Enjoy this rich and comforting Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Mac & Cheese. It brings a spicy kick to a classic dish, perfect for a satisfying, plant-based meal.
Author:Mei Sprout
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking and Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 pound macaroni pasta
1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 30 minutes
1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup buffalo sauce (plus more for drizzling)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil and half of the buffalo sauce. Spread on a baking sheet.
Roast the cauliflower for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly browned.
While the cauliflower roasts, cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain well.
Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. Add the cashews, plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt to a high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, adding a splash more plant milk if needed to reach a thick cheese sauce consistency.
Pour the cheese sauce over the drained pasta in the pot. Stir to coat evenly.
Gently fold in the roasted buffalo cauliflower.
Serve immediately with an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce on top.
Notes
Soaking the cashews is key for a silky smooth sauce.
Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level.
For a baked version, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake until bubbly.