Rhymes-with-Frita DIY Melty Cheese (Great for Mac and Cheese) 🧀✨

This creamy, gooey cheese blend is perfect for creating the ultimate mac and cheese experience! It melts beautifully, allowing you to enjoy that ooey-gooey goodness in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be adjusted to suit your taste, making it a versatile addition to many dishes.

Ingredients

For the cheese blend

• 1 cup cashews (soaked in water for at least 4 hours)
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your favorite plant-based milk)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color, optional)

For the mac and cheese assembly

• 2 cups pasta of your choice (macaroni, shells, or gluten-free)
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish
• Extra nutritional yeast for a cheesy topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the cashews: Drain and rinse the soaked cashews, then place them in a blender or food processor.

2. Blend the cheese: Add nutritional yeast, almond milk, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and turmeric (if using) to the blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.

   🌀 If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

3. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.

4. Combine with the cheese: Pour the melty cheese blend over the warm pasta and stir until evenly coated. If you prefer it extra creamy, feel free to add a splash more almond milk or even a little additional olive oil.

5. Serve hot: Dish up your mac and cheese and garnish it with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for an added cheesy flavor.

   🍽️ This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the pot, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated with a splash of almond milk to maintain creaminess.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the cheese blend for a spicy version. 🔥
• Add Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or roasted red peppers for a nutritious boost.
• Herbed Cheese: Blend in fresh herbs like basil or dill to elevate the flavor profile.
• Smoky BBQ: Mix in some BBQ sauce and a little extra smoked paprika for a smoky BBQ twist. Perfect for a summer feast! 🍖

This Rhymes-with-Frita DIY Melty Cheese is a game-changer for vegans and cheese lovers alike. Enjoy this plant-based delight and savor the melty, cheesy goodness!