This creamy Vegan Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese is a tasty twist on a classic dish! Made with wholesome sweet potatoes, creamy coconut milk, and a dash of nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, it’s simply delightful.
I love how comforting this dish is; it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Plus, it’s super fun to sneak in veggies while enjoying a cheesy meal. Who knew healthy could taste this good? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potato: This is the hero of the dish! Sweet potatoes give a rich creaminess and natural sweetness. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, butternut squash works well too!
Nutritional Yeast: This ingredient adds the cheesy flavor without dairy. If you don’t have any, you can try using shredded vegan cheese or a sprinkle of grated vegan parmesan instead.
Plant Milk: Almond milk is my go-to, but any unsweetened plant milk like soy, oat, or rice milk works. Just avoid flavored or sweetened options for a better flavor.
Pasta: I prefer elbow macaroni for that classic mac and cheese look, but any pasta shape works! You can even use chickpea or lentil pasta for extra protein.
How Can I Get the Sauce Super Creamy?
The key to a super creamy sauce is to blend the ingredients thoroughly. After boiling your sweet potatoes, make sure they are very soft. For the best results, use a high-speed blender or food processor to fully blend the mixture until it’s silky smooth. This step is vital for avoiding lumps!
- Start with soft-cooked sweet potatoes, then add almond milk gradually to reach your desired consistency.
- Blend all the ingredients on high until they are completely smooth and creamy—this may take a minute or two.
Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning while blending to ensure it’s just right! Your blend will light up the dish with fantastic flavor!
Vegan Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape), gluten-free if desired
For the Sweet Potato Sauce:
- 1 large sweet potato (around 1 to 1.5 cups mashed)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce (optional for heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Vegan Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the sweet potatoes and cooking the pasta, plus a few minutes to blend the sauce and bake it for that perfect golden finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be ready when you need to bake your mac and cheese!
2. Cook the Sweet Potato:
Peel and chop your sweet potato into small chunks. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the sweet potato chunks. Cook until they are very tender, about 15-20 minutes. Once done, drain the water and either mash or blend the sweet potato until it’s perfectly smooth.
3. Cook the Pasta:
While the sweet potatoes are cooking, prepare your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. After cooking, be sure to drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
4. Blend the Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked sweet potato, almond milk, nutritional yeast, olive oil (or vegan butter), lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend everything together until your mixture is very smooth and creamy. Tweak the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you want a little kick!
5. Combine Sauce and Pasta:
Pour that delicious sweet potato sauce over the cooked pasta in a large pot or mixing bowl. Gently stir everything together to ensure all the pasta is well coated with the savory sauce.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish. If you like a crispy top, pop it under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, garnish your Vegan Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese with fresh thyme or parsley if you like. Serve hot, and enjoy this comforting dish!
This recipe brings the classic comfort of mac and cheese, packed with creamy goodness, while keeping it totally vegan and nutritious. Perfect for family dinners or just a cozy night in!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, including shells, spirals, or gluten-free pasta if needed. Just cook it according to the package instructions and it will work perfectly with the sweet potato sauce!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, combine them and bake until heated through for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of almond milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I Add Other Veggies to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to stir in some cooked veggies like spinach, broccoli, or peas for added nutrition and color. Just make sure they’re cooked before mixing them in with the pasta and sauce!
