Creamy Garlic Bell Pepper Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce
This delicious and creamy vegan nacho cheese sauce is a delightful twist on the classic recipe. By using fresh garlic, onions, and vibrant red bell pepper instead of canned ingredients, this version packs more flavor and nutrition. It’s perfect for dipping, drizzling over nachos, or adding a cheesy kick to any dish. With the richness of soaked cashews and the umami depth from white miso, this sauce is both satisfying and healthy. It takes just a few minutes to prepare and is sure to impress even the non-vegans at your table!
N/A
Servings
113
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cashews
1/2 cup (soaked overnight in water, then drained)
Unsweetened Soymilk
1 cup (none)
Garlic
1 clove (peeled)
White Onion
1/2 small (chopped)
Red Bell Pepper
1/2 small (chopped)
Fresh Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (none)
White Miso
1 tablespoon (none)
Smoked Paprika
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Nutritional Yeast
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the cashews in water overnight; drain and rinse them before using.
2
In a high-powered blender, combine the soaked cashews, unsweetened soymilk, garlic clove, chopped onion, chopped red bell pepper, fresh lemon juice, white miso, smoked paprika, and nutritional yeast.
3
Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
4
Transfer the blended mixture to a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat.
5
Stir constantly to prevent sticking, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
6
Once thickened, remove from heat and serve immediately over nachos, tacos, or as a dip!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
9g
Carbs
3.5g
Protein
1.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Garlic Bell Pepper Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce?
It is a plant-based alternative to traditional nacho cheese made with fresh vegetables, cashews, and savory seasonings like miso and nutritional yeast.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan and contains no animal products.
Is the sauce dairy-free?
Absolutely, this sauce is completely dairy-free, using soymilk and cashews for creaminess.
How many calories are in one serving of this vegan cheese sauce?
Each serving contains approximately 113 calories.
What are the primary ingredients in this sauce?
The main ingredients include soaked cashews, unsweetened soymilk, garlic, white onion, red bell pepper, lemon juice, white miso, smoked paprika, and nutritional yeast.
Do I need to soak the cashews before making the sauce?
Yes, the cashews should be soaked in water overnight, then drained and rinsed before blending for the smoothest texture.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this sauce provide?
Each serving provides 3.5 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content of this nacho cheese?
There are 9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in the sauce?
This recipe contains 1.75 grams of fiber per serving.
What gives the sauce its cheesy flavor?
The combination of nutritional yeast, white miso, and fresh lemon juice creates a savory, umami-rich flavor similar to cheese.
Why is red bell pepper used in the recipe?
Red bell pepper adds a vibrant orange-red color, natural sweetness, and a boost of nutrition.
What type of milk should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of unsweetened soymilk to ensure a neutral and creamy base.
How do I thicken the vegan cheese sauce?
After blending, transfer the mixture to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches your desired thickness.
What is the role of white miso in this recipe?
White miso provides a salty, fermented depth that enhances the 'cheesy' profile of the sauce.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While the recipe specifies 1 fresh garlic clove for the best flavor, garlic powder can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
What equipment is needed to make this sauce?
You will need a high-powered blender to achieve a smooth consistency and a small saucepan for heating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free; however, you should check your white miso label as some varieties contain barley.
How much nutritional yeast is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast.
What can I serve with this vegan nacho cheese?
It is perfect for drizzling over nachos, dipping crackers, topping tacos, or adding to steamed vegetables.
Does this sauce contain smoked paprika?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika is added for a hint of smokiness and color.
How long does it take to cook the sauce once blended?
It only takes a few minutes of simmering on medium-low heat until the sauce thickens.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
According to the nutritional data provided, the sugar content is negligible.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use a different color onion?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a small white onion, but yellow onion can be used as a substitute.
Is this sauce healthier than store-bought nacho cheese?
Yes, it uses whole food ingredients like cashews and fresh vegetables instead of processed oils and artificial colors.
Can I skip the heating step?
While the sauce is edible after blending, heating it in a saucepan is necessary to activate the thickening process for a traditional nacho cheese texture.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
What is the texture of the sauce?
When blended correctly and heated, the sauce is completely smooth, rich, and creamy.
Can this sauce be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can blend the ingredients in advance and heat the sauce just before serving.