Dairy Free Mac and Cheese
This dairy free mac and cheese recipe with butternut squash, cashews, nutritional yeast, and savory spices will work its way into your dinner rotation in no time!
Servings 6 people
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) bag elbow macaroni
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash
- ½ cup raw cashews
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook macaroni noodles al dente, according to package instructions. Once cooked, reserve at least ½ cup pasta water then strain. Pour noodles back into the pot and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in in a blender or food processor, blend cashews and water until combined. Add in roasted butternut squash and remaining ingredients. Blend again, until completely smooth.
- Add the butternut squash sauce to pot with cooked pasta and stir to coat. Add reserved pasta water while stirring, until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash
Peel the squash, slice in half and remove seeds, roughly chop, toss with about a tablespoon or so of oil, salt, and pepper. Bake in the oven at 400F for 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
How to Soak Raw Cashews
If using cold water, soak overnight. If using hot water, cover cashews with water in a small bowl and let sit for up to 30 minutes.
Substitutions
Butternut squash: Use pumpkin, sweet potato, or squash of choice.
Cashews: Use sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, or walnuts.
Gluten Free Option
Use gluten free elbow pasta!
Storage and Reheating
Store in the refrigerator for 4-5 days in an airtight container or freeze for up to 4 months in a freezer bag.
To reheat from frozen, let thaw fully in the fridge. Warm in a microwave-safe bowl or in a pot on the stove.
The sauce will thicken up as it sits, so add a little bit of water or dairy free milk as you reheat to thin out the sauce.
