Indulge in the creamy, tangy delight of Vegan Classic Cheddar Cheese Sauce, a wholesome plant-based alternative thatโs perfect for dipping, drizzling, or smothering over your favorite dishes. Crafted with raw cashews, vibrant carrots, hearty potatoes, and a blend of bold seasonings like smoked paprika, turmeric, and nutritional yeast, this recipe delivers a rich, cheesy flavor without any dairy. With just 30 minutes from prep to finish, this quick and easy sauce is naturally gluten-free, packed with nutrients, and customizable to your preferred thickness and taste. Ideal for pairing with pasta, nachos, or veggies, itโs a versatile staple your kitchen will love. Plus, itโs easy to make ahead and store for up to 5 days, making it a must-try addition to any vegan cooking repertoire!
Soak the raw cashews in hot water for at least 15 minutes to soften.
Peel and dice the carrot and potato into small cubes for quicker cooking.
In a small saucepan, combine the diced carrot and potato with enough water to cover them and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and set aside.
Drain the soaked cashews and place them in a blender.
Add the boiled carrot and potato, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, black pepper, and 1 cup water to the blender.
Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Depending on the power of your blender, this could take 1-2 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.
Pour the sauce into a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and ready to serve.
Use immediately over pasta, nachos, or your favorite dishes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Calories |
889 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.0 g | 72% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.6 g | 53% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 4 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 2674 mg | 116% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 81.8 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.8 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.4 g | ||
| Protein | 27.6 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 104 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 9.6 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 1672 mg | 36% | |
*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.