Vegan Nacho Cheese Recipe

This 5 minute vegan nacho cheese sauce recipe was gifted to me by good friends in West Virginia. It’s quick, easy, and an all-purpose cashew cheese sauce you’ll love. Thank you Batista Family for sharing this delicious recipe.

This vegan sauce has the silkiest texture and umami-loaded taste. There are tons of creative ways to use this sauce. Serve on my favorite sheet pan nachos, with vegan guacamole, and fresh salsa for a delicious meal the whole family will love.

Why you’ll love this easy vegan nacho cheese sauce recipe

• Creamy cashew base: The cashews create a lusciously creamy texture, providing a rich and satisfying mouthfeel that mimics traditional cheese sauces.
• Cheesy flavor: Nutritional yeast flakes lend a cheesy flavor without needing dairy. 
• Mild heat and smokiness: Chipotle powder adds subtle heat and smokiness to the cashew cheese sauce.
• Simple and quick preparation: It’s honestly just so easy to prepare! Blend, heat, and eat!
• Healthful ingredients: Packed with nutrients from cashews and nutritional yeast, this vegan nacho sauce provides a healthier alternative to traditional cheese sauces while still delivering on taste.
• Perfect for entertaining: This vegan nacho sauce is a crowd-pleaser, especially served over nachos.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to match your taste preferences. Tweak the spice level, or add extra seasonings to make it uniquely yours.

Cashew cheese sauce ingredients and substitution notes 

• Cashews: These pale nuts give the sauce the most wonderful creamy mouthfeel. This cashew cheese sauce is a must for your next family gathering.
• White flour or tapioca Starch: This ingredient acts as a thickening agent. Choose based on preference or dietary restrictions. Tapioca starch is a great gluten-free alternative.
• Jarred pimentos: Pimentos add a mild, sweet flavor and a vibrant color to the vegan nacho cheese sauce. Ensure they are drained before use to control the sauce’s consistency.
• Nutritional yeast flakes: This provides a cheesy flavor to the sauce and is a common ingredient in vegan nacho cheese recipes. It’s a good source of vitamin B12 for a nutritional boost.
• Lemon juice: Adds a tangy element that complements the cashews’ richness and balances the sauce’s overall flavor.
• Olive oil: Contributes to the creamy texture and enhances the mouthfeel of the vegan cheese sauce. Choose a good-quality olive oil for the best taste.
• Onion powder: This adds an aromatic quality to the cashew sauce sauce without the texture of raw onions. 
• Chipotle powder: This adds a smoky and spicy kick to the cheese sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your spice preference. It adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

Vegan nacho cheese recipe variations and add-ins

• Salsa: Mix in your favorite salsa for a zesty kick. Choose mild, medium, or hot salsa based on your spice preference to elevate the overall taste.
• Roasted red pepper elegance: Roast red bell peppers and blend them into the sauce for a smoky and slightly sweet twist. This adds complexity and a beautiful color to your nacho cheese.
• Spinach and artichoke delight: Sauté chopped spinach and artichoke hearts until tender, then mix them into the sauce. This variation brings a classic dip flavor to your nachos.
• Taco seasoning fiesta: Incorporate a tablespoon of your favorite taco seasoning for a savory and spiced nacho cheese sauce.

Top Tips to Make the Best Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce

• Consider soaking the cashews: If you don’t have a super-powerful blender like a Vitamix, consider soaking your cashews overnight. Drain and dry off the water before combining it with the other ingredients.
• Adjust consistency as needed: If the vegan nacho cheese sauce is too thick, add water gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Control spice levels: If you’re nervous about making the cashew cheese sauce too spicy, start with a small amount of chipotle powder and adjust according to your preference. 
• Quality olive oil: Use good-quality olive oil for a rich and flavorful result. It contributes to the overall taste and creaminess of the vegan sauce.
• Blend thoroughly: You want it to be silky smooth. This step ensures no gritty textures from the cashews, providing a velvety vegan cheese sauce.
• Season gradually: Add salt, lemon juice, and other seasonings gradually, tasting as you go. 
• Warm gently: When heating the sauce on the stovetop, stir continuously over medium heat. Avoid boiling, as this can affect the texture.
• Customize to taste: This vegan nacho cheese recipe is versatile. Don’t hesitate to customize the ingredients and quantities to match your preferences. Cooking is an art, after all!

Make ahead of instructions and storage

Store the finished cashew cheese sauce in an airtight container like a Mason jar in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat on the stovetop until warm.

Vegan nacho cheese serving suggestions 

Drizzle the warm vegan nacho cheese sauce generously over a bed of tortilla chips. Top with your favorite nacho toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, black beans, vegan guacamole, and fresh salsa.

Create a loaded nacho platter for sharing. Arrange a variety of chips and add-ons like vegan sour cream, salsa, and olives for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Build nourishing taco salad bowls by layering the cashew cheese sauce over a rice or quinoa base. Top with roasted vegetables, black beans, and fresh greens for a wholesome meal.

Use the vegan nacho cheese sauce as a dip for fresh veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips.

Spread the vegan nacho cheese sauce between tortillas for a vegan quesadilla filling or pour over vegan tacos for a delicious meal. My favorite vegan taco salad is a perfect meal to go with this amazing vegan nacho cheese sauce.

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