Get ready to transform your comfort food game with a mind-blowing vegan mac and cheese that'll make you forget all about traditional dairy-laden versions! This Baked Pumpkin Mac and Cheese isn't just another plant-based recipe—it's a creamy, dreamy culinary adventure that combines the rich, velvety texture of pumpkin with the nostalgic comfort of classic mac and cheese. Whether you're a committed vegan, a plant-curious foodie, or simply someone who loves incredibly delicious meals, this recipe will revolutionize your dinner table and leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz macaroni
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup cashew cream
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup vegan cheese shreds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with olive oil or vegan butter.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, cashew cream, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Whisk until smooth and well integrated.
- Add cooked macaroni to the pumpkin sauce and stir gently to coat each pasta piece completely.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle vegan cheese shreds evenly across the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
- Garnish with optional fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- For the creamiest sauce, ensure your cashew cream is ultra-smooth by blending the cashews thoroughly.
- Don't overcook the pasta—aim for al dente to prevent mushiness in the final dish.
- Use high-quality nutritional yeast for the best cheesy flavor profile.
- If you want extra crunch, consider adding breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- For a protein boost, mix in some cooked chickpeas or crumbled tofu before baking.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and become more cohesive.
- Experiment with different vegan cheese blends to find your perfect flavor combination.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
