Dairy-Free Velveeta Cheese Dip
Indulge in creamy, gooey deliciousness with this Dairy-Free Velveeta Cheese Dip—an irresistible plant-based alternative that's perfect for parties, game days, or snack cravings! This recipe transforms simple ingredients like raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free almond milk into a rich and velvety cheese-like dip, packed with smoky paprika and a kick of optional cayenne pepper for a bold flavor punch. Tapioca starch ensures the perfect stretchy, smooth texture, while diced tomatoes and green chilies bring a zesty, satisfying twist. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s equally as delightful with crunchy tortilla chips, crisp veggies, or your favorite dipping snacks. Plus, it's entirely vegan, dairy-free, and easy to reheat for leftovers—a crowd-pleaser you can feel good about. Perfect for anyone seeking a healthier, allergen-friendly spin on classic Velveeta queso!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Raw cashews
- 1 cup Unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk)
- 3 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons Tapioca starch (or arrowroot powder)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 0.5 cup Diced tomatoes and green chilies (e.g., Rotel, drained)
Instructions
Soak the raw cashews in hot water for 20 minutes or overnight in cold water, then drain and rinse.
Add the soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) to a high-speed blender.
Blend the ingredients on high until completely smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides if necessary to ensure everything is incorporated.
Transfer the blended mixture to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or spatula to prevent lumps.
As the mixture heats, it will thicken and turn into a gooey, cheese-like consistency (around 3-5 minutes). Keep stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in the drained diced tomatoes and green chilies for added flavor and texture.
Serve immediately with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or your favorite dippers. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheat gently before use.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
828 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.2 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.9 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1746 mg | 76% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 69.2 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.4 g | 37% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.8 g | ||
| Protein | 32.9 g | 66% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 532 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 11.0 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 1520 mg | 32% | |
*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.
