Incredibly Easy Vegan Mac & Cheese

A simple and lazy vegan mac and cheese recipe that will save you time and win over the cheese lovers in your life.  If you plan ahead this dish can be ready in just 30 minutes! 

Ingredients to Make My Lazy and Simple Mac & Cheese:

• Pasta Noodles
• Raw Cashews: Soaked in boiling water for at least 30 minutes.
• Non-Dairy Milk: I like to use almond milk, but any plain, unsweetened milk will do.
• Nutritional Yeast: for its cheesy flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Soft Vegan Cheddar Spread: I like to use Miyoko’s Roadhouse Cheddar Spread.
• Vegan Butter: This gives the mac and cheese a silky texture.
• Seasonings: I like to add salt & pepper and sometimes smoked paprika.

How to Make this Mac & Cheese:

1. Cook the pasta noodles according to the package instructions.
2. Reserve about 1 cup of cooked pasta water before straining.
3. Add the soaked cashews, non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, and nutritional yeast to a blender.
4. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the cashew cream to the drained pasta noodles while they are still hot. Stir to coat the noodles.
6. Stir in the vegan cheddar spread and vegan butter until they begin to melt.
7. Add the hot pasta water in ¼ cup increments and continue to stir until the cheese sauce has reached your desired consistency. It is likely that you won’t need to use all of the reserved pasta water.
8. Season to taste and enjoy.

How to Soak Cashews (2 Ways):

Method 1

1. Add 1 cup of cashews to a heat-safe bowl or jar. 
2. Add 2 cups of boiling water.
3. Cover and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes.

Method 2

1. Add 1 cup of cashew to an airtight container. 
2. Add 2 cups of water.
3. Store in the fridge overnight or for at least 2-3 hours. 

Tips:

• Soak the cashews ahead of time, if possible. 
• Use a cashew-based cheese.  This will help the cheese spread to combine with the cashew cream properly. 

Reheating Your Mac & Cheese: 

This mac and cheese can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave. Before heating, add 2 tablespoons of non-dairy milk to the bowl or saucepan.  If using the microwave stir after heating to allow the milk to rehydrate the cheese sauce. If reheating on the stove, simply stir in the milk on low-medium heat until warmed through, add more milk as needed.

More Vegan Comfort Food Recipes You'll Love:

• The Best Tofu Ricotta Stuffed Shells | Easy and Vegan
• Deliciously Easy Grilled Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
• The Best Savory Vegan French Toast (JUST Egg Recipe)

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