Spicy Easy Mac-N-Cheese (Vegan + No Cashews) - The Simple Veganista (2024)

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Easy Spicy Mac and Cheese is a crowd-pleasing favorite that all types of eaters enjoy! Made with only 8 ingredients and ready in 20 minutes, this easy vegan mac and cheese recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Spicy Easy Mac-N-Cheese (Vegan + No Cashews) - The Simple Veganista (1)

No frills here, just a simple vegan mac n’ cheese with a kick. This is seriously the easiest recipe ever using only pantry staples and resulting in a creamy, cheesy-ish macaroni!

This is my second mac & cheese recipe to date. My other one, Vegan Mac and Cheese Bake, is supreme to any others I have tried and is an easy cashew based recipe.

But, I don’t always want to use the high fat nut-based recipes. So in comes this new easy vegan mac and cheese recipe which is simply made from non-dairy milk, a little oil, flour, nutritional yeast and a few spices.

It’s delicious and ready in a quick 20 minutes. Plus, the recipe can easily be doubled and is great for weekly meal prep!

I can see this version being made again and again in my kitchen, adding steamed or roasted vegetables for variety. It hits the spot completely and I think you’ll agree!

Spicy Easy Mac-N-Cheese (Vegan + No Cashews) - The Simple Veganista (2)

Table of Contents show

Ingredients You’ll Need

Using these key ingredients will give this mac n’ cheese lot’s of flavor! Plus, you’ll find ideas for varying the ingredients to suit your needs.

  • Pasta – Any small pasta will do. You can even toss it with noodles for a change!
  • Non-dairy milk – I used almond milk for mine, but you can opt for your favorite nut free, non-dairy milk instead to make this nut free.
  • Nutritional YeastNutritional yeast, aka ‘nooch’ or ‘savoury yeast flakes’, has a savory/umami characteristic. With its nutty, cheesy flavor, that’s an acquired taste, it’s great for mimicking cheese flavored dishes. It’s a great addition to your plant-based diet! For starters, it’s a complete protein containing 9 grams of protein per serving, 2 tablespoons. It’s also low in fat and sodium, and contains B vitamins. Some brands are fortified with B-12, like this Now (<affiliate link), so be sure to seek out those brands.
  • Spices – This is a spicy mac and cheese, but not overly so, calling for just a little chili and chipotle powder for a little heat and flavor. Feel free to omit the chili spices, using just garlic powder, for a milder flavor.
  • Oil – I used olive oil, but you can use your favorite neutral flavored oil.
  • Flour – All-purpose, spelt, gluten free flour blend or rice flour will all work well.

Spicy Easy Mac-N-Cheese (Vegan + No Cashews) - The Simple Veganista (3)

How To Make Vegan Mac and Cheese with Nutritional Yeast

  • Cook your pasta according to package directions.
  • Next, make the roux by heating the oil over medium heat, add the flour and whisk until flour is dissolved. Slowly add in the the almond milk, continuously whisking, until mixture thickens. Feel free to add in the spices, once it starts to thicken.
  • Remove from heat, stir in the nutritional yeast. I prefer to add the nutritional yeast at the end so it doesn’t lose any of the nutritional benefits.
  • Add the pasta and cheese sauce together, mix well to coat. Taste for seasoning.

This is an easy, versatile mac n’ cheese that will win hearts!

Spicy Easy Mac-N-Cheese (Vegan + No Cashews) - The Simple Veganista (4)

How To Store Leftovers

  • Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: This mac and cheese is freezer friendly and will last 2 – 3 months stored in freezer safe containers (affiliate link). Let thaw in the fridge, or bake from frozen.

How To Reheat Mac n cheese

  • Stovetop: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of non-dairy milk or water to bring back its creaminess.
  • Microwave: Using 30 seconds intervals, microwave until warmed through, stirring between each interval.
  • Oven: Heat in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Spicy Easy Mac-N-Cheese (Vegan + No Cashews) - The Simple Veganista (5)

Serving Suggestions

This savory mac & cheese is great alone and can be made even better when paired with any of this serving options for a healthy lunch or dinner.

  • Serve with Vegan Collard Greens or Savory Sauteed Kale.
  • Add in steamed broccoli or brussels sprouts.
  • Serve with a side of soup like this Vegan Cauliflower Soup.

More Recipes With Nutritional Yeast

If you’re wondering what else you can do with nutritional yeast, you can find a few more ways to use it here. And if this is new to you,it’s a flavor that you may have to adjust to. I’ve heard many do not like it at first, but it will grow on you, and you will find it to be a useful and tasty addition to your healthy diet.

  • Spicy Kale Pesto
  • Tofu Scramble
  • Almond Parmesan
  • Vegetable Frittata
  • Cashew Ricotta Cheese

Lots of ways to put nutritional yeast to use in your kitchen. You may even try sprinkling some on your popcorn!

Spicy Easy Mac-N-Cheese (Vegan + No Cashews) - The Simple Veganista (6)

More Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipes

  • Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese(cashew based)
  • Mac and Cheese with Peas(cashew based)
  • (roux)
  • (cashew based)

If you make this vegan mac and cheese recipe, please let me know!Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

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EASY SPICY MAC-N-CHEESE

Spicy Easy Mac-N-Cheese (Vegan + No Cashews) - The Simple Veganista (7)
Print Recipe
★★★★★4.9 from 16 reviews

No frills here, just a simple vegan mac n’ cheese with a kick! No dairy and no cashews. Add in steamed or roasted veggies to suit your taste.

  • Author: Julie | The Simple Vegansita
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 3 - 4 1x
  • Category: Entree, Pasta
  • Method: boil, simmer
  • Cuisine: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

  • 8 oz. favorite pasta (I used quinoa pasta)
  • 1 1/4 cups unsweetened plain almond milk (at room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons flour (spelt, rice, tapioca or all-purpose)
  • 1/41/2 cup nutritional yeast flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • mineral salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

Pasta: Cook your pasta according to package. Drain and place back in pot, set aside.

Vegan Cheese Sauce: In a small/medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat, add flour and whisk to incorporate. Continue whisking and cook for 2 minutes, mixture will be bubbly. Add milk slowly, whisking constantly. Add the garlic powder, chili & chipotle powder and salt. Turn heat to low and cook until sauce thickens, about 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in nutritional yeast. Stir until everything is incorporated and smooth again. Taste for flavor.

Assemble: Add sauce and pasta together, tossing well, add more milk as needed and serve right away.

Serves 3

Store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 – 5 days in a covered container.

Notes

This recipe is just a template. Add as much of the salt and spices to suit your taste. You may even like to omit the chili and chipotle opting for a mild mac n’ cheese. Or use either the chili or chipotle powder alone.

For the nutritional yeast, if using powder form reduce the amount to about 1/4 cup. You can try playing around with the amount. I have used less, 1/4 – 1/3 cup, and still had a nice cheesy flavor. You may opt to start with less and add more to taste.

Toss in steamed or roasted vegetables of choice with the pasta…broccoli, brussels sprouts, sun-dried tomatoes, tomatoes, spinach, kale and corn are a few that come to mind that will work with the flavors. I’m sure I missed a few and would love to hear your suggestions in the comments below.

To reheat, add a small amount of milk and heat over low until warmed.

You may also like to top with some almond parmesan!

Updated: Spicy Mac & Cheese was first published October 2013 and has been updated December 2019 with new photos and helpful tips.

FOLLOW TSVonFacebook,Instagram,PinterestorRSSfor more updates and inspiration!

Spicy Easy Mac-N-Cheese (Vegan + No Cashews) - The Simple Veganista (2024)

FAQs

What is nut free vegan cheese made of? ›

Start with a homemade version of vegan mozzarella. All you need is tofu (or the substitutes mentioned above), non-dairy milk, garlic, onion, lemon, salt, and tapioca starch and you're in the cheese-making business!

What is vegan mac and cheese made of? ›

The answer is cashews and nutritional yeast. I know, I know, it sounds crazy, but hear me out. The creamy, dreamy texture of this vegan cheese comes from soaked cashews, while nutritional yeast gives this cheese sauce all the cheesy goodness of the traditional version.

Is easy Mac nut free? ›

Contains: Wheat, Gluten, Milk. May Contain: Lupin, Egg, Tree Nuts, Soy.

Why is mac and cheese not vegan? ›

Kraft Mac and Cheese is not a dairy-free product, as it contains milk as one of its main ingredients. Despite this, there are a few alternatives that are dairy-free and suitable for those who are lactose-intolerant or vegan.

Why are cashews used in vegan cheese? ›

Nuts were a game-changer for vegan cheese because they provide a lot of fat: 100 grams of cashews have 44 grams of fat, versus 6.4 grams of fat in the same amount of soybeans. This allows for richer flavor and texture that gets closer to imitating animal milk dairy.

Which cheese is most vegan? ›

Vegans can eat cheese that is comprised of plant-based ingredients like soybeans, peas, cashews, coconut, or almonds. The most common types of vegan cheeses are cheddar, gouda, parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese that can be found in non-dairy forms.

Is there a black owned vegan mac and cheese? ›

9 Mac & Yease

Vegan chef Ayindè Howell popularized his vegan mac and cheese and it has since hit hot bars in retailers such as Whole Foods Market.

Is Chick Fil A mac and cheese vegan? ›

Is Chick-Fil-A mac and cheese vegan? No, the mac and cheese is made with both dairy and egg.

What brand of chips are nut free? ›

Several varieties of Utz, Wise, Herr's, Cape Cod, Pringles, and Ruffles potato chips are peanut-free, including plain/original and BBQ (check the packaging on other flavors).

Are M&Ms peanut and tree nut free? ›

There are some important things that you may not know about a peanut and tree nut allergy. Some parents wonder why they can't eat certain foods when peanuts or nuts are not visually present. For example, M&M's do not have peanuts as an ingredient, but there is a warning stating that they may contain peanuts.

What chips are nut free? ›

A few examples of peanut free chips are: Deep River, Beanitos, Late July, Popchips and Pirate's Booty.

Is Annie's vegan Mac vegan? ›

Made with organic rice pasta and a rich cheddar-flavored seasoning, Annie's vegan macaroni and cheddar flavor is crafted with wholesome ingredients for a tasty vegan dinner addition everybunny will love.

Is Auntie Anne's mac and cheese vegan? ›

Annie's macaroni and cheddar flavor contains USDA Certified Organic ingredients with no artificial flavors or synthetic colors for a vegan dinner option you can feel good about serving with family dinner.

Why is pasta not vegan? ›

The general everyday dry pasta in shapes like spaghetti, linguini, fettuccini, fusilli, penne, orzo, jumbo shells, manicotti, lasagna noodles, and elbow macaroni are usually vegan. The fresh pasta sold in the refrigerated section usually contains eggs and is therefore not vegan.

Can people with nut allergies eat vegan cheese? ›

You'll obviously want to avoid all vegan cheeses made from nuts (there are quite a few cashew varieties on the market)—but there are plenty of completely nut-free vegan options available. Check out nut-free brand Daiya, along with Follow Your Heart and Chao Creamery.

Does vegan cheese contain nuts? ›

Vegan cheeses can be made from a variety of nuts, most commonly cashews, almonds, and macadamias. These plant-based sources contain healthy fats but no cholesterol, rennet, or any other gross ingredients found in cheese made from cow's milk.

Is all vegan cheese made with nuts? ›

Vegan cheese is usually made from soy, nuts, vegetable oils, and various other natural ingredients like peas or arrowroot. Vegan cheese is seen as a healthier alternative to cheese by some, and may reduce your risk of heart disease due to its lower content of fat.

Are there nuts in vegan cheese? ›

Vegan cheese can be made from cashews, almonds, and macadamia. It can also be nut-free, made from pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or hemp.

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