Heart-Healthy Creamy Nacho Cheese Sauce
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of nacho cheese guilt-free with this Heart-Healthy Creamy Nacho Cheese Sauce! Made entirely from wholesome, plant-based ingredients, this recipe features unsalted raw cashews, tender carrot, and a blend of aromatic spices like paprika and cumin to deliver that classic cheesy flavor—without the dairy or excess fat. Nutritional yeast lends its signature umami punch, while fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness. Perfectly creamy and ready in just 30 minutes, this sauce is versatile enough to pair with tortilla chips, drizzle over baked potatoes, or elevate your favorite nachos. Plus, it’s low in cholesterol and packed with healthy fats, making it a deliciously smart choice for dipping and sharing. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself, this vegan nacho cheese sauce is a game-changer for your snacking repertoire!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted raw cashews
- 1 medium Carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 4 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Cumin
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Vegetable broth
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
Place the unsalted raw cashews in a bowl and cover with one cup of water. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight if you have time.
In a small pot, combine the peeled and chopped carrot with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the carrot pieces are tender.
Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
In a high-speed blender, combine the drained cashews, cooked carrot (along with any remaining broth), nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, lemon juice, and salt.
Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of extra water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Transfer the sauce to a saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve the creamy nacho cheese sauce warm with tortilla chips, over baked potatoes, or as a topping for nachos.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
794 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.7 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.3 g | 46% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1812 mg | 79% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.6 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.8 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.3 g | ||
| Protein | 28.9 g | 58% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 136 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 10.8 mg | 60% | |
| Potassium | 1589 mg | 34% | |
*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.
