Before I was vegan I used to love Panera's mac and cheese. Combined with the bread bowl it was the perfect , very unhealthy, comfort food. I always shied away from making a vegan mac and cheese because most mac and cheese recipes require cashews - which I used to think I was allergic to. This Vegan Silken Tofu Mac and Cheese (panera copycat) is a delicious vegan mac and cheese recipe.
Finally the idea hit me - I could replace cashews with silken tofu. Silken tofu provides the same texture as cashews - only its nut allergy friendly and much cheaper. I didn't originally intend for this recipe to be a copycat Panera recipe - but the texture and creaminess reminded me of Panera's mac. This recipe is also the perfect comfort food because not only is it delicious - it only takes 10 minutes or less to make.
Silken tofu is one of my favorite hacks for bumping up the protein in recipes. For more silken tofu recipes try my silken tofu tomato pasta or my sweet potato harissa pasta with silken tofu.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Thanks to the tofu it is high in protein.
- It is made in a blender and is easy to make
- It is healthy for you.
- It is the perfect vegan comfort food.
Instructions for vegan panera mac and cheese
- Blend all ingredients in a blender. Pour over hot pasta and mix. I also added everything but the bagel seasoning for extra flavor.
What ingredients do I need for this high protein vegan mac and cheese?
- silken tofu
- nutritional yeast
- apple cider vinegar
- garlic powder
- turmeric
- soy milk
- vegetable broth
Recipe FAQ
Silken tofu has a lower concentration of soy beans than regular tofu. Therefore it is lighter and creamier than regular tofu.
Substitutions
- Soy milk - can be subbed with another neutral flavored vegan milk.
Recipe pro-tips
Some silken tofus can have a slightly chemical taste so make sure you buy a good one. I like trader joes brand, nasoya or whole foods brand.
Other vegan comfort recipes to try
If you try this Vegan Silken Tofu Mac and Cheese (panera copycat), please leave me a rating and review. This is the best way to support me!
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vegan silken tofu mac and cheese (panera copy)
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 block silken tofu
- 1 tablespoon miso or sub 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric for color
- ¼ cup soy milk or sub whatever milk you like
- ¼ cup vegetable broth
- salt/pepper to taste
Other ingredients
- 1 box cooked pasta of choice
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a blender. Pour over hot pasta and mix. I also added everything but the bagel seasoning for extra flavor.
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