Vegan Mac and Cheese Powder
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 serves of third cup powder that serves 2-3
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Calories
164 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American, gluten-free
Vegan Mac and Cheese Powder
Description
The Vegan Mac and Cheese Powder combines raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and a mix of flours and starches with aromatic seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, sugar, salt, smoked and regular paprika, and black pepper. Processing these ingredients finely results in a powder that can be mixed with non-dairy milk and olive oil or butter substitute to create a smooth, creamy cheese-like sauce without dairy.
To prepare the mac and cheese, cook pasta separately, then combine it with the sauce made from this powder, gently warming until it thickens and coats the noodles. The seasoning blend offers a balance of savory, smoky, and mildly tangy flavors that mimic traditional cheese sauces.
This powder also allows customization with additional spices like chipotle, cajun, or garam masala for varied flavor profiles. It can also be adapted for casseroles or queso-style dips, showing its flexible use in vegan cooking.
Substitutions include using flour blends instead of cashews for nut-free or gluten-free needs. The notes suggest storage and serving sizes, highlighting how the blend can be used for multiple servings and different recipes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cashews raw, (see notes for nutfree)
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 3 tbsp flour ( all purpose or use oat flour for glutenfree. rice flour will work too, but it adds a slight grittyness)
- 2 tbsp tapioca starch or other starch
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1.5 tsp salt (2 tsp for saltier or adjust later when you make the sauce)
- 2 to 3 tsp paprika , a mix of smoked and regular or all smoked
- 1/2 to 1 tsp black pepper
To make Mac & Cheese:
- 1 cup macaroni or other small pasta
- 1 cup non-dairy milk or water
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup mac and cheese powder from above
Instructions
To make the Powder Mix:
- Process everything in a food processor or blender until powdered. It takes 2-3 mins. Blend/process or a minute, scrape sides and blend again. (Check in between to feel the mixture if it is too gritty with pieces of nuts. Process more until the mixture becomes more powdery with just a slight grittyness.)
- Add other flavor profiles such as chipotle, cajun, garam masala and mix in (optional). See notes for options.
To make mac:
- Cook 1 cup of dry pasta according to instructions on the package in salted water. Drain and set aside.
- Combine 1/3 to 1/2 cup of mix with 1 cup of water or (not hot) non dairy milk and 2-3 tsp olive oil or vegan butter (optional) in a saucepan or blend and add to saucepan for creamier, start heat over medium, and bring to a boil. Add cooked pasta (and optionally sauteed veggies such as mushrooms, broccoli etc) and cook for a min, taste and adjust salt and flavor. (You can add 1 tsp miso or soy sauce and/or lemon juice for additional flavor. Garnish with oregano, pepper flakes if needed.) Cover and let sit for another 2 mins. (For saucier, use 1/2 cup mix. You can add a tbsp more of the powder to the simmering sauce, if it isnt as thick as you like).
- To make cheese sauce to drizzle over roasted veggies or salad or baked potato, blend 1/2 cup mix with 1 cup non dairy milk.Add to a pan and bring to a boil. Simmer for a few mins to thicken.
- To Store: Store in a glass jar or ceramic airtight container. On the counter away from heat for upto a month. Refrigerate for freshness and longer life.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute cashews with all-purpose or gluten-free flours such as oat and rice flour combinations.
- Enhance flavor by adding spices like chipotle, cajun, or garam masala, depending on preference.
- This powder can be used to make casseroles by baking with pasta and non-dairy milk and topped with breadcrumbs and herbs.
- Also suitable for queso-style dips by blending with non-dairy milk and spices, then folding in salsa and pickled jalapenos.
- The recipe yields about 1 and 1/3 cups of mix, enough for multiple servings depending on how much is used per dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4serves of third cup powder that serves 2-3
Amount Per Serving
Calories 164 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 164kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 857mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 286mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 850IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 15mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2.3mg | 13% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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