This Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese Powder is perfect to whip up mac and cheese within minutes when needed. It also makes a great gift! Add flavors and herbs for variations. Soyfree Vegan Mac and Cheese Mix Recipe. Glutenfree Nutfree Option.

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 serves of third cup powder that serves 2-3
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American, Vegan Gluten-free

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 mac or other small pasta
  • 1 cup non dairy milk or water
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup of mac and cheese powder from above

Method

To make the Powder Mix:

  1. 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.)
  2. Add other flavor profiles such as chipotle, cajun, garam masala and mix in (optional). See notes for options.

To make mac:

  1. Cook 1 cup of dry pasta according to instructions on the package in salted water. Drain and set aside.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.