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    Home » Mains

    Instant Pot Vegan Mac And Cheese - So Cheesy!

    Updated: Jan 20, 2023 by Verna Rindler · This post may contain affiliate links · 32 Comments

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    vegan mac and cheese in a bowl
    vegan mac and cheese in a bowl beside an instant pot

    Quick & Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese made in the instant pot that tastes incredible! Rich creamy cheesy pasta goodness that’s ready in minutes!! Kids and adults love this recipe! Nut free, no cashews or nutritional yeast.

    vegan mac and cheese in a brown bowl with a fork

    Ok so I’ve outdone myself here!! This instant pot vegan mac and cheese is crazy delicious! I was blown away by the flavour and silky creamy texture!! Wait until you taste the cheese sauce!! No one will believe it’s vegan! 

    Best of all it takes 4 minutes to pressure cook and your slurping back a bowl of ultra cheesy pasta! That’s a win win in my books and you don’t need a speedy blender, or food processor! Yay

    Ingredients needed are:

    • macaroni noodles, water, vegetarian no chicken better than bouillon, spices like garlic and onion powder, hot sauce, mustard, vegan cheese, I used Daiya cheddar and cream cheese, plant milk, butter and salt and pepper!

    …seriously it’s that simple everything gets dumped in your instant pot, set the timer, cook and wammo! Stir in the cheeses, dairy free milk and your lunch is ready or hey make it dinner with broccoli a caesar salad and garlic bread!! Oh yah!! 

    And if your looking to add more protein to your vegan meal serve it along side my vegan turkey, ham or steak, burger or meatballs! all wonderful entree choices!

    -Your whole family will thank you if you make this Mac n cheese- vegetarians and carnivores too! and your kids will be asking for these noodles on a regular basis!! Not kidding! Fast becoming a favourite of mine and my grandkids❤️

    mac and cheese being scooped out of an instant pot

    FYI if you haven’t noticed I might have a slight addiction to pasta- this will be my third vegan mac and cheese recipe😳 on the blog! And none of them are detox recipes haha! Not even close! 

    Pure indulgence my friends (one of these days I’ll make a healthy butternut squash version I promise 😬)

    So feel free to check out my classic baked version or spicy jalapeño cheddar- both equally fabulous and fuss free as well.

    How to make instant pot vegan mac and cheese:

    1. Add water, bouillon paste, vegan butter, mustard, spices, salt and pepper to your instant pot, give it a good stir. Mix in the macaroni. Cover with lid and set to 'sealing' position. Push pressure button and set to high pressure for 4 minutes (+ - buttons)
    2. When times up do a quick release (turn valve too venting) Stir in the cheeses until fully combined then add the hot milk. Stir for a few minutes until melted. If cheese isn't melting enough set to sauté and stir gently for 1-2 minutes. Add more milk if needed
    3. Season with salt and pepper if desired and enjoy!! Full recipe ingredients and instructions in recipe card below.

    step by step photos how to make instant pot vegan mac and cheese

    overhead view vegan mac and cheese in a bowl

    You'll love this instant pot vegan pasta, it's:

    • so flipping tasty!
    • super simple
    • Dairy free
    • Cheesy
    • the ultimate comfort food
    • Creamy
    • Easily gluten free
    • A great Family meal or side dish

    Enjoy everyone. Happy Day! Feel free to comment below and rate this recipe. I'd love to hear from you!

    Follow me on PINTEREST and INSTAGRAM for more tasty Plant Based and Vegan Recipes ❤️

    Want more Vegan Pasta Recipes? Check these out!

    • Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese -
    • Best Vegan Baked Ziti Ever! (Easy Too)
    • Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff 
      Jalapeño Cheddar Vegan Mac and Cheese
    • Vegan Alfredo Sauce with Fettuccine
    • Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta (Tomato Sauce)
    • Vegan Lasagna - The Best Recipe!
    • Hearty Vegan Bolognese
    • Vegan Hamburger Helper
    Print
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    vegan mac and cheese in a brown bowl with a fork

    Instant Pot Vegan Mac And Cheese - So Cheesy!


    ★★★★★

    5 from 11 reviews

    • Author: Verna
    • Total Time: 14 minutes
    • Yield: 6 Servings 1x
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Quick & Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese made in the instant pot that tastes incredible! Rich creamy cheesy pasta goodness that's ready in minutes!! Kids and adults love this recipe! Nut free, no cashews or nutritional yeast


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 2 and 1/2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles, use gluten free if needed
    • 3 cups water
    • 1 tablespoon better than bouillon vegetarian no chicken soup base
    • 2 tablespoons vegan butter
    • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
    • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
    • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic (powder)
    • 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • pinch black pepper
    • 2 and 1/2 cups vegan cheese, grated (I use 1 block medium cheddar Daiya cheese, 200 grams, not pre grated bag)*
    • 1/3 cup vegan cream cheese ( I use Daiya)
    • 3/4 cup unsweetened non dairy plant milk, I use oat milk (heat in microwave until hot when needed)

    Instructions

    1. To the instant pot add: water, bouillon paste, vegan butter, mustard, hot sauce, spices, salt and pepper, give it a good stir. Mix in the macaroni. Cover with lid and set to 'sealing' position. Push pressure button and set to high pressure for 4 minutes (+ - buttons)
    2. When times up do a quick release (turn valve too venting). Stir in the cheeses until fully combined then add the hot milk. Stir for a few minutes until melted. If cheese isn't melting enough set to sauté and stir gently for 1-2 minutes. Add more milk if needed
    3. Season with salt and pepper if desired and enjoy!! For step by step photos see above post.

    Notes

    • And if you love nutritional yeast feel free to add 1-2 tablespoons to pasta!
    • Gluten free: use gluten free pasta
    • Vegan cheese: I use Daiya cheese -only block style cheddar never pre grated taste is way better! Of course use your favourite store bought like Chao, So Delicious, Violife etc,... but I highly recommend recipe as written!
    • store and freeze: Will keep in fridge for 3-4 days. and I do not suggest freezing the pasta as the noodles get mushy once defrosted.

    Recipe inspired by the Salty Marshmallow 

    • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
    • Cook Time: 4 Minutes
    • Category: Mains, Gluten free,
    • Method: Instant Pot
    • Cuisine: American, Canadian,

    Keywords: instant pot vegan mac and cheese, vegan pastas, mac and cheese vegan,

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cheeky_chickpea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #cheeky_chickpea_

    More Mains

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cathy Bodell

      December 25, 2022 at 1:39 pm

      If I don't have an instant pot, can this be made on the stove or in a crock pot?

      Reply
      • Verna Rindler

        December 26, 2022 at 7:51 am

        Hi Cathy, this particular recipe I have only made in the instant pot.

        Reply
    2. Lorri

      July 12, 2022 at 8:57 pm

      Made this stovetop - delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        July 13, 2022 at 7:04 am

        That's awesome!! Thanks for your review Lorri 🙂

        Reply
    3. Brandi

      May 11, 2022 at 7:55 am

      Would the chicken better then boullion work as well or no?

      Reply
      • Verna

        May 11, 2022 at 8:17 am

        Oh sure it would! Enjoy Brandi! I just use the vegan version of it 🙂

        Reply
        • Brandi

          May 13, 2022 at 7:34 am

          So I made this and it’s so delicious! So you have a recipe for just the cheese sauce to make for like tacos and nachos?

          Reply
          • Verna

            May 13, 2022 at 8:38 am

            Hi Brandi I am actually going to be working on a stovetop version of this recipe 🙂 until then you should try my https://thecheekychickpea.com/vegan-nacho-cheese-sauce/ ... really tasty too 🙂 and feel free to leave a star rating for this recipe if you like. Thanks so much for your feedback!!

            Reply
    4. Camilla

      March 10, 2022 at 3:59 am

      This tasted as good as real mac and cheese! Game changer for me thank you so much. My search is over! Skeptical to try at first but after reading the comments I gave it a go. So glad I did. My kids and I are hooked

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        March 10, 2022 at 8:23 am

        Thanks for the wonderful feedback I am so happy you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    5. Rebecca

      March 10, 2022 at 3:43 am

      My husband and I cannot get over how delicious this is! Totally satisfies that cheese craving. thanks for sharing

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        March 10, 2022 at 8:24 am

        Yay! Thank you so much!

        Reply
    6. Martin

      March 10, 2022 at 3:40 am

      A staple in our house! Excellent recipe

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        March 10, 2022 at 8:25 am

        This makes me so happy. Thank you!

        Reply
    7. Leslie

      December 07, 2021 at 10:53 pm

      I've never commented on one of these sites before but I had to say thank you what an incredible vegan version of mac and cheese I honestly think it's better. My husband could not believe it. Thanks again

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        December 08, 2021 at 7:00 am

        You are so welcome I am thrilled you all enjoyed it!

        Reply
    8. Jemma

      December 07, 2021 at 10:49 pm

      This recipe is a hidden gem! I have shared it with so many friends and family. Everyone agrees it's pretty amazing. By far the best I've ever had.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        December 08, 2021 at 7:01 am

        Thank you so much what a nice compliment! so happy you're loving it!

        Reply
    9. Joan

      October 03, 2021 at 10:13 am

      Both my husband and myself love this recipe.
      I make it every week, it’s so tasty.
      Introducing my friend to it tomorrow for lunch.

      Reply
      • Verna

        October 03, 2021 at 12:35 pm

        I'm thrilled you love it Joan!! I so appreciate your taking the time to leave a review - Thank you so much!

        Reply
    10. Leah

      July 02, 2021 at 9:25 am

      My kids devour this every time I make it, which is often. Awesome recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        July 02, 2021 at 9:56 am

        Aww wonderful! tasks for your feedback thrilled you all enjoyed it

        Reply
    11. Leo

      March 18, 2021 at 3:30 pm

      your vegan instant pot mac and cheese was mind blowing. My husband liked it more than dairy macaroni noodles. thanks for this!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        March 18, 2021 at 4:40 pm

        Thrilled you all enjoyed it!

        Reply
    12. Lorrie

      March 15, 2021 at 8:51 am

      We make this Mac and cheese weekly in our house. One of our favourites!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        March 15, 2021 at 11:51 am

        Wonderful! Glad you're all enjoying the recipe

        Reply
    13. Patricia

      March 11, 2021 at 7:27 pm

      a total hit with everyone. Really good Mac and cheese!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        March 12, 2021 at 5:58 am

        thank you!

        Reply
        • Jenny

          March 10, 2022 at 4:05 am

          Saw this recipe while scrolling Facebook and gave it a whirl. Very glad I did! I used to be a KD fanatic. This beats it by a mile, just fantastic . Thumbs up from my whole family 👍

          ★★★★★

          Reply
          • Verna

            March 10, 2022 at 8:22 am

            thank you so much!!

            Reply
    14. Jul

      January 31, 2021 at 6:17 am

      I miss mac n cheese 🧀. Always a got to comfort food. Looking forward to trying this recipe. Will comment when we try it. All your recipes sounds delicious. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Verna

        January 31, 2021 at 7:58 am

        Thanks Jul enjoy!!

        Reply

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    Hi, I’m Verna! Major foodie of all things vegan! Welcome to The Cheeky Chickpea; here, you’ll find hundreds of restaurant-worthy easy vegan recipes. Some oil-free and gluten-free, from veggie-powered plant-based comfort foods to decadent desserts. Lots of tricks and tips up my chef sleeve…Grab your apron let’s get cooking!

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