The Best Ever Vegan Mac 'N' Cheese

nutritional yeast

🥗Healthier: brewer's yeast

💰Cheaper: dried parmesan

Brewer's yeast is often cheaper and adds a similar cheesy flavor.

vegan butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: olive oil

Coconut oil is a healthier fat alternative.

almond milk

🥗Healthier: oat milk

💰Cheaper: soy milk

Soy milk is often less expensive and has a similar consistency.

buffalo sauce

🥗Healthier: hot sauce

💰Cheaper: sriracha

Sriracha can provide a similar heat at a lower cost.

Add the cashews to a medium bowl and cover with warm water by 1 inch (2 ½ cm). Soak for 3–4 hours, until the cashews are softened and plump, then drain.

While the cashews are soaking, make the roasted garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Cut off the top ½ inch (1 ¼ cm) of the head of garlic and drizzle the exposed cloves with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Replace the top of the head of garlic and wrap tightly in foil. Roast for 35–40 minutes, until the cloves are easily pierced with a fork. Unwrap the garlic and let cool completely. Once cooled, squeeze all of the cloves from their skins.

Add the soaked cashews, roasted garlic cloves, and cold water to a high-powered blender. Blend on high speed until completely smooth. 30–60 seconds. Set aside.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch (30 G) cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the panko, paprika, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir with a spatula to coat the bread crumbs in the oil. Toast, stirring frequently, for 3–5 minutes, until the bread crumbs are lightly golden brown. Transfer the bread crumbs to a bowl and set aside. Wipe out the skillet.

In the same skillet, melt together the vegan butter and remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Whisk in the flour, making sure there are no clumps. Cook the roux for 3–4 minutes, whisking continuously, until the flour is golden in color and fragrant.

Add the blended cashew mixture to the skillet and whisk well to combine with the roux. Add the nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, pepper, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for 2–3 minutes, until slightly thickened. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and pool when drizzled, but not so thick that it is gloppy. If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Add the elbow noodles to the sauce and toss until well coated.

Sprinkle the toasted bread crumbs on top of the pasta in an even layer.

Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling around the edges of the skillet and the bread crumbs are deep golden brown.

Garnish with fresh minced parsley and serve.

Enjoy!

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens