• Country: USA
• Region/Province: General
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Medium

Health Benefits

• Immune Support: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin A.
• Weight Management: A lighter version of the classic comfort food.
• Bone Health: Nutritional yeast is a good source of B vitamins.

Dietary Categories

• ✅ Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-free
• ❌ Contains gluten (unless using gluten-free pasta).

Nutritional Highlights (per serving)

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 8g
• Key Nutrients: Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Magnesium

Ingredients (with quantities)

• 1 lb whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 1 hour
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs, for topping

Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the macaroni is cooking, steam or boil the sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. In a high-speed blender, combine the cooked sweet potatoes, soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, vegetable broth, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the sweet potato cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Chef’s Healthy Modifications

• Original ingredient → Healthier substitute: This recipe uses a creamy sweet potato and cashew sauce instead of a traditional cheese sauce, making it a delicious and dairy-free alternative.
• Cooking method change for health: Baking the mac and cheese creates a crispy topping without the need for extra fat.
• Portion/serving suggestions: Serve as a main course with a side of steamed broccoli or a green salad.

Cultural Context

Macaroni and cheese is a beloved American comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. This healthy sweet potato version is a modern twist on the classic, reflecting the growing interest in plant-based eating and creative, healthy cooking. It’s a great example of how American cuisine is constantly evolving to meet new tastes and dietary needs.