Creamy Nacho Cashew Cheese Sauce (Print Version)
Rich, creamy dairy-free sauce with spicy nacho flavor from cashews and roasted peppers.
# What You'll Need:
→ Nuts
01 - 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes then drained
→ Vegetables
02 - 1/2 cup diced roasted red bell pepper, jarred or homemade
→ Seasonings
03 - 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
04 - 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, optional for color
11 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
→ Liquids
12 - 3/4 cup water, plus more as needed for desired consistency
→ Optional Add-ins
13 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce or chipotle in adobo for extra heat
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil for extra creaminess
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine drained cashews, roasted red bell pepper, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, salt, and water in a high-speed blender.
02 - Blend until completely smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down sides as needed. Adjust thickness by adding additional water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
03 - Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if needed. For spicier flavor, blend in hot sauce or chipotle.
04 - Transfer sauce to a small saucepan. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened.
05 - Serve immediately as a warm dip or drizzle over nachos, tacos, or roasted vegetables.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The texture mimics restaurant queso so closely that even dairy lovers wont notice the difference
- It comes together in under 30 minutes but keeps in the fridge for easy snacking all week
02 -
- Blending hot liquids can cause pressure buildup in some blenders, so always blend first and heat afterward
- The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, so err on the thinner side when adjusting consistency
03 -
- Investing in a high-speed blender makes a noticeable difference in achieving that perfectly smooth consistency
- Taste before and after heating, as warming mellows the tanginess and you might want an extra squeeze of lemon