Vegan Creamy Mac and Cheese Casserole

We love the comfort of a bubbling dish of vegan mac and cheese fresh from the oven — golden on top, rich and creamy underneath. For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle or looking to enjoy a lighter, dairy-free comfort food, this Vegan Creamy Mac and Cheese Casserole delivers everything you crave and more. It’s a wholesome, cozy meal that celebrates the indulgence of traditional mac and cheese, reimagined with nourishing ingredients that bring both flavor and nutrition to the table.

At the heart of this vegan mac and cheese is a silky sauce made from sweet potatoes, cashews, and caramelized onions. The sweet potato adds a natural creaminess and subtle sweetness, while cashews lend that luscious, dairy-like body. Instead of nutritional yeast, we rely on miso paste, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika to create that “cheesy” umami depth — all while keeping it gentle on the stomach and free of common allergens. The result is a sauce so velvety and flavorful, you’d never guess it’s entirely plant-based.

Baked until perfectly golden, the crispy panko breadcrumb topping contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta beneath, making each bite satisfying and balanced. It’s the kind of dish that feels right at home on a cozy weeknight or as part of your Vegan Thanksgiving spread — a nostalgic classic that aligns with your values and love for good food. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this vegan mac and cheese casserole is a delicious reminder that comfort food can be both indulgent and kind to the planet.

🌿 Vegan Creamy Mac and Cheese Casserole

Serves: 6

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1 medium sweet potato (about 1 cup mashed)

• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 15–20 minutes

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened oat milk (or almond milk)

• 2 tablespoons tapioca starch (or cornstarch)

• 1 tablespoon white miso paste

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color)

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• Freshly ground black pepper

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni or small shells (gluten-free if needed)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt for pasta water

For the Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Cook the sweet potato: Peel and dice the sweet potato. Steam or boil until fork-tender (about 10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent and lightly golden, 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

3. Blend the sauce: Drain cashews and add to a high-speed blender with cooked sweet potato, sautéed onion and garlic, oat milk, miso, Dijon, lemon juice, tapioca starch, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust seasoning.

4. Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions. Drain, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to prevent sticking.

5. Combine: In a large bowl or pot, toss pasta with the sauce until evenly coated.

6. Prepare topping: Mix panko, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a small bowl until crumbs are evenly moistened.

7. Bake: Pour mac and cheese into a lightly greased 9x13" baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly around the edges.

8. Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.

💡 Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, add 1 tablespoon of cashew butter or vegan cream cheese to the sauce.

• Substitute white miso with a splash of soy sauce if needed.

• Add sautéed mushrooms, roasted broccoli, or caramelized onions before baking for a hearty twist.

This Vegan Creamy Mac and Cheese Casserole isn’t just comforting — it’s deeply nourishing. Each ingredient contributes to overall health and wellness, making it a satisfying plant-based meal that supports balanced nutrition. The sweet potato base is naturally rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune health and skin vitality, while also offering complex carbohydrates for steady energy. Cashews provide heart-healthy fats and plant-based protein, helping to create that velvety sauce without the need for butter or cream.

Unlike traditional mac and cheese, this version is free from dairy and heavy saturated fats, making it easier to digest and lighter on inflammation. The miso paste and Dijon mustard add probiotics and beneficial enzymes that support gut health, while the smoked paprika and garlic bring anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits.

For an added wellness upgrade, try using plant protein pasta made from lentils, chickpeas, or edamame. These gluten-free alternatives increase the dish’s protein and fiber content, helping to stabilize blood sugar and keep you full longer. Combined with the natural vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats from the sauce, this casserole transforms comfort food into a nutrient-rich, balanced meal that nourishes body, mind, and spirit — one creamy, satisfying bite at a time.

This Vegan Creamy Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese Casserole proves that plant-based comfort food doesn’t require compromise. Every forkful is rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying — a blend of wholesome ingredients transformed into a dish that nourishes both body and soul. The sweet potato base gives a beautiful natural color and texture, while the miso and mustard provide that savory tang that makes mac and cheese so irresistible.

It’s the perfect vegan dinner to share with friends or to feature as part of your vegan Thanksgiving menu, appealing to everyone at the table — even the most devoted cheese lovers. Serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, hearty meal. With its balance of flavor, texture, and heartwarming comfort, this casserole is proof that vegan cooking can be as decadent and delicious as the classics that inspired it.