Vegan Nacho Cheese Recipe (Delicious and Nutritious)

An easy instant pot recipe with a cheesy nacho flavor

Nacho Cheese Sauce (Delicious, Vegan, and Plant-Based)

We’re big on weekend movie nights in our house. It’s kind of the perfect wind down at the end of a long week. 

Our evenings begin with a dinner like homemade pizza, egg rolls, burritos bowls, or a type of food we’re all hands-on with.

It’s a fun group effort and a great way to connect as a family.

Nacho Cheese Sauce (Delicious, Vegan, and Plant-Based) on nacho supreme inspired Vegan Mexican bowls

Last week, we made Nacho Supreme Inspired Mexican Bowls and had some leftover nacho cheese sauce. 

We made some pretzels rolls and homemade chips to enjoy with the movie. I served them with roasted salsa and nacho cheese sauce. It was a delicious movie night treat that will not soon be forgotten. We couldn’t stop eating it.

I’m excited to share this recipe with you; it’s a movie night/get-together/Taco Tuesday game-changer. There’s something about creamy sauces that elevate a good meal to a great meal.

This vegan, plant-based, velvety cheese sauce is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that are great for your body.

Potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic provide nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Cashews offer healthy fats, while tomatoes contain lycopene, a potent antioxidant that reduces the risks of certain chronic diseases. Jalapeños kickstart your metabolism and reduce inflammation.

Not only does this nacho cheese sauce satisfy Mexican food cravings, but it also nourishes your body.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking for a healthier alternative, this sauce is a must-try.

Nacho Cheese Sauce (Delicious, Vegan, and Plant-Based)

10 reasons to try this nacho cheesy sauce

  1. Deliciously creamy

  2. Plant-powered goodness

  3. Versatile

  4. Whole food ingredients

  5. No oil 

  6. Heart-healthy option

  7. Weight management support

  8. Immune system boost

  9. Allergy-friendly alternative

  10. Nourishing comfort food


Vegan Nacho Cheese Recipe (Delicious and Nutritious)

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Sauces, Dips
American
Yield: 3 1/2 cups
Author: Julie Gaeta
The Best Healthy Vegan Cheese Sauce

The Best Healthy Vegan Cheese Sauce

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 35 Min
A wonderful cheese alternative that’s full of flavor — and delicious in its own right. It’s creamy, plant-based, and offers so many possibilities. If you’ve never tried healthy vegan cheesy sauce, you’re in for a surprise.

Ingredients

Instructions

Instant Pot Directions
  1. Add the potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, cashews, water (or vegetable stock, if using instead of water and bouillon), bouillon cube (omit if using vegetable stock), onion powder, garlic powder, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne (if using) to the Instant Pot.
  2. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Select the manual setting and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
  3. After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
  4. Carefully transfer the cooked mixture to a high-speed blender. Add the dairy-free milk and black pepper.
  5. Before adding salt, consider the sodium content of the vegetable stock or bouillon used. If high-sodium, start with a smaller amount of salt than the recipe calls for. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  6. Taste the sauce. Now adjust the salt, adding more if needed, to your liking. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Stovetop Directions
  1. In a medium-sized pot, combine potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, cashews, water (or vegetable stock if not using bouillon), bouillon cube (omit if using vegetable stock), onion powder, garlic powder, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a rolling simmer. Cook until the vegetables and cashews are softened, about 10–15 minutes.
  3. Carefully transfer the cooked vegetables and cooking liquid to a blender.
  4. Add the dairy-free milk to the blender. Before adding salt, consider the sodium content of the vegetable stock or bouillon used. If it's high in sodium, you may want to start with less salt than the recipe calls for. Add black pepper as well.
  5. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
  6. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Notes

  • If you have a high-powered blender, you can use the cashews raw. For a smoother texture or if using a standard blender, soak the cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes or overnight in cool water, then drain before using.
  • You may need to blend in batches, depending on the size of your blender.
  • Adjusting Thickness: Depending on your preference for the sauce's thickness, you can adjust the amount of dairy-free milk or water/stock after blending. Start with the listed amount and add more if a thinner consistency is desired.
  • Depending on your preference for the sauce's thickness, you can adjust the amount of dairy-free milk or water/stock after blending. Start with the listed amount and add more if a thinner consistency is desired.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning after blending, especially the salt, as the bouillon cube and vegetable stock's sodium content can vary.
  • To make this sauce lower fat, simply replace cashews with white beans or steamed cauliflower. Or reduce cashews to 1/4 cup and 1/4 cup steamed cauliflower or white beans. 
  • You can peel the potatoes, but when using yellow potatoes, it seems almost unnecessary as they’re so tender and thin. They’re also full of nutrients like vitamins, fiber, and minerals, so I choose to leave them on. 

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Nacho Cheese Sauce (Delicious, Vegan, and Plant-Based)

Pro Notes

  • Flavor infusion: Experiment to customize. Add a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of chipotle powder, cayenne, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra depth and complexity.

  • Creamy cauliflower twist: For a lighter option, substitute a portion of the cashews with steamed cauliflower. This adds creaminess while reducing the overall calorie and fat content of the sauce.

  • Roasted garlic infusion: Roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the sauce. Roasting enhances garlic’s natural sweetness and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.

  • Flavor enhancement: Allow the nacho cheese sauce to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more complex taste.

Nacho cheese sauce being drizzled over nachos

10 Irresistible Ideas for Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce

  1. Nachos

  2. Nachos Bowl

  3. Chip dipping

  4. Quesadillas

  5. Mexican breakfast burrito

  6. Mexican stuffed peppers

  7. Burritos or wraps

  8. Mexican-style pizza

  9. Loaded fries with pickled jalapeños

  10. Loaded baked potatoes


FAQ

  1. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
    Absolutely! This nacho cheese sauce is perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It will thicken, making it a great dip/sauce to have on hand.

  2. Can I use different types of potatoes? 
    While yellow potatoes are what I prefer, you can experiment with other varieties, like russet or red potatoes, for slightly different flavors and textures.

  3. Can I freeze my cheese sauce?
    Freezing may alter the texture of the sauce, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. But you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container if needed. Thaw and reheat gently while stirring to bring it back to a smooth consistency.

  4. Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
    Cashews provide a creamy texture, but if you have allergies or preferences, you can experiment with other nuts like almonds or macadamias. Adjustments may be needed in terms of soaking and blending times.

  5. Can I adjust the thickness of my sauce?
    Absolutely! If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the liquid added during the blending process. If you want a thinner consistency, add more liquid gradually until you achieve the desired texture.

  6. Can I replace the nuts in this recipe?
    Yes, both steamed cauliflower and white beans can be used as alternatives.

    Cauliflower: Use 1/4 to 1/3 cup of steamed cauliflower as a substitution for 1/2 cup of nuts.

    White Beans: Use 1/4 to 1/3 cups of cooked white beans as a substitution for 1/2 cup of nuts.

  • Note: Using cauliflower or white beans may give a slightly different taste compared to nuts. However, the seasonings and other ingredients balance the flavors, still resulting in a delicious cheesy sauce.

Nacho Cheese Sauce (Delicious, Vegan, and Plant-Based)

This nacho cheesy goodness is perfect for movie nights, get-togethers, and Taco Tuesdays. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. 

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply want to incorporate more plant-based options, this healthy alternative is a must-try. 

Explore the endless possibilities of this versatile and vegan nacho cheese recipe and enjoy the comfort of cheesy goodness without compromising your health.


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The Best Healthy Vegan Cheese Sauce