Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese with Spinach and Basil Breadcrumbs

Craving comfort food with a plant-based twist? This Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese hits all the right notes—rich, savoury, and satisfying, with layers of cheesy goodness and a golden basil breadcrumb topping for added texture. Featuring a velvety cashew sauce, sautéed spinach, and melted vegan cheddar and gouda, this dish is a hearty main that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients:         

  • Cashew sauce
  • 150g cashews
  • 200ml plant-based milk
  • 20g nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Sautéed spinach:   

  • Half yellow onion, diced
  • 2–3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Breadcrumb topping:

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup panko
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup basil, finely chopped
  • 500g elbow pasta
  • 100g white cheddar vegan cheese style, block
  • 100g smoked gouda cheese style, block
  • 1/3 cup pasta water

Instructions:

  1. Start by soaking the cashews in boiling water for 10 minutes. Once softened, drain and transfer to a blender along with plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, then set aside

  2. To make the breadcrumb topping, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs, panko, black pepper, and chopped basil. Toast until golden and fragrant, then remove from heat and set aside

  3. Grate both the white cheddar and smoked gouda vegan cheese blocks and set aside.

  4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow pasta according to package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water before draining.

  5. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté the diced onion with salt for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

  6. Lower the heat slightly and pour in the blended cashew sauce. Stir in the shredded white cheddar and smoked gouda. Whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the reserved pasta water and the cooked pasta, stirring to coat every piece evenly.
  7. Spoon into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of toasted basil breadcrumbs.

    This Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—rich, savoury, and layered with flavour. Whether you’re hosting a plant-based dinner party or just craving something indulgent yet wholesome, this dish delivers on all fronts

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