Vegan mac and cheese
apple sage vegan mac: a flavorful twist on comfort food
By:
Published:
14 Jun 2025
Let's be honest, sometimes all you need is a big bowl of mac and cheese. But what if you could elevate this classic comfort dish to something truly special? That's where this Apple Sage Vegan Mac comes in! It's creamy, dreamy, and packed with surprising flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Trust me; this isn't your grandma's mac and cheese. Unless, of course, your grandma is super adventurous in the kitchen. Imagine this: tender pasta coated in a luscious vegan cheese sauce, studded with sweet, caramelized apples and fragrant sage. The sweetness of the apples perfectly complements the savory cheese sauce, while the sage adds a touch of earthy goodness that ties everything together. It's a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. My inspiration came from a fall harvest festival where I had apple-sage sausage and wanted to create a vegan version.
This recipe is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. The cheese sauce is made from a base of potatoes and carrots, which might sound a little strange, but trust me, it works wonders! They create a creamy, smooth texture that rivals any dairy-based cheese sauce. The nutritional yeast adds that cheesy flavor we all crave, while the lemon juice brightens everything up. It’s important to have a good blender to get the right consistency. If you don't have a high-speed blender, you might want to soak the cashews in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them up before blending. This will help create an even smoother sauce.
Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this Apple Sage Vegan Mac is a must-try. It's perfect for a cozy night in, a potluck with friends, or even a holiday gathering. And the best part? It's so good that even the most ardent cheese-lovers won't miss the dairy! So, grab your aprons, gather your ingredients, and let's get cooking! You're about to embark on a culinary adventure that will change the way you think about mac and cheese forever. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of apples or add other veggies like roasted butternut squash or Brussels sprouts. The possibilities are endless!
Required Equipments
- Large pot
- Colander
- High-speed blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish
- Whisk
Apple Sage Vegan Mac: A Flavorful Twist on Comfort Food: Frequently Asked Questions
Apple Sage Vegan Mac: A Flavorful Twist on Comfort Food
This Apple Sage Vegan Mac recipe transforms classic comfort food with a creamy cashew-free cheese sauce, sweet apples, and fragrant sage, making it a must-try dish.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and makes serving easier.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. Don't overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Prepare the apples: While the pasta is cooking, peel, core, and dice the apples. I like using Gala or Honeycrisp for their sweetness and firm texture.
- Sauté the apples and sage: In a large skillet, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and fresh sage leaves. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized. The sage should be fragrant and slightly crispy.
- Make the vegan cheese sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine the cooked potatoes, carrots, non-dairy milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. You want a texture that's thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed apples and sage, and the vegan cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Baking with foil first helps to prevent the top from drying out.
- Let it rest: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Garnish with extra fresh sage leaves, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
📝 Notes
- For a richer flavor, try using roasted potatoes and carrots in the cheese sauce.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for extra warmth.
- Top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping, if desired.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 15g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 70g
Fiber: 8g
Calcium: 150mg
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