Cheese Sauce Vegan
Creamy, luscious, and packed with flavor, this Vegan Cheese Sauce is a game-changer for plant-based cooking! Made with a base of soaked raw cashews and infused with the umami-rich goodness of nutritional yeast, this dairy-free cheese alternative is velvety smooth and incredibly versatile. A touch of Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and warming spices like paprika and turmeric (for a golden hue) elevate its flavor profile, while unsweetened almond milk ensures the perfect creamy consistency. Ready in just 15 minutes, this vegan cheese sauce is perfect for drizzling over pasta, nachos, or veggies, or serving as a savory dip. Whether you're lactose-intolerant or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is a must-try for its bold flavor, quick prep time, and wholesome ingredients!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Raw cashews
- 1 cup Unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
- 0.25 cup Nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground turmeric (optional, for color)
- 0.25 cup Water (if needed for thinning)
Instructions
Place the raw cashews in a heat-safe bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for 10 minutes to soften.
Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender or food processor.
Add unsweetened almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and turmeric (if using) to the blender.
Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This may take 1–3 minutes depending on your blender. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Transfer the blended mixture to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir constantly for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes warm. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or lemon juice if needed.
Serve the vegan cheese sauce immediately over pasta, as a dip for chips, or drizzle it over vegetables. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
714 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.0 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.9 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2666 mg | 116% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.5 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.6 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.8 g | ||
| Protein | 25.3 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 510 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 9.3 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 1107 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
