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Cozy Sweet Potato Macaroni Bake

Cozy Sweet Potato Macaroni Bake | Well and Full

Spring is right around the corner. My big puffy coat has been relegated to the back of the closet, and I’ve been venturing outside just in a light sweater and a scarf. This past weekend it was even warm enough to go rollerblading outside in a t-shirt! It was glorious.

I would be remiss, however, if I didn’t sneak in this sweet potato macaroni bake before the weather turns – a cozy, healthier version of vegan mac and cheese. I know there are about 2.3 million versions of vegan mac and cheese on the interwebs, but after much tweaking this version has emerged as my personal favorite. I won’t lie and say this tastes exactly like mac and cheese. What it DOES taste like is an insanely creamy, cheezy, delicious macaroni bake that nourishes the body and warms the soul. Perfect for those chilly nights right before spring!

Cozy Sweet Potato Macaroni Bake | Well and FullCozy Sweet Potato Macaroni Bake | Well and Full

Cozy Sweet Potato Macaroni Bake | Well and Full

Cozy Sweet Potato Macaroni Bake

This cozy sweet potato macaroni bake is a healthier version of vegan mac and cheese!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients
  

Sweet Potato Macaroni Bake

  • 1 1/2 Cups Sweet Potato depends on size; can be between 1-3 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 lb Whole Wheat or Gluten Free Pasta of your choice
  • 1 Cup Cashews soaked 4 hours or overnight
  • 3/4 Cup Almond Milk
  • 1/3 Cup Nutritional Yeast
  • 1/2 Tbs Miso
  • 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 1/8 Tsp Cumin
  • 1/8 Tsp Chili Powder

Crunchy Topping

  • 3/4 Cup Sunflower Seeds
  • 1/4 Cup Nutritional Yeast

Instructions
 

Macaroni Bake

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Start by cooking your pasta according to manufacturer's directions. When done cooking, strain and set aside.
  • Then, get your sweet potatoes ready. For this recipe I used two medium sweet potatoes, but ultimately you will want 1 and 1/2 cups of cubed sweet potato when done.
  • Peel sweet potatoes, and chop into cubes.
  • On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, bake sweet potato cubes for about 15 minutes, or until soft.
  • Measure out 1 and 1/2 cups of the cooked sweet potato, and add to a blender with your cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, miso, and spices. Blend on high until mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Pour sauce over pasta and mix well, then transfer to an oven-safe casserole dish or pan.
  • Bake macaroni in the oven for 20-30 minutes.

Crunchy Topping

  • In a food processor, combine sunflower seeds and nutritional yeast. Pulse until mixture is combined but still fairly chunky.
  • Pour as much topping as desired over your macaroni bake.
  • Broil macaroni bake in the oven for about 3-4 minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn!
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Cozy Sweet Potato Macaroni Bake | Well and Full

Quote of the Day:

We must be our own before we can be another’s.

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

P.S.

If you make this recipe and post it on Instagram, be sure to tag me @wellandfull and #wellandfull so I can see! I love seeing your takes on my recipes :)

25 Comments

  • Reply
    Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
    March 2, 2016 at 8:29 pm

    O goodness! Decadent comfort food!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      March 2, 2016 at 10:04 pm

      Thanks girl! :D

  • Reply
    danielle // rooting the sun
    March 2, 2016 at 9:15 pm

    sarah, how delicious is this! i love the combination of sweet potato and pasta, there is something infinitely warming about it. – – i am feeling some fortunate vibes that an early spring is coming for us here in the midwest (which means everything good for a solid growing season). cheers sweetest of hearts! xo

    • Reply
      Sarah
      March 2, 2016 at 9:51 pm

      Sending hugs, Danielle <3

  • Reply
    kushi
    March 2, 2016 at 9:32 pm

    5 stars
    This sounds interesting. Love the combo. Amazingly delicious dear!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      March 2, 2016 at 9:51 pm

      Thanks Kushi!! :D

  • Reply
    Laura
    March 2, 2016 at 9:45 pm

    Everything is better with sweet potato! Thanks for this lovely dinner inspiration Sarah!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      March 2, 2016 at 10:03 pm

      You’re welcome girl! ;)

  • Reply
    Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
    March 3, 2016 at 7:00 am

    This sounds so comforting!! Love the sweet potato addition!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      March 3, 2016 at 8:50 am

      Thanks Katrina!! :D

  • Reply
    Cara
    March 3, 2016 at 9:26 am

    Oh yes, this looks like just what I need today!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      March 3, 2016 at 10:56 am

      Awesome!! :D

  • Reply
    Linda | The Baker Who Kerns
    March 3, 2016 at 1:31 pm

    Sometimes other vegan mac and cheese recipes don’t really work, they aren’t as creamy as you’d like but I can totally tell already that the sweet potato here will definitely compensate for that! I will for sure be making this next time I get myself some gluten-free pasta! Looks soooo good.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      March 3, 2016 at 4:48 pm

      The sweet potato does make it super creamy!! Thanks Linda! :D

  • Reply
    Grace @ Foodfitnessfreshair.com
    March 3, 2016 at 2:30 pm

    OMG, who wouldn’t love this. Looks amazing!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      March 3, 2016 at 4:48 pm

      Thanks Grace!! :D

  • Reply
    Emilie @ Emilie Eats
    March 3, 2016 at 2:39 pm

    Oh man this looks so satisfying! I just want to make a big plate of this and cuddle up with some Netflix. Love that you used sweet potato!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      March 3, 2016 at 4:49 pm

      Mac and cheese and netflix? Perfection ;)

  • Reply
    Aimee / Wallflower Girl's Kitchen
    March 4, 2016 at 10:35 am

    Ooh I love this twist! It sounds like the ultimate comfort dish :-)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      March 4, 2016 at 10:50 am

      Thanks Aimee! :D

  • Reply
    Erin
    March 4, 2016 at 10:07 pm

    Just when I thought the weather was getting warmer, it SNOWED here is Massachusetts today! To bad I didn’t have this delicious bowl of “cheesy” goodness to keep me warm! Girl, this looks amazing.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      March 5, 2016 at 8:35 am

      Thanks Erin!! :D

  • Reply
    Emma
    April 10, 2016 at 9:48 am

    This looks so yummy! I was just wondering how many people this recipe serves?

    • Reply
      Sarah
      April 10, 2016 at 11:07 am

      Thank you Emma! :D I would say 2-3 as a main, and about 4 as a side :)

  • Reply
    Envelopes Blog
    July 18, 2016 at 8:10 am

    Get Cozy With This Sweet

    […] an this looks so satisfying! I just want to make a big plate of this and cuddle […]

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