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    Home » Mains

    Baked Vegan Mac And Cheese

    Updated: Mar 1, 2022 by Verna Rindler · This post may contain affiliate links · 24 Comments

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    vegan mac and cheese baked in a casserole dish
    vegan mac and cheese being scooped out of a baking dish

    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!

    vegan mac and cheese baked in a casserole dish

    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!

    Jump to:
    • Wondering what vegan Mac and cheese is made of?
    • How to make the best baked vegan mac and cheese:
    • What to serve with baked macaroni and cheese?
    • Storage
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Why you'll love my Vegan Mac n Cheese
    • Want more comforting Pasta Recipes
    • Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese

    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
    vegan cheese sauce being poured over macaroni noodles

    How to make the best baked vegan mac and cheese:

    Such an easy creamy pasta recipe!! this is how it's done.

    1. 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
    2. Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Don’t overcook noodles. Drain macaroni, toss with drizzle of oil, add to baking dish
    3. 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.
    4. Bake: until hot and golden brown.
    5. 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.
    step by step photos how to make vegan baked mac and cheese
    overhead view of baked mac and cheese in a casserole dish

    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

    What does vegan Mac and cheese taste like?

    My recipe is super creamy, cheesy and much like the regular version but without the dairy! Kinda reminds me of KD (kraft dinner)

    Can you freeze Vegan Mac and Cheese?

    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.

    Can you use gluten-free pasta?

    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
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    vegan Mac and cheese on a fork

    Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese


    ★★★★★

    5 from 10 reviews

    • Author: Verna
    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Yield: 6 servings 1x
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    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

    Scale
    • 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

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease a 2 & 1/2 or 3 quart casserole dish, or -8x11 works too!

    2. 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

    3. Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Don’t overcook. Drain, toss with drizzle of oil, add to baking dish

    4. 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.

    5. 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!

    6. 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

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cheeky_chickpea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #cheeky_chickpea_

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gretta

      May 29, 2021 at 9:03 am

      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.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        May 29, 2021 at 9:11 am

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    2. Lorna

      December 07, 2020 at 9:02 am

      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.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        December 07, 2020 at 9:18 am

        so nice to hear. Thank you!

        Reply
    3. Mary

      December 18, 2019 at 7:03 pm

      Just made this and added some spiced Dijon mustard : it is the best 😊

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        December 19, 2019 at 12:11 am

        Sounds like a tasty addition Midge! Glad you enjoyed the Vegan Mac and Cheese!

        Reply
    4. Tanya

      May 05, 2019 at 4:41 pm

      Holy cow this is really good. My oldest son asked for seconds. Never thought I’d be excited about macaroni ha ha

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        May 05, 2019 at 8:04 pm

        Glad you liked it. I feel the same way about this Mac and cheese lol. thanks for your comment Tanya.

        Reply
    5. Lee

      May 04, 2019 at 4:10 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Verna

        May 04, 2019 at 9:26 pm

        I usually buy Earth Balance. Miyoko's I buy for a treat once in a blue moon.? Enjoy the Mac and cheese!

        Reply
    6. michelle

      March 26, 2019 at 7:13 pm

      Best mac and cheese I have ever tasted!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        March 26, 2019 at 8:46 pm

        Oh wow thanks so much Michelle! You just made my day ❤️

        Reply
    7. Amanda

      January 16, 2019 at 11:59 pm

      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

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        January 17, 2019 at 1:31 am

        Thanks Amanda you just made my day? Glad you liked it.

        Reply
    8. Donald

      November 07, 2018 at 2:59 am

      Wonderful

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        November 07, 2018 at 5:39 am

        Thanks so much! ?

        Reply
    9. Midge

      November 05, 2018 at 1:56 pm

      Wow , I made this delicious main dish for our family last night , it was a hit . Thank you for the recipe .

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        November 05, 2018 at 3:29 pm

        I'm so glad your family loved it! Thanks so much for your comment Midge? Have a great day!

        Reply
    10. Jennifer

      November 01, 2018 at 10:54 am

      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 🙂

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        November 01, 2018 at 2:55 pm

        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!!

        Reply
    11. Caroline

      October 30, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      This looks delicious. Cannot wait to try this out!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        October 30, 2018 at 8:01 pm

        Thanks so much for your comment Caroline ? Happy day to you

        Reply
    12. Laura

      October 30, 2018 at 3:42 pm

      My kids love it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        November 05, 2018 at 3:32 pm

        Yeah! that's awesome. Its a hit with my grandkids too? Thanks so much Laura.

        Reply

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