Dairy-Free Baked Mac and Cheese is creamy and delicious, topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping. This classic comfort food is vegan and can easily be altered for gluten-free diets.
When my husband travels for work, that's when I really go crazy in the kitchen! He is not a fan of dairy-free or vegan cheese and despises my precious nutritional yeast.
So, when he is away - I make alllll the cheesey nooch-filled goodness. Hello, Dairy-Free Baked Mac and Cheese!!
I've had veganized baked mac on my list to make for awhile now! It's just so cozy and comforting, what's not to like? Plus, it feeds a family or in my case, makes perfect leftovers for a week.
I'm going to be honest with you, I almost stopped half way to share the creamiest vegan or dairy-free macaroni and cheese recipe but I was seriously craving that crumbly topping. I share this so that if you have that urge, I won't judge you 😉
The cashew-based vegan cheese sauce is just so creamy! Make sure you let the cashews soak overnight so they blend super well the following day.
How to Make Dairy-Free Baked Mac and Cheese
Start by soaking your cashews, that's the key to the entire dish! Once your cashews are soaked and soft, preheat oven and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta of choice according to the directions on the package.
In a blender or food processor, combine vegan cheese sauce ingredients and blend until perfectly smooth. Once the pasta is cooked, drain water and return to pot.
Stir in the vegan cheese sauce and treat yourself with a spoonful (or two) of delicious creamy vegan macaroni and cheese! Transfer to baking dish and top with breadcrumb topping. Bake for 25 minutes then enjoy!
Don't let a cashew-based sauce or dressing intimidate you! Once you let them properly soak, the result is a perfectly silky smooth sauce.
Here are a few of my other favorite cashew-based recipes!
Dairy-Free Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow pasta substitute gluten-free, if needed
Vegan Cheese Sauce
- 1 ½ cups raw cashews soaked overnight
- 1 ½ cups dairy-free milk
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
Breadcrumb Topping
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs + 1 tablespoon olive oil substitute gluten-free, if needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, drain the soaking cashews, and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package.
- As the pasta cooks, combine vegan cheese sauce ingredients together in a blender or food processor. Blend until silky smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add additional dairy-free milk one tablespoon at a time. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.
- Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, drain and add back to pot. Stir in vegan cheese sauce until combined. Transfer to prepared baking dish and top with breadcrumb topping.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, remove from oven, let cool for about 10 minutes, then serve warm.
Yanna says
Looks good! My niece is lactose intolerant so I am sure she would appreciate if I made this for her!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Great! Thanks, Yanna 🙂 I hope y'all get to try it soon
Tammy says
I am new to the dairy free way of eating. For the Nutritional Yeast.. is it flakes or the Nutritional Yeast Seasoning by Bragg's that is used?
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Hi Tammy 🙂 I actually use both interchangeably! My favorite brands are Bragg’s and Bob's Red Mill
The Crumby Vegan says
Wow this looks soooooo good! I cannot wait to give it a go. I've tried making vegan mac n cheese with sweet potato but never cashews for the cheese sauce - I can't wait! ?
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Thanks so much 🙂 I hope you love it!
Jennifer Maune says
Yum!! The cheese sounds absolutely delicious. I am always a big fan of breadcrumbs on top! Will definitely have to try this recipe soon!
-Jennifer
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Hi Jennifer! Yes, it's the perfect little crunch 🙂 Thanks and enjoy!
GiGi Eats says
I so have to try this out on my husband. He's an Annie's Mac & Cheese guy - ha! SO we shall see if he's into this variety too!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Haha can't wait to find out 🙂
Nicole Kauffman says
This looks amazing!! I'm always looking for dairy-free options that taste delicious!!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Thanks, Nicole 🙂 Right!! The blended cashews are amazinggg
Kayvona says
My daughter has a dairy allergy and this would be a perfect option for her for the holidays!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
For sure! Enjoy 🙂
Kortney says
The breadcrumbs must add such a nice texture when baked. I love the crispiness from baked cheese, looks like this recipe isn't missing out!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
They really do 🙂 Thanks!
Shayla Marie says
I've made something similar before, the cashews and brewers yeast make the best dairy sub EVER! I want to try this! It sounds so good.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
YES! Let me know what you think 🙂
Sharon says
Loving this classic comfort food mac and cheese dish and the fact that it's dairy-free. Perfect for we have family over that must have dairy-free recipes available.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Absolutely 🙂 I hope y'all get to try it soon!
Whitney Kutch says
I've never cooked with nutritional yeast before, but I've tried snacks that use it as a dairy replacement. I'll give this recipe a try!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Yay 🙂 I hope you give it a try, it's my favorite ingredient! I use it in everything now!!
Kelly Bolen says
Any kind of mac and cheese is delicious!!! Can't wait to try this!!!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
100% agree with you! Enjoy!!
Krissy Cross says
This sounds delcious! I LOVE making bakes! I pinned this and will be making it in the future! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jenna | The Urben Life says
So happy to hear that! Let me know what you think 🙂 Enjoy!
Sarah says
Can't wait to make this for my son and husband. They can't have dairy and miss having Mac n cheese, it looks delicious too!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Aww yes! I'm so excited for them to be able to try it 🙂 Enjoy!!
Diane@hotflashyfaith says
This looks amazing! I never in a million years would have thought of cashews!! I may have to get brave and try this in the hopes I don't completely destroy it! LOL Thank you for sharing this!!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
I hope you give it a try 🙂 It's soooo creamy and delicious!