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vegan cheese sauce recipe 1

Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe: The Ultimate Guide for a Creamy, Dairy-Free Sauce

  • Author: Elyse
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 2 cups of sauce 1x

Description

This creamy vegan cheese sauce is the ultimate plant-based alternative to traditional cheese sauce. Made with simple ingredients like cashews, potatoes, carrots, and nutritional yeast, it’s rich, cheesy, and completely dairy-free. Whether you drizzle it on nachos, toss it with pasta for a comforting vegan mac and cheese, or use it as a dip for veggies, this versatile sauce is a must-have in every plant-based kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to customize for spicy, smoky, or herb-infused variations!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 10–15 minutes) or 1 cup boiled potatoes and carrots
  • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ cup water or unsweetened plant-based milk
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the Ingredients:
    • If using cashews, soak them in hot water for 10–15 minutes to soften. If using potatoes and carrots, boil them until tender. Drain and set aside.
  • Blend the Sauce:
    • Add all the prepared ingredients to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
  • Adjust Consistency:
    • If the sauce is too thick, add more water or plant-based milk one tablespoon at a time. Blend again until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Taste and Adjust Flavor:
    • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. Add more nutritional yeast for extra cheesiness or an extra splash of lemon juice for tanginess.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
    • Use the sauce immediately or store it in an airtight container for later use.

Notes

  • Nut-Free Option: Replace cashews with boiled potatoes and carrots for a lower-fat, nut-free version.
  • Spicy Variation: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a nacho-style spicy sauce.
  • Smoky Flavor: Blend in a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce and a splash of liquid smoke for a bold, smoky twist.
  • Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring continuously for a smooth texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: chef's choice
  • Method: Sauce / Condiment
  • Cuisine: Vegan / Plant-Based

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 servings
  • Calories: ~120
  • Fat: ~8g
  • Carbohydrates: ~ 8g
  • Protein: ~4g

Find it online: https://elyserecipes.com/vegan-cheese-sauce-recipe