese and put a new twist on it.
Baked Mac and Cheese
For a more indulgent version of mac and cheese, try baking it in the oven with a crispy breadcrumb topping. You can also add veggies to make it more nutritious.
One-Pot Wonders
These recipes make getting a cheesy bowl of pasta on the table even faster.
- Instant Pot Vegan Mac and Cheese: Cook everything in one pot with this easy Instant Pot recipe.
- Stovetop Mac and Cheese: This stovetop version is simple and quick – perfect for busy weeknights.
Vegan Mac and Cheese Bites
These bite-sized pieces of mac and cheese are perfect for parties or as a fun snack. They’re also easy to make ahead of time and reheat.
Elevating Vegan Mac and Cheese
Don’t stop at just the plain mac and cheese – take it to the next level with these toppings and mix-ins.
Toppings and Mix-Ins
These additions will take your mac and cheese to new heights of deliciousness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add some texture and flavor to your mac and cheese with roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
- Crispy Bacon Bits (Vegan, of Course): For a meaty crunch, top your mac and cheese with vegan bacon bits.
- Caramelized Onions: Slowly cooked onions add sweetness and depth to the dish.
Pairing Suggestions
These sides will complement your mac and cheese perfectly.
- Salads and Slaws: A light, fresh salad or slaw is a great counterpoint to the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Crusty Bread: Use crusty bread to soak up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
- Roasted Garlic Bread: Take it up a notch with this roasted garlic bread, which pairs perfectly with the mac and cheese.
Mastering the Art of Vegan Cheese Sauces
Making a vegan cheese sauce is an art, not a science. Here are some tips and tricks to help you master it.
- Troubleshooting Common Issues: If your sauce is too thick, add more plant-based milk. If it’s too thin, add more nutritional yeast or cooked potatoes.
- Balancing Flavors: The key to a good cheese sauce is getting the right balance of salt, sweet, and savory flavors.
- Blending Techniques: Use a high-speed blender for the smoothest sauce.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t have cashews? Try using potatoes or carrots instead.
- Reheating and Storing: Let your sauce cool before reheating it, and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.