Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce
Indulge in our Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce, a delicious and versatile alternative to traditional cheese sauces. This recipe, inspired by our cousin Diana P., is perfect for nachos, mac'n'cheese, or as a savory enhancement to enchiladas and other dishes that crave a cheesy touch. Crafted with raw cashews for creaminess and enriched with nutritional yeast for that classic cheesy flavor, this sauce is not only simple to prepare but also packed with healthy ingredients. Transform your favorite comfort foods into vegan delights that are both satisfying and nutritious.
4
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
raw cashews
1/4 cup (rinsed and drained)
cold water
1 1/2 cups (none)
pimientos
2 ounces (drained (half of a 4 oz. jar))
cornstarch
2 tablespoons (none)
nutritional yeast flakes
2 tablespoons (none)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
salt
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
diced green chilies
1 (4 ounce can) (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the raw cashews under hot water to soften them.
2
In a high-speed blender, combine the rinsed cashews with 1 1/2 cups of cold water, pimientos, cornstarch, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and salt. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
3
Transfer the blended mixture to a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
4
Continue to cook the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency, which should take about 5-8 minutes.
5
If using, stir in the diced green chilies for added flavor and texture. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
6
Serve immediately as a dip for nachos, or use it in your favorite mac'n'cheese or enchilada recipes for a satisfying vegan meal.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
16.25g
Carbs
3g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce?
It is a plant-based, dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese sauce made using raw cashews and nutritional yeast.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, all ingredients including cashews, pimientos, and nutritional yeast are 100% vegan.
How do I make the sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from blending raw cashews with water in a high-speed blender until completely smooth.
What gives the sauce its cheesy flavor?
Nutritional yeast flakes and lemon juice provide the savory, tangy, and cheesy flavor profile.
Do I need to soak the cashews overnight?
No, you can simply rinse them under hot water to soften them before blending.
How long does it take to cook the sauce?
After blending, it takes approximately 5 to 8 minutes of stirring over medium heat to thicken.
Can I use this sauce for nachos?
Yes, it is excellent as a dip for nachos or poured over tortilla chips.
Is this sauce good for Mac and Cheese?
Absolutely, it is a perfect vegan alternative for making creamy mac'n'cheese.
What are pimientos used for in this recipe?
Pimientos add a hint of sweetness and help give the sauce its classic orange-yellow cheese color.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe uses cornstarch as a thickener, which is naturally gluten-free.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7.5 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the healthy fats in cashews.
How much protein is in the sauce?
The sauce provides 3 grams of protein per serving.
Can I add spice to the sauce?
Yes, you can stir in optional diced green chilies at the end for extra flavor and texture.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
You can thin it out by whisking in a small amount of additional water until you reach your desired consistency.
Is a high-speed blender necessary?
A high-speed blender is recommended to ensure the cashews are pulverized into a perfectly smooth liquid.
Can I use roasted cashews instead of raw?
Raw cashews are preferred for their neutral flavor and ability to create a creamy texture without a nutty, roasted taste.
What is the role of cornstarch?
Cornstarch acts as the thickening agent that gives the sauce its rich, gooey consistency when heated.
Is there fiber in this cheese sauce?
Yes, there are 2 grams of fiber per serving.
How much nutritional yeast should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast flakes.
Is this recipe soy-free?
Yes, this recipe does not contain soy ingredients.
Can I use this for enchiladas?
Yes, it works as a savory enhancement for enchiladas and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
Does the sauce contain cholesterol?
No, as a plant-based recipe, it is naturally cholesterol-free.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Diana P., a cousin of the recipe creator.
How much water is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of cold water for blending.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
While lemon juice is specified, lime juice can provide a similar acidity, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile.
How should I stir the sauce while heating?
You should stir constantly to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 16.25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, though freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the brightest flavor.