Dairy-Free Classic Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Indulge in the rich, creamy comfort of a "Dairy-Free Classic Cheddar Cheese Sauce" that's as versatile as it is delicious! This plant-based recipe delivers a velvety, cheddar-inspired cheese sauce crafted from wholesome ingredients like raw cashews, carrots, and potatoes. Nutritional yeast lends its signature cheesy tang, while a hint of smoked paprika and turmeric adds depth and a pop of color. Perfect for vegans and those with dairy sensitivities, this quick-to-make sauce—ready in just 35 minutes—pairs beautifully with pasta, nachos, steamed veggies, or as a luscious dip. Whether you're reinventing mac and cheese or drizzling over baked potatoes, this dairy-free cheese sauce promises bold flavor and creamy satisfaction in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Raw cashews
- 1 medium Carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium Potato, peeled and chopped
- 3 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 cups Water
Instructions
Begin by soaking the raw cashews in hot water for at least 15 minutes to soften them.
In the meantime, bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add the chopped carrot and potato.
Cook the vegetables for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork.
Drain the soaked cashews and place them in a blender along with the cooked carrot and potato.
Add nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, sea salt, and black pepper to the blender.
Pour 2 cups of water into the blender with the other ingredients.
Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, so be patient.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
Transfer the cheese sauce to a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warmed through.
Serve immediately over pasta, as a dip for chips, or any dish where you desire a cheesy flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
855 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 49.7 g | 64% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.9 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2424 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 82.3 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.2 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.8 g | ||
| Protein | 34.4 g | 69% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 131 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 10.7 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 1995 mg | 42% | |
*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.
