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Creamy Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese Recipe with Easy Cashew Sauce

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A creamy, dairy-free mac and cheese made with a smooth cashew sauce that mimics the classic cheesy comfort food without any dairy. Perfect for quick, wholesome meals that satisfy cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow pasta (regular or gluten-free)
  • 1 cup raw cashews (150 grams), soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes
  • 1 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, oat, or cashew milk)
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (20 grams)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soak the cashews: Place 1 cup (150 grams) of raw cashews in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to soften. Drain before blending.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of elbow pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 7-9 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the cashew sauce: In your blender, combine the soaked cashews, 1 cup (240 ml) of unsweetened plant milk, 1/4 cup (20 grams) nutritional yeast, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Add more plant milk if sauce is too thick.
  4. Heat the sauce: Pour the cashew sauce into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter if using. Stir constantly and cook for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened. Avoid burning or sticking.
  5. Combine and serve: Add the drained pasta into the saucepan with the cashew sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.

Notes

Soak cashews well to avoid gritty texture. Blend sauce until ultra-smooth. Season gradually to balance flavors. Heat sauce gently to prevent burning. For a baked version, top with gluten-free breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: dairy-free mac and cheese, vegan mac and cheese, cashew sauce, dairy-free comfort food, gluten-free mac and cheese, plant-based cheese sauce

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/creamy-dairy-free-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-easy-cashew-sauce/