Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews
Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews made with potatoes, carrots, and nutritional yeast for a rich and cheesy flavor. A healthy and easy dairy-free comfort food recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
1 cup yellow potatoes, unpeeled and chopped into small cubes
1/2 cup carrots, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup onion, diced
1 cup water
8 oz macaroni noodles (or noodles of choice)
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (soy or almond milk work well)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp turmeric
Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Dice the onion, potatoes, and carrots into small pieces for faster cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In a medium saucepan, combine the onion, potatoes, carrots, and water.
Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer.
Cook for 8–10 minutes until the vegetables are fork-tender.
Step 3: Make the Roux
While the vegetables cook, heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over low-medium heat.
Slowly whisk in the flour until fully combined.
Increase the heat to medium and slowly pour in the non-dairy milk while whisking continuously.
Continue whisking until the mixture thickens into a dough-like consistency.
Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Prepare the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Blend the Cheese Sauce
Once the vegetables are tender, drain them and reserve the cooking liquid.
Add the cooked vegetables, flour mixture, garlic powder, salt, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, turmeric, pepper, and 1/4 cup reserved vegetable liquid to a high-speed blender or food processor.
Blend for 1–2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.
Add extra reserved liquid 1–2 tablespoons at a time if needed to thin the sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Pour the creamy vegan cheese sauce over the cooked noodles.
Stir gently until evenly coated.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Yukon Gold potatoes create the creamiest texture.
Nutritional yeast gives the sauce its cheesy flavor.
Add smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra flavor.
Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of non-dairy milk for extra creaminess.
