Dairy-Free Classic Creamy Mac & Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a twist—this Dairy-Free Classic Creamy Mac & Cheese is a game-changer for plant-based and lactose-intolerant eaters alike! Made with nutrient-rich soaked cashews and unsweetened almond milk, the velvety cheese sauce is packed with flavor from nutritional yeast, garlic, onion, and a hint of turmeric for that signature golden hue. The creamy texture and cheesy taste come together in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Gluten-free pasta options make it easily adaptable, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy this wholesome, rich dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or extra nutritional yeast for the perfect finishing touch, and savor this healthier yet indulgent take on a classic favorite!
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 0.5 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 cup cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours and drained)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, combine the almond milk, nutritional yeast, soaked cashews, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a blender.
Step 3
Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 4
In a large saucepan, melt the coconut oil over medium heat.
Step 5
Pour the blended cashew cheese sauce into the saucepan and cook, stirring frequently, until heated through and thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 6
Add the drained macaroni to the saucepan with the sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
Step 8
Serve immediately, garnishing with additional nutritional yeast or paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1058.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2494.3 |
| Total Fat 105.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 36.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.8g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2699.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 327.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 18.6g | |
| Protein 79.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 175.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 989.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 17.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1989.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories