Forktionary

All Purpose Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe

Craving creamy, cheesy goodness without the dairy? This versatile vegan cheese sauce is your answer! Made with a mild blend of cashews, nutritional yeast (used sparingly for those sensitive to its flavor), and simple spices, this recipe is incredibly easy to customize. Enjoy it as a simple side over steamed veggies or chips, or spice it up with your favorite additions like cumin, chili powder, diced tomatoes, chili, or vegan taco meat. The possibilities are endless! This recipe is a lighter take on our popular #356853, perfect for those new to vegan cooking or who prefer a less intense nutritional yeast flavor.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 126.9 kcal
Protein 10g
Rating 5.0 (3 Reviews)
All Purpose Vegan Cheese Sauce

Recipe Actions

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for All Purpose Vegan Cheese Sauce

  • 1 cup water
  • Raw Cashews
  • Pimentos
  • Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Yellow Mustard
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

How to Make All Purpose Vegan Cheese Sauce

  1. Soak 1 cup of raw cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes, or skip this step and microwave them with 1 cup of water for 4-5 minutes to soften.
  2. Combine soaked cashews, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a high-speed blender.
  3. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. Transfer the blended mixture to a medium saucepan over low to medium-low heat.
  5. Whisk constantly for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency.
  6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add your favorite spices (cumin, chili powder, etc.) at this stage for a customized flavor profile.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

19 g

Sugar

6g

Fat

8g

Carbs

3g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Preparation Easy Dietary Low Cholesterol Low Calorie Low Carb Healthy 2 Low In Something 3 Steps Or Less