Dairy-Free Homemade Mac n Cheese

Indulge in the creamy comfort of Dairy-Free Homemade Mac n Cheese, a plant-based twist on a classic family favorite that’s perfect for those avoiding dairy or gluten! This recipe combines al dente gluten-free macaroni with a rich, velvety cashew cheese sauce made from simple, wholesome ingredients like soaked cashews, unsweetened almond milk, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the cheese. A hint of paprika, garlic, and turmeric adds depth, while a crispy breadcrumb topping takes it over the top when baked to golden perfection. Quick to prepare in under an hour, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, satisfying cravings with every creamy, dairy-free bite. Garnish with fresh parsley for a finishing touch and serve warm for a crowd-pleasing vegan meal everyone will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz Gluten-free elbow macaroni
• 1 cup Cashews
• 2 cups Unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup Nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt and the gluten-free elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cashew cheese sauce. Begin by soaking the cashews in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them, then drain.

Step 3

In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and turmeric. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 5

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cashew cheese sauce to the pan and stir continuously for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.

Step 6

Combine the cooked pasta with the cashew cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl, stirring to coat evenly.

Step 7

Transfer the macaroni mixture into a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 8

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni in the baking dish.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1010.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2228.3

Total Fat 104.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3903.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 279.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.4g	0%
Total Sugars 12.6g
Protein 57.6g	0%

Vitamin D 175.7IU	0%
Calcium 998.4mg	0%
Iron 18.4mg	0%
Potassium 1579.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.1%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 48.9%