This cajun mac and cheese recipe is a must try! It is the perfect side dish for the next family reunion, barbecue or potluck, or as the ultimate comfort dish for you. Mac and cheese recipes are also an easy addition to your weeknight menu. 

For more mac and cheese recipes, check out my Vegan Mac And Cheese, Instant Pot Chili Mac And Cheese, Nut-Free Vegan Mac And Cheese, and Sweet Potato Vegan Mac And Cheese. They are absolutely amazing!

Originally published June 28th, 2019.

Cajun Vegan Baked Mac And Cheese

This mac and cheese recipe takes ordinary pasta to another level. Macaroni and cheese bring joy and comfort to both young and old when seen on the table among the other dishes. 

Adding the Creole/Cajun flavors make the flavors pop. I used my Homemade Creole Seasoning, which tastes amazing in this recipe, but you can also use store bought like Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning

For the sausage, you can make my homemade version or use store-bought ones. If you are using the homemade version, make ahead of time and keep refrigerated.

Some of my favorite vegan sausage brands are:

Steps for making cajun mac and cheese with the ingredients

How To Make Cajun Mac And Cheese?

  1. Boil pasta in salted water according to the package directions, drain pasta and set aside in the pot. 
  2. Prepare the cashew sauce. In a high-speed blender, add cashews, water, nutritional yeast flakes, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and process until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the slices of sausages and cook until brown on both sides. Add bell pepper, green onion, garlic, Creole/Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and until tender about 2 minutes.
  4. Gently stir in pasta to coat, pour the cashew sauce over the pasta and cook until the sauce becomes thick and bubbly. 
  5. Sprinkle bread crumbs and shredded vegan cheese on top of pasta and bake in a preheated oven until heated through and the top is golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Tips For Making Cajun Baked Mac And Cheese

  1. If you are using a high-speed blender you don’t have to soak your cashews, however, if you are using a standard blender then it is best to soak cashews to soften them so that you will end up with a creamier sauce.
  2. You can make a stovetop version or you can bake your mac and cheese. 

Other Vegan Southern Recipes To Try

Cajun vegan baked mac and cheese in a white casserole pan, silver spoon serving

If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag #healthiersteps  — we love to see your recipes on InstagramFacebook & Twitter!

Also please leave a star rating ;-)

Need some encouragement on your Healthier Steps journey?

Join our Facebook groups, sharing lots of delicious vegan and gluten-free recipes, health tips, etc., from our members. Please join us and invite your friends Gluten-Free and Vegan For Beginners and Vegan Recipes With Love.

Categories

Nutrition

(Per serving)
  • Energy: 360 kcal / 1505 kJ
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Carbs: 42 g

Cook Time

  • Preparation: 15 min
  • Cooking: 30 min
  • Ready in: 45 min
  • For: 8 Servings

Ingredients

Optional Topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13 casserole dish and set aside.
  2. Boil pasta in salted water according to the package directions, drain pasta and set aside in the pot. 
  3. Prepare the cashew sauce. In a high-speed blender, add cashews, water, nutritional yeast flakes, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and process until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the slices of sausages and cook until brown on both sides. Add bell pepper, green onion, garlic, Creole/Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and cook until tender, about 2 minutes.
  5. Gently stir in pasta to coat, pour the cashew sauce over the pasta, and cook until the sauce becomes thick and bubbly. 
  6. Sprinkle bread crumbs and shredded vegan cheese on top of pasta and bake in a preheated oven at 400 F° until heated through and the top is golden brown, about 15 minutes.
Recipe author's Gravatar image

Michelle Blackwood, RN

Hi, I’m Michelle, I’m the voice, content creator and photographer behind Healthier Steps. I share vegan and gluten-free recipes because of past health issues. My goal is to help you make healthier choices and show you how healthy eating is easy and delicious.