Vegan Nacho Cheese Recipe (Delicious and Nutritious)
An easy instant pot recipe with a cheesy nacho flavor
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.
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.
10 reasons to try this nacho cheesy sauce
Deliciously creamy
Plant-powered goodness
Versatile
Whole food ingredients
No oil
Heart-healthy option
Weight management support
Immune system boost
Allergy-friendly alternative
Nourishing comfort food
Vegan Nacho Cheese Recipe (Delicious and Nutritious)
Vegan Nacho Cheese Recipe (Delicious and Nutritious)
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add the potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, fresh jalapeño, canned tomatoes, cashews, water, and bouillon to the instant pot.
- Add all seasonings, except salt.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
- Once the cooking is done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then carefully turn the valve to venting and release any remaining pressure.
- Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender.
- Add the milk, salt, and lemon (if using)
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust to your liking.
- In a medium-sized pot, place potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, fresh jalapeño, cashews, and broth in a medium-sized pan.
- Add all seasonings, except salt, and stir in.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a rolling simmer and cook until softened — about 10–15 minutes.
- Place vegetables and cooking liquid in the blender.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
Notes
- You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender.
- Makes roughly 5 cups of nacho cheese sauce and serves 10 (1/2 cup servings)
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.
10 Irresistible Ideas for Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce
Nachos
Chip dipping
Quesadillas
Mexican breakfast burrito
Mexican stuffed peppers
Burritos or wraps
Mexican-style pizza
Loaded fries with pickled jalapeños
Loaded baked potatoes
FAQ
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.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.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.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.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.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.
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.
