Name: Nacho Cashew Cheese Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Vegan
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); 1/4 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste

Why Make This Recipe

Nacho Cashew Cheese Sauce is a delicious and dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese sauces. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you are vegan or just trying to eat healthier, this sauce is perfect for adding a cheesy goodness to your favorite snacks. Perfect for nachos, it will be a hit at parties, game days, or simply a cozy night in.

How to Make Nacho Cashew Cheese Sauce

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 (I used almond milk)
1/4 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste

Directions:

Place your cashews in a bowl and cover them with water for at least 6-8 hours or overnight before using. If you need a shortcut, cover the raw cashews with boiling water for 20-30 minutes to soften them.
After soaking, discard the water from the cashews and place them in a high-speed blender along with the remaining ingredients.
Blend all the ingredients on high, scraping down the sides as needed, until the sauce is velvety smooth.
Since everyone’s taste is different, taste the sauce after blending. If you need more salt, add small amounts at a time, blend again, and taste until it reaches your desired flavor. You might need between 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp of salt, but it’s best to start with less.

How to Serve Nacho Cashew Cheese Sauce

You can serve this rich and creamy nacho cheese sauce with tortilla chips for dipping. It’s also great drizzled over baked potatoes, used in tacos, or served as a topping for vegetables. Get creative and enjoy this versatile sauce!

How to Store Nacho Cashew Cheese Sauce

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, you can stir in a bit more plant-based milk before serving to bring back its creamy texture.

Tips to Make Nacho Cashew Cheese Sauce

Always soak cashews for the best texture. This makes them soft and easier to blend into a creamier sauce.
Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer pickled jalapenos according to your taste.
Nutritional yeast gives the sauce a cheesy flavor, so don’t skip it!

Variation

For a different twist, you can add spices like cumin or garlic powder for extra flavor. You could also blend in some roasted red peppers for a smoky touch.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of plant-based milk?
Yes, you can use regular milk if you do not follow a plant-based diet.

2. Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those with gluten intolerance.

3. Can I freeze the leftover sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator and stir well before using it again.