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5 from 3 votes
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By: Sarah Bond Leave a Comment
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With a velvety vegan cheese sauce that’s ready in just a few minutes, this stovetop vegan mac and cheese recipe is a weeknight winner! Mimicking the flavor and look of traditional mac and cheese, it’s an irresistible vegan macaroni that everyone will love!
![Stovetop Vegan Mac And Cheese (25 Minute Recipe) (1) Stovetop Vegan Mac And Cheese (25 Minute Recipe) (1)](https://i0.wp.com/www.liveeatlearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/vegan-mac-and-cheese-17.jpg)
I love mac and cheese. For reference, when I was little my mom once asked me what my favorite food was that “started with a P” (hoping I would say “pizza”). My answer? “Pah-macaroni-and-cheese!”
And I don’t discriminate when it comes to my macaroni and cheeses. I love butternut squash mac and cheese and truffle mac and cheese and cauliflower mac and cheese and today…we make vegan mac and cheese.
Indulging in a creamy, comforting bowl of mac and cheese doesn’t have to be a laborious affair. This stovetop vegan macaroni is a testament to that.
In just 25 minutes, you’ll be savoring a velvety, dairy-free delight that’s every bit as luscious as its traditional counterpart. Ready to dive into this quick, fuss-free vegan masterpiece? Let’s get cooking!
![Stovetop Vegan Mac And Cheese (25 Minute Recipe) (2) Stovetop Vegan Mac And Cheese (25 Minute Recipe) (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.liveeatlearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/vegan-mac-and-cheese-recipe-6.jpg)
How to make vegan mac and cheese
Making a vegan mac n cheese is even easier than traditional macaroni, because the sauce requires zero cooking and is virtually foolproof!
- Soak the cashews to help them blend better
- Blend together the vegan cheese sauce
- Cook the pasta
- Stir it all together!
![Stovetop Vegan Mac And Cheese (25 Minute Recipe) (3) Stovetop Vegan Mac And Cheese (25 Minute Recipe) (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.liveeatlearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/vegan-mac-and-cheese-1.jpg)
Vegan Mac n Cheese Ingredients
- Cashews: These creamy nuts form the base of our cheese sauce, providing a rich, buttery texture and a subtle nuttiness that mimics the creaminess of traditional mac and cheese without any dairy. Soaking them softens them for easy blending.
- Nutritional Yeast: A superstar in vegan cooking, nutritional yeast lends a cheesy, umami flavor to the sauce. It’s also a great source of nutrients like B vitamins.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing flavors, the salt balances the nutty and cheesy elements, ensuring a well-rounded taste.
- Onion Powder: Adding depth and complexity, onion powder contributes a subtle savory note that complements the other seasonings.
- Turmeric: This is mostly added for color! You could also use a blended up carrot for a similar color.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The acidity in the vinegar provides a bright contrast to the richness of the cashews, giving a balanced and tangy edge to the sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: This zesty condiment brings a touch of tanginess and pungency, elevating the overall flavor profile of the sauce. It’s my secret ingredient in all of my macaroni recipes!
- Garlic: Offering a robust, aromatic note, garlic infuses a comforting warmth into the sauce.
- Elbow Macaroni: The pasta of choice for classic mac and cheese!
![Stovetop Vegan Mac And Cheese (25 Minute Recipe) (4) Stovetop Vegan Mac And Cheese (25 Minute Recipe) (4)](https://i0.wp.com/www.liveeatlearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/vegan-mac-and-cheese-recipe-4.jpg)
Make Ahead Macaroni?
Once assembled, this vegan mac does not store well. If you’re making it ahead, keep the noodles and the vegan cheese sauce separate until right before serving!
![Stovetop Vegan Mac And Cheese (25 Minute Recipe) (5) Stovetop Vegan Mac And Cheese (25 Minute Recipe) (5)](https://i0.wp.com/www.liveeatlearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/vegan-mac-and-cheese-19.jpg)
In case you were wondering
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like shells, penne, or fusilli.
Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I freeze the cheese sauce?
Yes, the sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the regular elbow macaroni with a gluten-free pasta of your choice to make this recipe gluten-free. Everything in the vegan cheese sauce is naturally gluten-free!
![Stovetop Vegan Mac And Cheese (25 Minute Recipe) (6) Stovetop Vegan Mac And Cheese (25 Minute Recipe) (6)](https://i0.wp.com/www.liveeatlearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/vegan-mac-and-cheese-recipe-3.jpg)
Level It Up
This mac and cheese is amazing as is, but you can level it up if you’re feeling fancy:
- Make Truffle Mac: Add a touch of truffle oil to totally level up this dish
- Add Vegan Bacon Bits: The salty, crunchy bits compliment this velvety vegan macaroni perfectly!
- Add Air Fried Veggies: While the macaroni is cooking, air fry up some veggies – like mushrooms or zucchini – until they’re a bit browned and crispy. Delicious stirred into the mac!
Stovetop Vegan Mac And Cheese Recipe
5 from 3 votes
Prep: 15 minutes minutes
Cook: 10 minutes minutes
Total: 25 minutes minutes
Author: Sarah Bond
Calories: 553kcal
Servings: 6 servings
Print Rate
With a velvety vegan cheese sauce that's ready in just a few minutes, this stovetop vegan mac and cheese recipe is a weeknight winner! Mimicking the flavor and look of traditional mac and cheese, it's an irresistible vegan macaroni that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cashews 1 8.5-oz package, 240 g
- ½ cup nutritional yeast 80 g
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp each onion powder and turmeric
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 15 mL
- 1 tsp dijon mustard 5 g
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup water 236 mL
- 16 oz uncooked elbow macaroni 453 g
Instructions
Soak: Soak 2 cups cashews hot water for 10 minutes (if you don't have a strong blender, soak them for longer – up to 24 hours). When finished, drain water.
Blend: In a blender, combine 2 cups cashews, ½ cup nutritional yeast, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp each onion powder and turmeric, 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 2 cloves garlic, and 1 cup water until smooth.
Cook: Cook 16 oz uncooked elbow macaroni according to instructions on package.
Serve: Stir together cooked macaroni and vegan cheese sauce. Serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
Does not store well! The vegan cheese sauce soaks into the noodles when stored. This recipe is best served right away.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1serving Calories: 553kcal (28%) Carbohydrates: 72.7g (24%) Protein: 18g (36%) Fat: 22.4g (34%) Saturated Fat: 5.5g (34%) Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 215mg (9%) Potassium: 437mg (12%) Fiber: 4.4g (18%) Sugar: 4.4g (5%) Calcium: 40mg (4%) Iron: 5mg (28%)
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