Easy Nacho Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This easy Nacho Cashew Cheese Sauce is a creamy, flavorful alternative to traditional cheese sauces. Made with simple plant-based ingredients, it delivers a cheesy, spicy kick perfect for dipping or drizzling over your favorite snacks.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 4 oz can of green chilies
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp pickled jalapenos
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 3 tbsp unsweetened plant-based milk (almond milk recommended)
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Soak for at least 6-8 hours or overnight to soften. For a quicker option, cover the cashews with boiling water and let sit for 20-30 minutes.
- Step 2: Drain the cashews and add them to a high-speed blender along with the green chilies, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, pickled jalapenos, smoked paprika, chili powder, plant-based milk, and kosher salt.
- Step 3: Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and velvety, scraping down the sides as needed for even blending.
- Step 4: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning by adding more salt in small increments. Blend and taste again until it reaches your desired flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use boiling water to soften cashews quickly if you’re short on time.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Swap almond milk with any other unsweetened plant-based milk you have on hand.
- For a smoother texture, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve before serving.
Storage
Store the nacho cashew cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before serving, and gently warm in the microwave or on the stove if you prefer a warm sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use roasted cashews instead of raw?
Raw cashews yield the creamiest texture, but you can use roasted cashews if that’s what you have. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
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Easy Nacho Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus 6-8 hours soaking time or 30 minutes quick soak
- Yield: About 1 ½ cups sauce 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This easy Nacho Cashew Cheese Sauce is a creamy, dairy-free alternative perfect for nachos, dips, or drizzling over your favorite dishes. Made with soaked raw cashews, green chilies, and flavorful spices, this velvety sauce combines tangy, smoky, and spicy notes for an irresistible vegan cheese experience.
Ingredients
Cashew Base
- 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 3 tbsp unsweetened plant based milk (almond milk recommended)
Flavorings & Spices
- 4 oz can of green chilies
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp pickled jalapenos
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt plus additional to taste
Instructions
- Soak the Cashews: Place raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for at least 6 to 8 hours or overnight to soften. Alternatively, for a quicker method, cover the cashews with boiling water and let them soften for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Blend Ingredients: Drain and discard the soaking water. Transfer the cashews to a high-speed blender along with green chilies, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, pickled jalapenos, smoked paprika, chili powder, plant-based milk, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Blend on high speed until the sauce is smooth and velvety, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add additional salt in small increments, blending after each addition, until it reaches your preferred level of saltiness. Typically, between 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of salt is needed.
Notes
- Soaking cashews overnight results in a creamier sauce, but the quick soak method works well if short on time.
- Use a high-speed blender for the smoothest texture.
- Adjust the amount of jalapenos for more or less heat to suit your taste.
- This sauce works great as a dip, drizzle for nachos, or a cheese substitute in many recipes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Dip
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan/American Fusion
Keywords: nacho cheese sauce, cashew cheese sauce, vegan nacho sauce, dairy-free cheese, plant-based cheese sauce, cashew dip, vegan cheese sauce
