Cashew Mac and Cheese

Have you discovered the magic of cashews?  I’m in love with Cashew Mac and Cheese topped with Coconut Bacon! What can I say? It’s a game-changer.

When we were in San Diego recently, we ate at one of the best vegan restaurants EVER!! Although we went to many vegan restaurants on our trip, Donna Jean stands out as one of the best plant-based eating experience we have ever encountered. 

First, we ordered the most incredible cashew mac and cheese I have ever eaten. Served in an iron skillet, Donna Jean’s cashew mac and cheese recipe was so creamy and delicious, I couldn’t believe it was vegan. Of course, I begged for the recipe, and without hesitation, the waitress told me the secret to cashew mac and cheese: raw cashews, miso, and coconut milk. So, after many trials and errors, I mastered it.

MAKING THE CREAMY CASHEW MAC AND CHEESE SAUCE IS MAGICAL

As with most dishes, the magic is in the sauce. Once I knew the secret to make the best cashew mac and cheese, I had to figure out the combination of those ingredients to make the magic happen. Even though I would love to tell you it happened te first time, I would be a liar. In fact, I think mastering cashew mac and cheese took more time than I would like to admit. But now that I figured it out, I thought I should share it with you. 

CASHEW MAC AND CHEESE SAUCE: CASHEWS, MISO, AND COCONUT MILK OH MY! 

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked overnight). You don’t have to soak them if you have a high-quality, high-speed blender. 
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 Tablespoons coconut milk (full fat in a can)
• 2 Tablespoons White Miso Paste
• 4 Green Onions, bottom greens removed
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 Shallot
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 6 Tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
• 1 Tablespoon Liquid Smoke (I used hickory flavor)

HOW TO MAKE COCONUT BACON FOR CASHEW MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE

Then, I figured why not make it more decadent by adding coconut bacon. Although I have made tempeh bacon, as well as mushroom, eggplant, and soy bacon, coconut bacon is by far my favorite. And, it is so easy to make.

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut chips
• 3 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
• 3 Tablespoons Tamari or Soy Sauce
• 2 teaspoons Liquid Smoke

CREAMY, DREAMY CASHEW MAC AND CHEESE IS DRESSED TO IMPRESS! 

I hope you love this cashew mac and cheese as much as I do. Even if you don’t add the coconut bacon, you won’t be disappointed. 

Cashew mac and cheese is fabulous either way. Add a little hot sauce to kick it up a notch, if that’s is your thing.

IF YOU LOVE CASHEW MAC AND CHEESE AND CREAMY PASTA RECIPES, TRY THESE!

• Healthy Mac and Cheese
• Vegan Chipotle Mac and Cheese
• Skinny Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
• Creamy Spicy Vegan Sausage Pasta
• Vegan Cajun Pasta
• Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe
• Vegan Pesto Pasta
• Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Yield: 6 servings

Cashew Mac and Cheese

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Cashew Mac and Cheese is smokey, creamy, delicious and melts in your mouth. Top it with coconut bacon and take your mac and cheese to the next level!

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Ingredients

SAUCE

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked overnight). You don't have to soak them if you have a high quality high-speed blender. 
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 Tablespoons coconut milk (full fat in a can)
• 2 Tablespoons White Miso Paste
• 4 Green Onions, bottom greens removed
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 Shallot
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 6 Tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
• 1 Tablespoon Liquid Smoke (I used hickory flavor)

Coconut Bacon (optional)

• 1 recipe coconut bacon

Instructions

SAUCE

• Drain and rinse the raw cashews
• Add cashews and all ingredients, except for the macaroni in a blender
• If you soaked your cashews, it will take less time to blend (I used a Nutri-bullet)
• If you did not soak your cashews, you just need to blend until smooth

MACARONI

• In a large pot, fill 3/4 of water and 2 teaspoons salt
• Wait until water starts boiling before adding macaroni
• Follow directions on the package (I oiled for 7 minutes per package instructions)
• Drain noodles completely in a colander
• Return noodles to the pan

ADD SAUCE

• Add sauce to hot noodles
• You do not need to heat the sauce. The sauce will heat when pour and stirred onto the hot noodles.
• Serve and add coconut bacon to the top

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS

• Add hot sauce
• Add scallions
• Add salsa or chopped tomatoes
• Add jalapeños
• in

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Raw Cashews, 1 Pound – Deluxe Whole Nuts, Unsalted, Unroasted Fancy Snack, Size W-320, Kosher, Vegan, Bulk, A good source of Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper & Manganese
• 
  Anthony's Premium Nutritional Yeast Flakes, 1lb, Fortified, Gluten Free, Non GMO, Vegan
• 
  Colgin Liquid Smoke, Natural Hickory, 4-Ounce
• 
  Nature's Greatest Foods, Organic Coconut Milk, No Guar Gum, Unsweetened, 13.5 Ounce (Pack of 12)
• 
  Organic Shiro White Miso Paste | 2.2 lb (35.2 oz)
• 
  NutriBullet Pro - 13-Piece High-Speed Blender/Mixer System with Hardcover Recipe Book Included (900 Watts)

Nutrition Information

Yield

6 servings

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 293Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 6mgSodium 439mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 7gSugar 8gProtein 13g

Nutrition facts may not be 100% accurate.

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