Name: Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow potatoes (unpeeled, chopped in small cubes); 1/2 cup carrots (peeled, chopped in small pieces); 1/4 cup onion (diced); 1 cup water; 8 oz macaroni noodles (or noodles of choice); 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (such as soy or almond); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast; 1/2 tsp dijon mustard; 1 Tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp turmeric; Pinch pepper

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Cozy Up with Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews

As the chill of autumn settles in and the leaves start to paint the world with hues of gold and crimson, I find myself gravitating toward the kitchen. It’s a sacred space where aromas of cozy meals mingle with laughter and stories shared. When I think of comfort food, creamy vegan mac & cheese warms my heart like a treasured childhood memory. This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s packed with wholesome ingredients and free from cashews, making it deliciously accessible for everyone. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that doubles as a hug in a bowl, then this is one to put on your menu.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings!
Creamy and Comforting: The blend of potatoes and carrots creates a wonderfully creamy sauce that will satisfy any comfort food craving.
Nut-Free Option: Free from cashews, this dish accommodates those with nut allergies while still offering that creamy goodness.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with this delightful dish, making it a great addition to family dinners.
Rich in Nutrients: Packed with vegetables, this mac and cheese is not only tasty but also nourishes your body.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and have leftovers that store beautifully in the fridge for those busy days ahead.

This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews

1 cup yellow potatoes (unpeeled, chopped in small cubes)
1/2 cup carrots (peeled, chopped in small pieces)
1/4 cup onion (diced)
1 cup water
8 oz macaroni noodles (or noodles of choice)
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (such as soy or almond)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp dijon mustard
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp turmeric
Pinch pepper

How to Make Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews

Prep the Veggies: Dice your onion, potatoes, and carrots into small cubes and pieces. The smaller they are, the faster they’ll cook.
Simmer the Veggies: In a medium saucepan, combine the onion, potato, carrots, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat. Allow it to simmer for 8-10 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
Make the Roux: While your veggies are simmering, heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over low-medium heat. Gradually add in the flour, whisking until combined.
Create the Sauce: Increase the heat to medium and slowly whisk in the non-dairy milk. Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens and forms a dough ball. Remove it from heat immediately so it doesn’t burn.
Cook the Noodles: Prepare the macaroni noodles according to package instructions until al dente or to your preference.
Blend the Sauce: Once the veggies are tender, drain them but save the liquid in a bowl. In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the cooked veggies, flour mixture, spices, dijon mustard, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and 1/4 cup of the reserved veggie liquid. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more veggie liquid, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, if too thick.
Combine and Serve: Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked noodles. Gently mix everything together until evenly coated. Dish up and enjoy the comforting taste of your homemade creamy vegan mac & cheese!

Fun Ways to Customize It

Add Greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale at the end for a pop of color and nutrients.
Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce for a zesty kick!
Rich and Cheesy: Experiment with vegan cheese shreds or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a rich, cheesy flavor profile.
Crunchy Topping: Broil a mix of breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast on top for a crispy finish!

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Make-Ahead Advice: You can make the cheese sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Just add a little liquid to loosen it up.
Ingredient Swaps: For a other veggie varieties, try sweet potatoes or butternut squash in place of yellow potatoes.
Cutting Tricks: To speed up cooking, chop your veggies into smaller pieces for quicker steaming.
Storage Suggestions: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of non-dairy milk for the creamiest results.

Nutrition Information per Serving

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 334
Carbohydrates: 64g
Sugar: 4g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 660mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables or your favorite pasta types.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 4 days.

How long does it last?
This dish can last in the fridge for 4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

A Cozy Closing Note

There’s something truly special about this Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese Without Cashews—it’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a chilly day, a bridge to childhood memories, and a chance to gather around the table with loved ones. This recipe proves that comfort food can be wholesome, accessible, and delightfully creamy, all while warming your soul. Save this cozy treasure to your recipe board so it’s ready when you need a delightful treat!