Vegan cheese sauce? You bet! Gone are the days of watery, bland alternatives. This recipe will show you how to Make Vegan Cheese Sauce that’s unbelievably creamy, flavourful, and utterly addictive. Get ready to smother everything in sight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan cheese sauce is:
- Crazy Creamy: We’re using a simple trick with potatoes and carrots to create a velvety smooth texture that rivals the real deal.
- Bursting with Flavour: Nutritional yeast brings that cheesy, umami flavour, while spices like turmeric and garlic powder add complexity and depth.
- Easy to Make: Just blend and heat! You can whip up this sauce in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu nacho parties.
- Versatile: Pour it over nachos, drizzle it on tacos, stuff it in burritos, or use it as a dip for fries and veggies. The possibilities are endless!
What Makes This Sauce So Creamy?
The secret to achieving that irresistible creaminess lies in the humble potato and carrot. When blended, they create a naturally thick and luscious base that perfectly mimics the texture of traditional cheese sauce. Don’t worry, you won’t taste the veggies at all!
Vegan cheese sauce ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat work well)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Get Cooking!
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Boil the Veggies: Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the cubed potato and chopped carrot. Cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
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Drain and Rinse: Drain the cooked potato and carrot, and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
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Blend it Up: Transfer the cooked veggies to a high-speed blender. Add the soaked cashews (if using), plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric powder, salt, and pepper.
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Blend Until Smooth: Secure the blender lid tightly and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a few times.
Blending vegan cheese sauce
- Heat and Adjust: Pour the blended cheese sauce into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until warmed through. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavour, lemon juice for tanginess, or salt and pepper to your liking.
Tips for the Best Vegan Cheese Sauce
- Soak the Cashews: While optional, soaking the cashews helps to soften them up, resulting in an even creamier texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the sauce won’t be quite as smooth.
- Don’t Overcook the Veggies: You want the potato and carrot to be tender, but not mushy. Overcooked veggies can make the sauce watery.
- Taste and Adjust: Everyone’s palate is different, so be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavour combinations.
“The beauty of vegan cooking is the ability to experiment and create. Don’t be afraid to play around with different flavours and ingredients to make this cheese sauce your own!” – Chef Anya Green, Plant-Based Chef and Author
Serving Suggestions
- Nacho Nirvana: Pour this cheesy goodness over a plate of tortilla chips, and top with your favourite nacho fixings like beans, salsa, guacamole, and jalapeños.
- Taco Tuesday (or any day!): Drizzle this creamy sauce over your favourite tacos for an extra layer of flavour and richness.
- Loaded Veggie Bowls: Take your veggie bowls to the next level by drizzling this sauce over roasted vegetables, quinoa, and your favourite toppings.
Vegan cheese sauce nachos
FAQs About Vegan Cheese Sauce
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze vegan cheese sauce?
While you can freeze this sauce, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it thoroughly before serving.
What can I substitute for nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast gives this sauce its cheesy flavour. While there’s no perfect substitute, you can try using a vegan parmesan cheese alternative or omit it altogether and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Can I use other vegetables besides potato and carrot?
While potato and carrot provide the best creamy texture, you can experiment with other vegetables like cauliflower or butternut squash. Keep in mind that the flavour and texture may vary slightly.
Is this cheese sauce healthy?
This vegan cheese sauce is made with whole-food ingredients and is a healthier alternative to traditional cheese sauces. It’s a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
More Delicious Vegan Recipes You’ll Love
- Want to create a complete vegan feast? Pair this cheese sauce with our delicious vegan eggplant recipes air fryer.
- Looking for a vibrant sauce to complement your pasta or sandwiches? Try our easy vegan pesto sauce recipe.
- Craving a hearty and satisfying main course? Our flavorful vegan portobello mushroom recipe will hit the spot.
This vegan cheese sauce is a game-changer! It’s so easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for all your cheesy cravings. So ditch the dairy and indulge in this creamy, dreamy, plant-based goodness!
