This baked vegan mac and cheese is a family favorite. Kids and adults love it! Macaroni noodles smothered in the ultimate dairy-free cheese sauce topped with panko bread crumbs and baked to crispy cheesy perfection. Easily Gluten free!
This is the best vegan mac and cheese and is the Perfect easy comfort food and a must have holiday side dish too! No one will believe it’s vegan! The texture and flavor are bang on!
No butternut squash, sweet potatoes, carrots or coconut milk needed. This is a quick and easy baked pasta dish and absolute delicious vegan food!
I dare say I know no one who doesn’t love baked Mac and cheese- Am I right! It is one of the most loved classic comfort dishes there is, and you’d be hard pressed to realize my vegan mac and cheese recipe is made without dairy!!
No dairy milk, no butter! And it’s absolutely divine! It’s saucy, rich, creamy, super cheesy pasta and topped with a flavourful crispy buttery breadcrumb topping and baked to perfection. I actually requested my husband make this for my birthday in November 😂
And if you're a total macaroni cheese fan you must check out my Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar version or instant pot nut-free recipe— really tasty!
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Wondering what vegan Mac and cheese is made of?
Here's the easy vegan mac and cheese ingredients below. They all work together for umami cheesy flavorings.
- Pasta: elbow macaroni noodles of course, can use gluten free if needed.
- Panko Bread crumbs: for topping casserole, can easily use gluten free if needed
- Raw cashews: adds amazing creaminess
- Vegan cheese: I use Daiya cheddar cheese -usually block style cheddar. Of course use your favorite but I highly recommend recipe as written
- Plant milk: any kind will do soy milk, cashew or oat milk not almond milk or coconut milk
- Nutritional yeast: umami cheese flavor for sauce and topping
- Vegetable bouillon paste: I always use better than bouillon it is far superior than other brands in my opinion
- Lemon juice: for a little tang
- Bragg or Tamari: saltiness and depth of flavor, could sub soy sauce
- Spices: garlic powder and onion, paprika, turmeric for color and salt
- Miso: another cheesy element for topping (optional)
- Melted vegan butter: for binding with panko bread crumbs for a delicious crispy top. Could sub olive oil
How to make the best baked vegan mac and cheese:
Such an easy creamy pasta recipe!! this is how it's done.
- Make panko topping: Combine the melted vegan butter and miso in a medium bowl, then add in the breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast. Mix by hand. Set aside
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Don’t overcook noodles. Drain macaroni, toss with drizzle of oil, add to baking dish
- Make cheese sauce: Soak the cashews then blend together with the rest of the ingredients. Simmer in a pot until warm and melty. Pour sauce over noodles and mix together. Sprinkle the topping evenly over pasta. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Bake: until hot and golden brown.
- Enjoy: Chow down! For a little tang and heat stir in a little mustard and hot sauce For full recipe ingredients and instructions see recipe card below.
What to serve with baked macaroni and cheese?
Enjoy pasta all by itself or try this cheesy casserole with one of these sides:
- Classic Vegan Coleslaw Recipe
- Vegan Caesar Salad
- Vegan Broccoli Salad
- Steamed broccoli and or cauliflower
- Roasted vegetables or green peas
- Add some crispy tofu for a protein boost
- Green salad and Garlic bread
- Ketchup and hot sauce!!
- or Enjoy with your holiday dinner as a side dish!
Storage
Pasta Will keep covered in fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave. I don't recommend freezing this dish. See FAQ below for options.
Frequently asked questions
My recipe is super creamy, cheesy and much like the regular version but without the dairy! Kinda reminds me of KD (kraft dinner)
I suggest portioning and freezing just the vegan cheese sauce in an airtight container for a quick and easy lunch. Just cook some noodles and reheat the sauce in the microwave or stovetop. I wouldn’t recommend freezing the pasta as the noodles get mushy once defrosted.
Yes you can! use any type of pasta that's gluten-free like, brown rice pasta, chickpea pasta (protein), red lentil, pea, etc,..
Why you'll love my Vegan Mac n Cheese
- It’s baked with a crispy Panko topping!
- Ready in no time at all!
- Creamy, cheesy and Dairy free
- the ultimate comfort food
- Easily gluten free
- A great Family meal
Want more comforting Pasta Recipes
- Vegan Hamburger Helper (Instant Pot or stovetop)
- Easy Vegan Baked Ziti
- Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
- Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta
- Vegan Lasagna
- Hearty Vegan Bolognese
- Easy Vegan Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Enjoy everyone! Happy Day! Please feel free to comment below and give this recipe a rating. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
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Print
Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This baked vegan mac and cheese is a family favorite. Kids and adults love it! Macaroni noodles smothered in the ultimate dairy-free cheese sauce topped with panko bread crumbs and baked to crispy cheesy perfection. Easily Gluten free!
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles, use gluten free if needed
- 1/2 cup soaked cashews + 1/2 cup water
- 2 and 3/4 cups unsweetened plant milk
- 1/2 cup Nutritional yeast
- 2 and 1/2 cups vegan cheese, grated (I use 1 block medium cheddar Daiya cheese, 200 grams, or bag cheese threads)
- 1 teaspoon better than bouillon vegetable base or no chicken flavor
- 2-3 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Braggs, or sub soy sauce or Lite Tamari
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic (powder) or more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional for colour)
- 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1 and 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs reg or gluten free
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon white miso (optional see notes*)
- 3 -4 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease a 2 & 1/2 or 3 quart casserole dish, or -8x11 works too!
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Make panko topping: Combine the melted vegan butter and miso in a medium bowl, then add in the breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast. Mix by hand. Set aside
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Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Don’t overcook. Drain, toss with drizzle of oil, add to baking dish
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Make sauce: While the noodles are cooking, make sauce: Add cashews to a small bowl, cover with boiling water from the kettle for 5 minutes. Drain, and add to your Nutribullet or blender with the 1/2 cup of water , blend until smooth. Set aside. In a medium pot add the cashew cream and rest of sauce ingredients. Cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring until the cheese is melted. I usually let it simmer for a minute and then remove from heat. Pour sauce over noodles and mix together. Sprinkle the topping evenly over pasta. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
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Bake: Bake at 350° uncovered for 15 minutes until hot and golden brown. If you'd like the top of the casserole even crispier, broil for a minute or two, just watch it browns really fast!
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Enjoy: Enjoy as is or with a side of Caesar salad, steamed broccoli or green peas! For step by step photos, FAQ, suggestions and more see above post.
Notes
- If you don't have miso, no biggy, just add a pinch of salt instead
- For a little tang and heat stir in a little mustard and hot sauce
- Gluten free: use gluten free bread crumbs and pasta
- store and freeze: will keep in fridge for 3-4 days. If freezing I suggest I suggest portioning and freezing just the pasta sauce for a quick and easy lunch, just cook some noodles and reheat the sauce in the microwave or stovetop. I wouldn’t recommend freezing the pasta as the noodles get mushy once defrosted.
Originally published Dec 2019 it has been updated, the recipe itself is unchanged
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Mains, gluten free,
- Method: Stovetop and oven
- Cuisine: American, Canadian
Keywords: baked vegan mac and cheese, vegan macaroni and cheese, vegan Mac and cheese
Gretta
Just made your macaroni yesterday and boy was it good I didn’t bake it we just tossed the cheese sauce with the noodles and chowed down. Thank you so much really yummy pasta.
★★★★★
Verna
Thanks so much!
Lorna
the cheese sauce for this macaroni was so good, hard to believe it's vegan. My cheese eating husband loved it! We like it baked makes a great dinner for all of us thank you.
★★★★★
Verna
so nice to hear. Thank you!
Mary
Just made this and added some spiced Dijon mustard : it is the best 😊
★★★★★
Verna
Sounds like a tasty addition Midge! Glad you enjoyed the Vegan Mac and Cheese!
Tanya
Holy cow this is really good. My oldest son asked for seconds. Never thought I’d be excited about macaroni ha ha
★★★★★
Verna
Glad you liked it. I feel the same way about this Mac and cheese lol. thanks for your comment Tanya.
Lee
I've tried a few with so so results, but will definitely try this one next. Looks good! You've probably discussed this already somewhere, but what are your 2 favorite vegan butters? I've tried 2 so far but the flavor is a bit weird to me.
Verna
I usually buy Earth Balance. Miyoko's I buy for a treat once in a blue moon.? Enjoy the Mac and cheese!
michelle
Best mac and cheese I have ever tasted!
★★★★★
The Cheeky Chickpea
Oh wow thanks so much Michelle! You just made my day ❤️
Amanda
Made this for lunch today. It was excellent. My friends were impressed. I’ve had a few vegan Mac and cheese recipes. This one is our favorite so far. Thx
★★★★★
The Cheeky Chickpea
Thanks Amanda you just made my day? Glad you liked it.
Donald
Wonderful
★★★★★
The Cheeky Chickpea
Thanks so much! ?
Midge
Wow , I made this delicious main dish for our family last night , it was a hit . Thank you for the recipe .
★★★★★
The Cheeky Chickpea
I'm so glad your family loved it! Thanks so much for your comment Midge? Have a great day!
Jennifer
sounds yummy... i just love mac and cheese... i'm trying to stay away from oil right now so no can do the daiya.. BUT I am on a constant hunt for that pasta... the one you have pictured is like the boxed kind that I use to devour. Any idea of where I can find it? thanks 🙂
The Cheeky Chickpea
Hi Jennifer ? You can buy the straight cut macaroni from amazon.ca. I will put link with the recipe. Totally spaced on that. Have a great day!!
Caroline
This looks delicious. Cannot wait to try this out!
★★★★★
The Cheeky Chickpea
Thanks so much for your comment Caroline ? Happy day to you
Laura
My kids love it!
★★★★★
The Cheeky Chickpea
Yeah! that's awesome. Its a hit with my grandkids too? Thanks so much Laura.