The Creamiest Instant Pot Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe

Jess Miller

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and making it vegan does not mean sacrificing that rich, creamy goodness.

With the Instant Pot, you can whip up a pot of indulgent vegan mac and cheese in just minutes. It is family-friendly, delicious, and made with simple pantry staples.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or anytime you need a big bowl of cozy, cheesy pasta without the dairy.

Contents hide

1 Why You Will Love This Instant Pot Vegan Mac and Cheese

2 Ingredients for Instant Pot Vegan Mac and Cheese

3 Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Our Vegan Instant Pot Mac And Cheese

3.1 1. Cook the Pasta

3.2 2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

3.3 3. Combine and Finish

3.4 4. Serve

4 Tips for the Creamiest Vegan Mac and Cheese Every Time

5 Fun Flavor Variations

6 Serving Ideas For Our Creamy Vegan Mac And Cheese

7 Mac And Cheese Storage and Reheating Tips

8 Final Thoughts

9 The Creamiest Instant Pot Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe

9.1 Ingredients

9.2 Directions

Why You Will Love This Instant Pot Vegan Mac and Cheese

This version of mac and cheese is everything you want in a comforting meal. It’s super creamy and rich without any dairy.

It’s quick and easy with minimal prep, and it’s kid-approved (by our little ones) as well as being picky-eater friendly.

We love this recipe as it’s perfect for meal prep and leftovers, and we think you’ll love it for this reason too.

Plus, it is a one-pot meal, so there is less cleanup, which is always a bonus.

Let’s get into making it yourself.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Vegan Mac and Cheese

Here is what you will need to create the creamiest vegan mac and cheese:

12 ounces elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat)
¾ cup nutritional yeast
½ cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours, then drained)
2 tablespoons vegan butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon turmeric (for color)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Our Vegan Instant Pot Mac And Cheese

Follow these simple steps for perfect Instant Pot vegan mac and cheese:

1. Cook the Pasta

Add the pasta and vegetable broth to the Instant Pot.

Secure the lid and set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 4 minutes.

Once done, perform a quick release and carefully remove the lid.

2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

While the pasta cooks, blend the soaked cashews, coconut milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, Dijon mustard, and salt until completely smooth.

The sauce should be thick and creamy.

3. Combine and Finish

Drain any excess liquid from the cooked pasta if needed, but leave a little for extra creaminess.

Stir in the vegan butter until melted.

Pour the cashew cheese sauce over the pasta and stir well to coat.

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

4. Serve

Spoon the mac and cheese into bowls and serve hot.

Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for the Creamiest Vegan Mac and Cheese Every Time

To get the best results, keep these tips in mind:

Soak cashews properly: Soaking ensures the sauce blends ultra-smooth and creamy.
Do not overcook pasta: Pressure cooking makes it fast, so stick to the cooking time for perfect texture.
Save a little broth: Leaving a touch of cooking liquid in the pot helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.
Use full-fat coconut milk: It adds richness without a strong coconut flavor once mixed with the spices and nutritional yeast.

Fun Flavor Variations

Want to customize your vegan mac and cheese? Here are a few easy ideas:

Spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a little heat.
Veggie boost: Add steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
Smoky flavor: Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky, barbecue-inspired twist.

Serving Ideas For Our Creamy Vegan Mac And Cheese

Make your meal extra cozy with these serving suggestions:

Family dinner: Pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Potluck favorite: Bring a big batch to your next gathering. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Kid-friendly: Serve with vegan nuggets or baked tofu strips for an easy family dinner.

Mac And Cheese Storage and Reheating Tips

This vegan mac and cheese stores beautifully – here’s how you can keep it fresh and delicious:

Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of plant milk or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Making the creamiest Instant Pot vegan mac and cheese at home is easier than you think.

With simple, wholesome ingredients and a few easy steps, you will have a rich, dreamy bowl of comfort ready in no time, which will be news to your ears when you’ve got hungry kids waiting!

This recipe is perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or meal prep. You will want to make this one again and again.