Name: Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head of cauliflower, 2 pounds (900 g), cut into florets; 1 cup golden potatoes, chopped (6 ounces, 170 g); ½ cup sweet potato, chopped (3 ounces, 85 g); ½ cup raw cashews (3 ounces, 75 g), soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes, then rinsed and drained; ½ cup water (separate from soaking water); 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (17 g); 2 tablespoons olive oil (26 g); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (6 g); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (2.5 g); ½ teaspoon onion powder (1.6 g); 1 ½ teaspoons salt (7 g); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (14 g); 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs (10 g); 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 4 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, creamy dish that warms the soul but keeps things plant-based and wholesome, this Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. It transforms humble vegetables into a luxuriously smooth sauce that lovingly coats tender cauliflower florets, delivering all the cozy vibes of classic mac and cheese without any dairy. Every bite feels indulgent yet light, making it a perfect choice for any occasion where you want that rich, cheesy satisfaction without compromising on health or compassion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a glass blender container filled with a smooth, bright yellow mixture. The mixture has a creamy texture with slight swirls on the surface, indicating it has been recently blended. The blender has a clear glass body with a black handle and a spout. The container is placed on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and simple background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in its simple, whole-food ingredients. Each component is chosen to build layers of flavor, creaminess, and texture, working in perfect harmony to create a dish that’s both hearty and vibrant.

Cauliflower (1 head, about 2 pounds): The star vegetable providing a tender, mild base that soaks up the luscious sauce beautifully.
Golden potatoes (1 cup, chopped): Add natural creaminess and body to the sauce for that velvety texture everyone loves.
Sweet potato (½ cup, chopped): Brings a subtle sweetness and gorgeous color to brighten up the dish.
Raw cashews (½ cup, soaked): The secret weapon for richness and a silky mouthfeel that mimics cheese wonderfully.
Water (½ cup): Helps blend everything into a perfectly smooth sauce without watering down flavor.
Nutritional yeast (3 tbsp): Adds that unmistakable cheesy, nutty flavor—absolutely essential here.
Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp): Lifts the sauce with brightness and balances richness.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Boosts depth and mouth-coating silkiness.
Dijon mustard (1 tsp): Imparts a subtle tangy complexity, just like a good mac and cheese should have.
Garlic powder (1 tsp) and Onion powder (½ tsp): Build savory undertones that round out the flavor perfectly.
Salt (1 ½ tsp): Seasoning is key to bring out every note in this dish.
Panko breadcrumbs (2 tbsp): Provide a delightfully crispy topping to finish it off with texture and crunch.
Chopped parsley (1 tbsp): Fresh, herbal garnish that adds inviting color and aroma.

How to Make Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Cauliflower Florets

Start by cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and boiling them in salted water for about 10 minutes until tender. This soft base will eagerly soak up the creamy sauce and ensure every forkful is perfectly mellow and satisfying.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

While the cauliflower cooks, boil the chopped golden and sweet potatoes separately in another pot. They need about 15 minutes to become soft enough to blend into the sauce, giving it that signature smoothness and a touch of natural sweetness.

Step 3: Soak the Cashews

Place raw cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes to soften them. This step is crucial for achieving an ultra-creamy texture in your sauce without any graininess — it’s what transforms the whole dish into something truly decadent.

Step 4: Blend the Cheese Sauce

Drain your softened cashews and add them to a high-speed blender along with the cooked golden potatoes, sweet potatoes, water, nutritional yeast, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and fresh lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and silky. Taste and tweak the seasonings if needed to get that perfect balance of tangy, cheesy, and savory.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the luscious sauce over the cooked cauliflower and toss gently so every floret is coated with that creamy goodness. Transfer this mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs on top for crunch, and bake for about 10 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley to add a beautiful, fresh finish.

How to Serve Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy yellow macaroni and cheese topped with golden crunchy crumbs and small green parsley leaves scattered on top. The macaroni has a smooth, cheesy texture with a bright yellow color beneath the crumb layer. The dish is on a wooden round board, placed on a white marbled surface. Nearby, there is a white bowl of yellow cheese sauce and a white bowl with light brown crumbs causing a cozy kitchen feel. The scene is brightly lit, emphasizing the dish's rich texture and vibrant colors photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but feel free to add a dusting of smoked paprika or some chopped chives for an extra pop of color and flavor. These little touches elevate the dish and make it look as vibrant as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted veggies, or even some spicy pickles to cut through the creamy richness. It’s versatile enough to be a main course or the star of your plant-based side lineup.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve this in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch? Or layer it into a casserole with roasted mushrooms or sautéed kale between layers for an impressive, hearty twist on the traditional version.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers in a suitable freezer container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to bring back the creamy texture without drying it out.

FAQs

Is this Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe really dairy-free?

Absolutely! It uses cashews and nutritional yeast to mimic the creamy, cheesy flavor without any dairy ingredients, making it perfect for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.

Can I use other types of nuts instead of cashews?

Cashews work best because of their mild flavor and creamy texture, but macadamia nuts or soaked almonds can be used in a pinch, keeping in mind they may slightly change the flavor profile.

What if I don’t have nutritional yeast—can I still make this dish?

Nutritional yeast is key for that cheesy taste, but if you don’t have it, try adding a small amount of miso paste or smoked paprika for some umami, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the crispy topping without gluten.

How spicy is this dish? Could kids enjoy it?

This recipe is mild and kid-friendly, with no spicy ingredients. The flavors are savory with a subtle tang and sweetness, making it appealing to all ages.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to comfort meals. It’s rich, satisfying, and amazingly simple to prepare with wholesome ingredients that uplift the classic mac and cheese to a fresh, plant-powered level. Don’t wait to make it your own—your taste buds will thank you!