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Level up your game-day snacking with this delicious Vegan Nacho Cheese. It's creamy, tangy, and down-right addictive! It calls for simple ingredients and takes less than 20 minutes to make.
I'm not a huge sports fan, but I love game-day parties! They're the perfect atmosphere to pig out and laugh with friends. They also help die-hard fans feel a little calmer.
Lately, I'm spicing things up with my Potato Air Fryer Tacos, these Loaded Vegan Nachos, Vegan Jalapeño Popper Dip, and this Vegan Nacho Cheese. I think Blood Orange Margaritas might have to happen too.
This recipe will not disappoint! It's full of cheesy flavor and has the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and sharp flavors with a hint of optional spice! The texture is velvety-smooth and ultra-creamy.
How to make Vegan Nacho Cheese
It's so easy! First, soften the cashews by soaking them in hot water for 20 minutes or in cool water for 2-4 hours. They will break down easier and create an ultra-creamy texture.
- Drain and rinse the cashews (discard soaking water). Now add them with the other ingredients to a high-speed blender and blitz until smooth.
- Pour the cheese into a medium saucepan over medium heat and cook until it thickens up, stirring frequently.
Ways to use it
You can enjoy this cheesy goodness for a Vegan Burrito, Loaded Nachos, Carrot Hot Dogs, Veggies, Vegan Soft Pretzels, Sandwiches, Baked Potatoes, Chili Mac, Vegan Burger, Casseroles, Soups and more. The options are endless!
FAQs
You can serve it in a variety of ways, but I like to top it with fresh-cut cilantro, diced tomatoes, and serve warm alongside crispy tortilla chips, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños.
It will stay good in the fridge for 3-5 days. Just reheat on the stove, and add a few splashes of vegetable broth. It freezes well too for 2-3 months in an airtight container. To prepare, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove until heated throughout, adding a few splashes of broth if needed.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and sharing your feedback in the comment section below. It would make my day!
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Recipe
Vegan Nacho Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews
- ¾ cup unsweetened soy milk (or any plant-based milk)
- ½ cup vegetable broth , low sodium
- 3 tablespoons pimientos
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 ½ tablespoons tapioca starch
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- ½ teaspoon granulated onion
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt , more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper * optional
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Cashew Prep: If you’re not using a high-powered blender (like a Vitamix), you’ll need to soften the cashews first—otherwise, you can skip this step. To do this, bring a small pot of water to a boil, then remove it from the heat. Add the cashews, cover, and let them sit for 20 minutes. Once softened, drain, rinse, and discard the soaking water.
- Add cashews and remaining ingredients to a high-powered blender. Blend on high until smooth (the sauce will be thin).
- Pour cheese into a medium pot over medium heat. Cook until the cheese thickens up. It should take about 4-6 minutes. Stir often so it doesn’t stick or burn. Taste for seasoning and add more if needed. For a thinner consistency, add a few splashes of broth and combine. Remove from heat and serve.
Notes
- Add a subtle zing with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Add more heat with 1 tablespoon of jarred jalapeños.
- For smoky heat, add 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
- For a little more depth, add a ½ teaspoon of chili powder
- For a thicker consistency, add ½ tablespoon more of the tapioca starch or a tablespoon more nutritional yeast.
- For a thinner sauce, add a few splashes of vegetable broth and combine.
Claude Lynn Leger
Thank you for this great recipe! It’s delicious!! I use it in all sorts of things too. Haven’t made it in awhile, and just saw the nachos post on ig. Now I’m off making it for Mac and cheese!
Support @ Vegan Huggs
We're so happy to hear that you've found different ways of using the Nacho Cheese and that you love the recipe! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Anna
Hi Mel,
What can I use instead of cashew nuts? I have allergy for it. Also no yeast 🙁
Melissa Huggins
Can you have macadamia nuts? They work great and the method is the same. Blanched almonds work too, but you'll have to soak them much longer. I soak them in room temp water for 6-8 hours. You can omit the nutritional yeast and add 1 teaspoon of white miso paste. You may want to reduce the salt in the recipe because miso is salty. I hope this helps.
Linda
So much flavour! Thanks for sharing.
Melissa Huggins
Thank you, Linda! I'm so glad you liked it! 🙂
Mary
This is amazing - will use this on all my Mexican dishes. The sauce is guilt free, have poured it over fat-free chips for a late afternoon snack. Thank you, love all your wonderful recipes!!!
Melissa Huggins
Hi Mary, you're most welcome! I'm so happy you liked it! Thank you for giving it a try 🙂
Lisa Davis
Delicious! I didn't have pimentos but I added some sweet and spicy roasted peppers instead. It was just what we were looking for to compliment draft day treats.
Melissa Huggins
Thank you so much! I'm so glad the roasted peppers worked out well. I'll have to remember that. Have a great weekend! 🙂
Haley
Best nacho cheese I've ever tried.
Melissa Huggins
You're so kind! Thank you for making it! 🙂
Ashley
Wow! This looks amazing. Being the only vegan in my office makes things like parties a bit difficult to navigate. I’m going to give this a try and bring it to the office Super Bowl carry in and not tell anyone it doesn’t have any real cheese. Thanks for the recipe!
Melissa Huggins
Hi Ashley, Yeah, it can be hard when you're the only vegan in a group setting. I think it's great that you're bringing a vegan dish for them to try. I bet they'll love it! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Diane
Hi, Can I use corn starch instead of tapioca for the thickening?
Melissa Huggins
Hi Diane, yes, you can use corn starch. It won't have that slight stretch, but will thicken up perfectly! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Randy R
I am making this for my family's lunch today. I am so excited to try it. It looks amazing.
Melissa Huggins
Hi Randy, this is so nice to hear! Thank you so much! Enjoy 🙂
Sarah
This cheese sauce is gorgeous! It would make a spectacular plate of nachos!!!
Melissa Huggins
Thank you, Sarah! It's great for loaded nachos. We might make them tonight. I've been craving them.
Mel |avirtualvegan.com
I am loving this! Anything cheesy and I'm in. It looks so thick and creamy. I am loving your baking tray too. Ive been wanting one like that for my photos for ages!
Melissa Huggins
Thank you, Mel! I found the tray at a second hand store. I love it! 🙂
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
This looks so delicious, Melissa! I know this nacho cheese will be a hit in my house!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition
This looks soooo good Melissa! I used to be the same way - anything on the menu with cheese I ordered and then felt gross afterwards. I'm so happy to find vegan alternatives like this!
Melissa Huggins
Thank you, Mary Ellen. Vegan alternatives are way tastier and so much healthier 🙂