Vegan Mac & Cheese with Butternut Squash: A Creamy, Dairy-Free Twist on Comfort Food Ready in under 30 min.

A Story to Relate: The Search for the Perfect Vegan Comfort Dish

Growing up, mac and cheese was the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and satisfying. But when I transitioned to a plant-based diet, I struggled to find a vegan version that was just as indulgent. Store-bought alternatives were either too processed or lacked that nostalgic, cheesy taste. That’s when I discovered the magic of butternut squash! Blended with cashews and nutritional yeast, it creates a silky, velvety sauce that rivals traditional mac and cheese. Today, I’m sharing my favorite Vegan Mac & Cheese with Butternut Squash recipe, packed with flavor, nutrients, and the perfect amount of creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Dairy-Free Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

• Ultra Creamy & Cheesy – The butternut squash and cashew blend creates a smooth, velvety texture.
• Completely Dairy-Free & Vegan – No cheese, no milk, and absolutely no compromise on taste!
• Nutritious & Low in Fat – Butternut squash is rich in fiber, vitamins A & C, and antioxidants.
• Easy to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Kid-Friendly & Meal-Prep Friendly – A perfect dish for the whole family!

Ingredients for the Best Vegan Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

For the Pasta:

• 300g whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
• 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Butternut Squash Cheese Sauce:

• 200g butternut squash (cubed)
• 100ml plant-based milk (unsweetened almond or oat milk)
• 75g raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours)
• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast (adds a cheesy flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp turmeric (for color)
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

How to Make Vegan Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (typically 8-10 minutes).
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Butternut Squash

1. Peel, deseed, and cube the butternut squash.
2. Steam or boil for 10-12 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 3: Make the Vegan Cheese Sauce

1. In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
2. In a blender, combine the cooked squash, cashews, plant milk, nutritional yeast, mustard, paprika, turmeric, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more plant milk.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until well-coated.
2. Heat over low for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
3. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate Values)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 8g
• Fats: 12g
• Vitamin A: 160% DV
• Calcium: 10% DV
• Iron: 15% DV

Tips for the Best Vegan Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

1. Make It Extra Cheesy

For a stronger cheesy flavor, add more nutritional yeast or a splash of vegan cheese sauce.

2. Use a High-Speed Blender

A smooth sauce is key! If you don’t have a high-speed blender, soak the cashews overnight for a creamier texture.

3. Add More Protein

For a protein boost, stir in roasted chickpeas, tofu crumbles, or vegan sausage slices.

4. Try Different Pasta Options

• Use chickpea pasta for extra protein.
• Opt for gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Whole wheat pasta works great for added fiber.

Food Safety Tips for Vegan Mac & Cheese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat on the stove with a splash of plant-based milk to maintain creaminess.
• Do not leave cooked pasta at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
• If freezing, store the sauce separately and blend again after thawing for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes! Swap cashews with sunflower seeds or cooked white beans for a nut-free alternative.

2. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure that your mustard and plant-based milk are also gluten-free.

3. Can I use pumpkin instead of butternut squash?

Absolutely! Pumpkin works well as a substitute and gives a similar creamy texture.

4. How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Try mixing in spinach, peas, mushrooms, or roasted broccoli for extra nutrients.

5. What if I don’t have nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, but you can replace it with miso paste or a splash of lemon juice for umami.

Final Thoughts: A Healthy, Creamy, and Delicious Comfort Meal

This Vegan Mac & Cheese with Butternut Squash is the perfect guilt-free indulgence! Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a quick and healthy meal, this recipe delivers on all fronts—creamy texture, rich flavor, and nutrient-packed goodness. Try it for dinner tonight and let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Bring It to Your Kitchen: Best Eggless Donut Recipe with Cinnamon Sugar & Chocolate Glaze – Easy Baked Donuts Ready in just 30 minutes

Thank You for Reading!

I truly appreciate you taking the time to explore this delicious Vegan Mac & Cheese with Butternut Squash recipe. Your support and enthusiasm inspire me to keep sharing plant-based goodness with the world! If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment or share your version on social media. Wishing you happy cooking and flavorful adventures ahead! 🌱💛