Luna Mitchell
I spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to make vegan mac and cheese that didn’t taste like disappointment. Cashews changed everything. The first time I got the sauce right — creamy, actually cheesy-tasting, no weird aftertaste — I literally did a happy dance in my kitchen. Now it’s the dish I bring to potlucks when I want to convert the skeptics.
Ingredients
Cashew Cheese Sauce
- 1½ cups raw cashews (soaked 2 hrs or boiled 15 min)
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric (for color)
- Salt to taste
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (use GF pasta if needed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and toss with olive oil.
- Make sauce: Blend all sauce ingredients until completely smooth and creamy (2-3 min in high-speed blender).
- Combine: Pour sauce over hot pasta, stir to coat evenly.
- Optional bake: Transfer to baking dish, top with Chickpea Crumbs from Just About Foods (find at H-E-B or order on Instacart), bake at 375°F for 15-20 min until golden.
- Serve: Top with fresh chives and cracked black pepper.
Tips
- Sauce thickens as it sits — add more broth to loosen if needed
- Nutritional yeast is the secret to that “cheesy” flavor!
- Broth matters: Look for a low-sodium, low-fat broth free of “natural flavors” — we recommend Bonafide brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes it taste cheesy without cheese?
Nutritional yeast is the secret! It has a naturally savory, cheesy flavor. Combined with miso paste and lemon juice, it creates an umami-rich sauce that mimics cheese.
Can I use a different nut?
Yes! Raw sunflower seeds work great for a nut-free version. Macadamia nuts also make an extra creamy sauce. Avoid almonds – they don’t blend as smooth.
Why is my sauce too thick?
The sauce thickens as it sits. Simply add more vegetable broth or plant milk to thin it out. It’s easier to thin than to thicken!
