Thanksgiving Vegan Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Thanksgiving just isn’t complete without creamy, comforting side dishes – but traditional macaroni and cheese can be heavy. To keep our holiday meals both indulgent and wholesome, I started experimenting with a plant-based version, and it quickly became a family favorite. This Vegan Macaroni and Cheese is made with a velvety, dairy-free “cheese” sauce that’s just as satisfying as the classic but without the extra calories and saturated fats. It’s a dish you can enjoy while keeping your health goals in mind!

Vegan Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (gluten-free if desired)
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk)
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric (for color, optional)
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender along with almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric (if using), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the cooked macaroni. Stir over medium heat for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta evenly.

4. Serve:

Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm. Sprinkle with a little extra nutritional yeast or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutritional Facts per Serving:

(Serving Size: 1 cup of Vegan Macaroni and Cheese)

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 12g
• Total Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 240mg
• Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 2g

This Vegan Macaroni and Cheese brings the cozy, creamy goodness of a Thanksgiving classic in a health-friendly way. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it a delicious addition to your holiday feast that everyone will love!