As the days grow a bit colder, warm and cozy foods really hit the spot. This Mac & Cheese does just the trick! If it doesn’t take you back to your childhood, it will at least bring new and happy memories for your kids. You don’t even have to feel guilty about feeding your family something so delicious, because it’s vegan -which means it’s replacing the saturated fat from cheese with monounsaturated fat (the good kind) from the cashews. It’s also low in cholesterol and high in fiber, not to mention, it’s delicious. Don’t hold back, dig in!
Baked Vegan Mac & Cheese Ingredients:
Brown Rice Macaroni- A great alternative to traditional white pasta — especially if you’re looking for something gluten-free, more nutrient-dense, or less processed. It’s higher in fiber with a lower glycemic index, meaning your blood sugar levels will avoid the steep spike that comes with traditional pasta.
Cashews- High in monounsaturated fats (the good kind which help lower bad cholesterol), and a good source of plant-based protein while being high in essential minerals.
Water- This is used to make the creamy “cheese” sauce, giving it a smooth consistently while helping limit calorie intake.
Nutritional Yeast- Adds a cheesy, savory (umami) flavor to this dish without the fat, sodium, or dairy. It contains the vitamin B12 (important for vegetarians to consume) and another great plant protein.
Lemon Juice- This is essential to the flavor of the cheese sauce. Just a little goes a long way.
Miso Paste- Miso is made by fermenting soybeans, which means it acts as a natural probiotic. However, keep in mind that miso is salty, so always best to use sparingly.
Turmeric- The star of all things anti-inflammatory! This bold spice is going to turn the cheese sauce the color you would expect from a delicious cheese sauce. Turmeric is best absorbed in your body eaten along with black pepper, so if you fancy, add a dash to your plate.
Sea Salt- Essential to bringing out the full flavor.
Bread Crumbs- This is what makes baked mac & cheese authentic BAKED mac & cheese! It’s an essential ingredient for the entire experience of the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups Brown Rice Macaroni (dry)
- 1 1/2 cups Cashews (raw, soaked overnight)
- 1 1/2 cups Water
- 1/3 cup Nutritional Yeast
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Miso Paste (white)
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric (ground)
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
- 1/3 cup Bread Crumbs
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Cook the brown rice pasta to al dente according to package directions. Strain and run under cold water immediately to prevent from overcooking. Set aside.
- In a blender, combine the cashews, water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, miso, turmeric, and salt. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the salt or other seasonings to your preference.
- Pour the macaroni into a baking dish and add 3/4 of the cashew cheese sauce. Mix to combine. Top with bread crumbs. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is slightly browned.
- Divide onto plates and add a dollop of extra cheese sauce. Enjoy!
Notes:
- Leftovers- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Serving Size- One serving is equal to approximately 1 1/2 cups.
- More Flavor- Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or onion powder to the cheese sauce.
- Additional Toppings- Top with chives or green onion.
- Cheese Sauce- You can use all of the cheese sauce on the macaroni before baking but it will soak up most of the sauce. If you like a saucy consistency, we recommend leaving some sauce aside to serve it with.
- No Miso Paste- Omit and add more salt as needed.
- Short on Time- Soak the cashews in boiling water for 10 minutes.
Health Insights:
- Heart Health- The brown rice macaroni and cashews in this recipe are a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are known to be beneficial for heart health. The low cholesterol content also makes this a heart-friendly meal.
- Digestive Health- This recipe is high in dietary fiber, primarily from the brown rice macaroni and cashews. Fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system, as it aids in regular bowel movements and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
- Bone Health- The recipe contains a good amount of calcium and phosphorous, nutrients that are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. The presence of Vitamin K also contributes to bone health.
