This warm and creamy Vegan Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese is a cozy dish that everyone will love! It combines sweet potatoes with pasta, giving it a fun twist and a beautiful orange color.
Honestly, who said comfort food can’t be healthy? I enjoy how easy it is to whip up this dish. Plus, you get to enjoy a cheesy flavor without any dairy—absolute win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potato: This is the star of the dish! It adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with butternut squash or pumpkin puree, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Cashews: They create a rich and creamy texture for the cheese sauce. If you’re nut-free, try using sunflower seeds instead or silken tofu for a creamy base. Just soak seeds in water for a bit to soften.
Nutritional Yeast: It gives that cheesy flavor without dairy. If you can’t find it, you can use a bit of vegan cheese or leave it out, though you might lose some flavor depth.
Pasta: I stick with elbow macaroni, but you can use any pasta shape you love, like shells or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta also works beautifully here!
How Do You Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Dairy?
Making a creamy cheese sauce is all about blending the right ingredients smoothly. Start by cooking your sweet potato until it’s tender. Then, soak cashews in hot water for 20 minutes to soften them up.
- In a blender, combine the sweet potato, soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, and seasonings.
- Blend until very smooth; you want that creamy texture! If it’s too thick, add a bit more almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
Always taste your sauce before mixing with pasta. Feel free to adjust seasoning or add a bit more nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor!
Vegan Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 large sweet potato (about 1.5 cups cooked and mashed)
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 20 minutes)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)
Estimated Time:
This delicious Vegan Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potato:
While the pasta cooks, peel and chop the sweet potato into small cubes. Boil or steam the cubes until they are tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Afterward, drain and mash the sweet potato, or you can blend it until smooth if you prefer.
3. Soak the Cashews:
If you haven’t soaked your cashews yet, do that now! Place them in a bowl with hot water and let them sit for 20 minutes. After soaking, drain the water.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a blender, combine the cooked sweet potato, soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, olive oil or vegan butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend the mixture until it’s very smooth and creamy—this will be your cheesy sauce! Taste it and feel free to adjust the seasoning as you like.
5. Combine Pasta with Sauce:
Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large pan. Pour the sweet potato cheese sauce over the pasta and stir to combine everything well. Heat on low for a couple of minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld, stirring frequently.
6. Optional Breadcrumb Topping:
If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle the breadcrumbs in a small pan with a bit of olive oil and toast them until golden brown. Once ready, sprinkle these crispy breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese.
7. Serve:
Garnish your Vegan Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese with fresh chopped parsley or thyme. Serve warm, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy deliciousness!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful, and comforting Vegan Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is a classic choice, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like shells, penne, or gluten-free options.
What Can I Substitute for Nutritional Yeast?
If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can use a vegan cheese alternative or simply omit it. The sauce will still be delicious, though you may miss that cheesy flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free pasta to keep it suitable for a gluten-free diet. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of plant-based milk if it gets too thick.
