Vegan Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
If you think going vegan means saying goodbye to creamy, cheesy comfort food — think again! This Vegan Mac and Cheese with Broccoli is everything you want in a cozy dish: rich, velvety sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and nourishing green broccoli for that extra bite. Whether you’re dairy-free, plant-based, or just looking for a healthier twist on a classic, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This isn’t just any vegan mac and cheese. It’s the kind that makes you forget it’s vegan. The sauce is made from wholesome ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk, bringing that signature cheesy flavor without a drop of dairy. Broccoli adds color, crunch, and nutrition — making this a balanced one-bowl meal you can feel good about.
It’s quick to make, kid-friendly, and can easily be prepped ahead of time. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving serious comfort.
The Secret Behind the Vegan Cheese Sauce
The real magic in this dish is the creamy sauce. Instead of processed vegan cheese, this recipe uses soaked cashews blended with garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast (for that “cheesy” depth), and spices. The result? A thick, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful sauce that coats every bite of macaroni beautifully.
You can adjust the thickness by adding more plant milk or make it spicier with a dash of cayenne. It’s totally customizable to your taste.
Healthier Comfort in Every Bite
Traditional mac and cheese may bring nostalgia, but this vegan version offers all the flavor with fewer regrets. Cashews bring healthy fats, broccoli adds fiber and vitamins, and the absence of butter and cheese makes it easier on the stomach and cholesterol levels.
And let’s be real — when your comfort food includes veggies, it’s easier to go for that second bowl!
Tips to Make It Perfect Every Time
Use short pasta: Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells or rotini also work well to hold the sauce.
Steam the broccoli just right: Add broccoli in the last 2–3 minutes of boiling pasta to keep it crisp and green.
Blend until super smooth: For the creamiest sauce, use a high-speed blender and blend until completely velvety.
Don’t skip the nutritional yeast: It’s the backbone of vegan cheese flavor!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this mac and cheese hot from the stove topped with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or vegan parmesan. It pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread, but honestly, it’s filling enough on its own. You can even bake it for 10 minutes at 400°F with breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish.
A Meal for Everyone
Vegan Mac and Cheese with Broccoli is more than just a plant-based version of a classic — it’s a reminder that comfort food can be both indulgent and nourishing. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply satisfying your cheesy cravings, this dish never disappoints.
Vegan Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions. In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
- In a high-speed blender, combine soaked cashews, plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, turmeric, mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the sauce into the same pot over low heat and stir until warmed through.
- Add cooked pasta and broccoli into the pot and mix until fully coated in the sauce.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
