You’ll never be able to guess how good-for-you this Easy Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce is! It’s rich, creamy and, yes, cheesy! Plus, it’s entirely plant-based with no funky ingredients, no soy, and no tofu. And it’s vegan, dairy-free, Whole30 approved, Paleo, soy-free, and gluten-free! Keep scrolling for the recipe.
Truth be told, dairy-free cheese can be just as good as regular cheese. That is, when you make it right. My Easy Nacho Cheese Sauce contains the same creaminess and flavor profile as your favorite nacho cheese sauce (I’m thinking that Tostito’s one that comes in the jar, you know?!). However, unlike those store-bought cheese sauces, mine is loaded with healthier ingredients that will leave you feeling much better. Plus, this recipe is free from any weird ingredients like soy and tofu.
A plate of nachos is only as good as the cheese sauce on it… that’s how the saying goes, right?! Maybe not, but that’s how I think! Of course, there is so much more you can use this sauce for. This recipe is incredibly versatile and a definite crowd-pleaser. In fact, it is the perfect dip to bring to a party!
PrintEasy Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce – Plant-Based, No Dairy!
You’ll never be able to guess how good-for-you this Easy Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce is! It’s rich, creamy and, yes, cheesy! Plus, it’s entirely plant-based with no funky ingredients, no soy, and no tofu. And it’s vegan, dairy-free, Whole30 approved, Paleo, soy-free, and gluten-free!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop, Blend
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1–2 tablespoons oil olive
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 1/2 cup cauliflower florets, chopped
- 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours
- 1 1/2–2 cups water or vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more if you like hotter)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Add oil to a large pan and turn heat to medium
- Add diced sweet potato, cauliflower and onion. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper and garlic powder
- Cook for 15 minutes, tossing frequently, until sweet potato is fork tender. Add more oil if needed
- Allow mixture to cool for a few minutes then transfer to a food processor or blender with drained cashews, liquid, sriracha, nutritional yeast and paprika. Start with 1 1/2 cup of the liquid, and add more as needed
- Blend until reaches a smooth and creamy consistency
- Serve with tortilla chips, soft pretzel bites, or anything you’d enjoy with nacho cheese!
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Ways To Enjoy Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce
Of course, nachos are a great way to use this *nacho* cheese sauce. If you’re looking for a quick & easy recipe to follow, then my Low Carb Nachos are for you. Plus, they are entirely vegan when paired with a plant-based protein. In addition, this sauce pairs great with Sweet Potato Nachos — this recipe includes pulled pork, but feel free to switch it up and make them however you like! However, pulled pork really does taste fantastic in that recipe.
Now, just because this is a nacho cheese sauce doesn’t mean it goes exclusively with nachos. Here are some other ways to enjoy this recipe:
- Tortilla Chips: Simply dip and enjoy!
- Pretzel Bites: I mean, we all know pretzels and cheese are *chef’s kiss*.
- Tacos: Use as a cheese sauce over your favorite taco!
- Quesadillas: Spread this sauce inside your tortilla, load it up with all the fillings you desire, then bake and/or pan-fry it.
- French Fries: Is there anything better than cheese fries?
Ingredients and Substitutions
Spices: Here I add in smoked paprika and sriracha to give the recipe that quintessential nacho flavor. However if you want a plain cheese sauce, then simply omit those two spices. This results in a versatile sauce that works with almost anything!
Nutritional Yeast: Now, nutritional yeast is backbone of the recipe. This ingredient lends the sauce its cheesy flavor. Nutritional yeast is an inactivated version of the yeast used to make bread, which means it can be used to season foods. It has a savory flavor and lots of health benefits. In fact, just 2 teaspoons provides 3 grams of protein and 7 vitamins and minerals!
Cashews: The soaked raw cashews give an extra silky creaminess to this cheese sauce. Be sure to either soak them overnight, or flash soak them by putting the cashews in boiling water for at least 30 minutes.
As always, if you make this Easy Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce or any of my other recipes I would love to know how it turned out for you! Please leave a review, and be sure to tag me on Instagram @Hungry.Blonde. xoxo GG
You might also like:
Dairy-Free Spicy Rigatoni
Keto Nachos
Vegan Greek Nachos
Paleo Chicken Nuggets
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