Ultimate Vegan Mac and Cheese

This best vegan mac & cheese uses healthy ingredients like cashews & mushrooms. Healthy and tasty, just the way it should be. Looking for the perfect comfort food with a gourmet twist? This Ultimate Vegan Mac & Cheese recipe combines creamy, rich cashew-based cheese sauce with earthy mushrooms and a touch of luxury from truffle oil. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just indulging in a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is a great way to elevate your classic mac and cheese into a vegan masterpiece. With the addition of furikake and microgreens, this recipe packs both flavor and presentation, creating the perfect balance of textures and tastes, even better than the real thing.

What is radiatori

Radiatori pasta is a type of pasta that is named after the Italian word for radiators, as its shape resembles the ridged fins of a radiator. It is a short, tubular pasta with ruffled edges and a curved shape. The ridges and curves of radiatori pasta make it ideal for holding onto sauces, making it a popular choice for hearty and chunky sauces.

Radiatori pasta is versatile and can be used in a variety of pasta dishes. Its unique shape and texture allow it to trap and hold onto sauce, ensuring that each bite is flavorful. It pairs well with a wide range of sauces, from creamy and cheesy to tomato-based or pesto sauces.

To cook radiatori pasta, simply bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook according to the package instructions or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with your preferred sauce or ingredients.

Radiatori pasta is a fun and visually appealing option that can add texture and interest to your pasta dishes. Its unique shape and ability to hold onto sauce make it a popular choice among pasta enthusiasts.

Vegan Cheese Sauce

Vegan cashew cheese sauce is a dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese sauce that is made using cashews as the base ingredient. It is a creamy sauce that can be used as a substitute for cheese in various dishes.

To make perfect vegan cheese sauce, raw cashews are soaked in water to soften them. Then, the soaked cashews are blended with plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and various seasonings to create a smooth and cheesy consistency. Nutritional yeast is often used in vegan cheese sauces to provide a cheesy flavor, while lemon juice adds a tangy element.

The sauce can be customized with additional ingredients such as garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, or spices to enhance the flavor profile. It can be used as a topping or dip for dishes like pasta, nachos, vegetables, or as a base for macaroni and cheese.

Vegan cashew cheese sauce is a popular choice among those following a vegan or dairy-free diet, as it provides a creamy and cheesy texture without the use of animal products. It offers a healthier alternative to traditional cheese sauces while still delivering a satisfying taste.

Mushroom medley

These beautiful mushrooms are from Two River Mushrooms!!

Sauteed mushroom medley tops our radiatori vegan mac & cheese. We combine a variety of different mushrooms that are sautéed together. It typically involves using a mix of mushroom types, such as cremini, shiitake, oyster, or button mushrooms, to create a flavorful and diverse combination.

To make sauteed mushroom medley, the mushrooms are usually sliced or quartered and then cooked in a skillet with some oil or vegan butter. Additional ingredients like garlic, herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), and seasonings (like salt and pepper) can be added to enhance the flavor.

The mushrooms are sautéed over medium heat until they become tender and develop a golden brown color. This cooking method helps to bring out the natural flavors of the mushrooms and create a delicious, savory dish.

Sauteed mushroom medley can also be served as a side dish, used as a topping for grilled vegetables, added to pasta dishes like our mac n cheese! or used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. It is a versatile and tasty way to enjoy the earthy and rich flavors of different mushroom varieties.

Garnish

Garnishing our Vegan Mac & Cheese with micro greens and furikake can add an extra layer of flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the dish. Here's how you can incorporate these garnishes:

Micro greens: Micro greens are young, tender greens that are harvested when they are very small. They come in various flavors, such as arugula, radish, or pea shoots, and can add a fresh and vibrant element to your sautéed mushroom medley. Simply sprinkle a handful of micro greens over the dish just before serving.

Furikake: Furikake is a Japanese seasoning blend that typically includes ingredients like seaweed, sesame seeds, dried fish, and other seasonings. It adds a savory and umami flavor to dishes. Sprinkle a small amount of furikake over the sautéed mushroom medley to give it an extra burst of flavor and a touch of Japanese flair.

When garnishing with micro greens and furikake, it's best to add them just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture. These garnishes can elevate the overall presentation and taste of your sautéed mushroom medley, making it even more enjoyable to eat.

Variations

Vegan macaroni and cheese is a popular plant-based twist on the classic comfort food. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Cashew-based sauce: Use a creamy cashew-based sauce as a substitute for traditional cheese. Soak raw cashews, then blend them with plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth. Heat the sauce on the stovetop and toss with cooked macaroni. Try this Cashew Cream Spaghetti
2. Butternut squash sauce: Roast or steam butternut squash until tender, then blend it with plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This creates a creamy and slightly sweet sauce that pairs well with macaroni. Try this Pumpkin Mac & Cheese
3. Cauliflower sauce: Steam or boil cauliflower until soft, then blend it with plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This creates a lighter and lower-calorie sauce option. Try this Cauliflower Spaghetti!
4. Vegan cheesy flavorings: There are several brands that offer vegan cheese alternatives you can find in grocery stores that can be melted and used in macaroni and cheese recipes. Look for options made from ingredients like coconut oil, tapioca starch, and nutritional yeas, they make for a great cheesy sauce.
5. Vegetable additions: Add extra flavor and nutrition by mixing in sautéed vegetables like spinach, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also add cooked peas, broccoli, or roasted tomatoes for added texture and taste. Brussels sprouts roasted red potatoes are great additions.
6. Spicy kick: Add some heat to your mac and cheese by incorporating spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, or chili powder. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Substitutions:

1. Truffle Oil: If truffle oil isn’t available, use olive oil or vegan butter for richness.
2. Cashews: Swap raw cashews for macadamia nuts or soaked sunflower seeds if you need a nut-free option.
3. Furikake: Substitute with sesame seeds or seaweed flakes for a similar umami boost.
4. Radiatori Pasta: Use any type of short pasta like elbows, shells, or penne—whatever you have on hand.

Remember to adjust the seasonings and flavors to suit your taste preferences. Vegan macaroni and cheese variations offer a wide range of options to explore, allowing you to find the perfect combination that satisfies your cravings.

FAQ:

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes! You can store the pasta and sauce separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently in a pan, adding a little water or soy milk to loosen it up.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
   Store the mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
3. How do I achieve the perfect sauce consistency?
   When making the sauce, use your intuition! If the sauce feels too thick, add water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. For extra creaminess, you can also add a touch of coconut milk.

Top Tip:

For an extra flavor kick, toast your furikake in a dry pan for a few seconds before sprinkling it on top of your mac and cheese. This will enhance its nutty and savory flavor, adding depth to the dish.

Hint:

Want a crispy topping for that baked mac and cheese feel? Transfer the pasta and sauce to a large ovenproof frying pan, sprinkle with store-bought breadcrumbs or panko, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.