Nacho Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe
A creamy, spicy, and tangy vegan nacho cashew cheese sauce made from soaked raw cashews blended with green chilies, nutritional yeast, pickled jalapenos, and smoked spices. Perfect as a dairy-free cheese alternative for nachos or dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 6-8 hours soaking time or 20-30 minutes quick soak)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (including blending and preparation)
- Yield: 1 serving (approximately 3/4 cup sauce)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 4 oz can of green chilies
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp pickled jalapenos
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 3 tbsp unsweetened plant-based milk (almond milk recommended)
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Soak Cashews: Place your raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Soak them for at least 6 to 8 hours or overnight to soften. Alternatively, for a quicker method, cover cashews with boiling water and let them soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Blend Ingredients: Drain the soaking water from the cashews and transfer them into a high-speed blender. Add the canned green chilies, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, pickled jalapenos, smoked paprika, chili powder, plant-based milk, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Blend on high, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides, until the sauce is completely smooth and velvety.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and assess the salt level. Add small increments of salt, blend again, and taste until it reaches your preferred seasoning, which may be between 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of salt.
Notes
- Soaking cashews softens them and ensures a creamy sauce texture.
- Use a high-speed blender for the smoothest consistency.
- If you want a spicier sauce, increase the amount of jalapenos or chili powder.
- This sauce works great as a dairy-free cheese substitute for nachos, tacos, or dips.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/nacho-cashew-cheese-sauce-recipe/
