Print

Creamy Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese

creamy dairy-free mac and cheese - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich and creamy dairy-free mac and cheese perfect as a BBQ side dish, made with soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, and smoked paprika for a cheesy, smoky flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or any small pasta shape (gluten-free pasta works well too)
  • Water and a pinch of salt for boiling
  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or oat milk
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: panko breadcrumbs, fresh chopped parsley or chives

Instructions

  1. Soak the cashews in hot water for at least 20 minutes to soften.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente (7-9 minutes). Drain, reserving about 1/4 cup pasta water.
  3. Drain soaked cashews and add to a blender with almond milk, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional mustard powder. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour the sauce into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  5. Add drained pasta to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Optional: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes until golden and crunchy.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.

Notes

Soaking cashews is crucial for a creamy sauce. Blend thoroughly for a silky texture. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor perfect for BBQ. For a crispy topping without baking, toast panko breadcrumbs in a skillet with oil and sprinkle before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: dairy-free mac and cheese, vegan mac and cheese, BBQ side dish, creamy mac and cheese, cashew cheese sauce, gluten-free mac and cheese

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/creamy-dairy-free-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-bbq-side-dish/