Creamy Vegan Cheddar Sauce
This luxurious and creamy vegan cheddar sauce transforms any dish into a decadent delight! Originally inspired by a recipe from Tracy on the Internet, this sauce combines simple ingredients to deliver an unexpectedly rich and savory flavor that will have everyone guessing your secret. Perfect for drizzling over pasta, roasted vegetables, or even nachos, it’s a versatile addition to your vegan repertoire. Packed with wholesome nutrients and just a hint of tanginess from lemon juice, you won't believe how easy it is to whip up this irresistible sauce!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
2 cups (none)
carrot
1/3 cup (peeled and cooked)
white flour
1/3 cup (or use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for gluten-free)
nutritional yeast flakes
1/4 cup (none)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
onion powder
2 teaspoons (none)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the water, cooked carrot, white flour (or cornstarch), nutritional yeast flakes, lemon juice, onion powder, and salt.
2
Blend the mixture on high until smooth and creamy.
3
Pour the blended mixture into a medium saucepan over medium heat.
4
Stir continuously until the sauce begins to bubble and thickens to your desired consistency, which should take about 4-6 minutes.
5
Remove from heat and serve immediately, drizzling it over your favorite dishes such as pasta, steamed broccoli, or baked potatoes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Vegan Cheddar Sauce?
It is a luxurious and creamy plant-based sauce that transforms dishes into decadent delights using simple ingredients like carrots and nutritional yeast.
Is this sauce entirely vegan?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan and plant-based, making it a great dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese sauce.
How can I make this sauce gluten-free?
To make the sauce gluten-free, substitute the white flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
What gives the sauce its cheesy flavor?
The cheesy, savory flavor is primarily provided by the 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast flakes.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 7 simple ingredients.
Do I need to cook the carrots beforehand?
Yes, the 1/3 cup of carrots should be peeled and cooked before being added to the blender.
What equipment do I need to make this sauce?
You will need a blender to mix the ingredients and a medium saucepan to thicken the sauce on the stove.
How long does it take to cook the sauce on the stove?
It typically takes about 4 to 6 minutes for the sauce to bubble and reach the desired thickness.
Can I use this sauce for nachos?
Yes, this creamy cheddar sauce is perfect for drizzling over nachos.
What are some other serving suggestions for this sauce?
This sauce is excellent over pasta, roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or baked potatoes.
Who inspired this vegan cheddar sauce recipe?
The recipe was originally inspired by Tracy on the Internet.
How much water is required for the base?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of water.
What kind of citrus is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice for a hint of tanginess.
Is onion powder included in the ingredients?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of onion powder are added to enhance the savory flavor profile.
How much nutritional yeast should I use?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast flakes.
What is the recommended heat setting for thickening the sauce?
The sauce should be cooked over medium heat while stirring continuously.
Does this sauce contain any cholesterol?
Being a plant-based recipe, it is naturally cholesterol-free.
Can I use cornstarch instead of white flour?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch can be used as a thickener instead of 1/3 cup of white flour.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine water, cooked carrot, flour or cornstarch, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, onion powder, and salt in a blender.
Should I blend the mixture on a specific speed?
Yes, you should blend the mixture on high until it is completely smooth and creamy.
Is this sauce considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is a healthy alternative to traditional processed cheese sauces.
Can I use frozen carrots?
Yes, as long as they are cooked and measured to 1/3 cup before blending.
What should I do once the sauce starts to bubble?
Once it bubbles and reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and serve immediately.
Is this recipe nut-free?
Yes, this recipe does not contain nuts, making it safe for those with nut allergies.
Does the sauce taste like real cheddar?
It delivers a rich and savory flavor that closely mimics cheddar cheese thanks to the nutritional yeast and lemon juice.
How much carrot is used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of peeled and cooked carrots.
Is the lemon juice necessary?
The lemon juice provides a necessary hint of tanginess that balances the savory flavors of the sauce.
Can I use this for a vegan mac and cheese?
Absolutely, drizzling this over pasta is one of the primary recommended uses.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, with only 7 ingredients and a simple blend-and-heat process, it is very easy to whip up.