Real talk: cheese is a deal killer for most people when it comes to switching to a vegan diet.
“But what about cheese?” they say with pleading eyes. “I just CAN’T give up cheese!”
Listen, I feel you. And I used to be one of you.
I grew up eating endless amounts of mac and cheese, cheese pizza, and mozzarella sticks. My family was far from rich, so cheese always made our meals feel like “more”. Layer cheese on top of some cheap garbage, and you have yourself a dinner fit for a suburban queen.
Cheese was not just a comfort food for me, it was LIFE.
However, as I grew older, I became more aware of how this magical topping came to be in my fridge. And it made me second guess my cheese addiction. Because once you learn about the dairy industry, it zaps the sparkle right out of your cheesy nachos.
Luckily, I’ve found that you DON’T have to give up cheese; you just have to shift your perspective on what cheese is. Cheese (especially nacho cheese) should be creamy, cheddar-y, and make you say “¡Ay, caramba!“.
But above all, good cheese should be moan-worthy and satisfy even the pickiest cheese heads.
A vegan cheese sauce that actually tastes good
Vegan cheese has come a long way in just a few short years.
When I first started seeing vegan cheese at the market, I had already been vegan for over a year. I was so excited that I bought a block and immediately came home to make mac and cheese for my kids. It was so terrible though, that I threw it in the trash.
Now, while there are many delicious vegan cheeses to choose from, I still enjoy making my own, especially this easy vegan nacho cheese.
This cheese is SO GOOD, even my (dairy) cheese-eating friends enjoy it, especially drizzled over a plate of tortilla chips that’s piled high with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, and jalapenos. There are never any leftovers.
The best part about this vegan cheese sauce is that it’s easy to make, and basically effortless. You just add the ingredients to a blender (or single serving blender cup), let it soak for a few minutes, mix on high for 30 seconds, and then pour it over your favorite Mexican dish.
I like to make this with my Ninja, which you can check out here.
What’s more is that I’ve included instructions to make this cheese two ways: one with cashews and one with sunflower seeds, for a nut-free version. I’ve tested these at large parties, and the results were positive all around. I suggest trying both to see which one you like best!
How to use this vegan cheese sauce
This cheese sauce goes good on just about EVERYTHING, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
- on nachos
- on tacos
- on enchiladas
- on pizza
- on salads
- as a dip
- drizzled over avocado toast
- poured directly into your mouth when no one is looking
I hope you enjoy this easy vegan nacho cheese sauce!! If you do, please make sure to leave your comment below, or let me know on Instagram.
Allergy-Info & Substitutions
- This cheese sauce is 100% vegan, meaning it is dairy-free, egg-free, and (of course) meat-free. It is also naturally gluten-free.
- For a nut-free version, use sunflower seeds (measurements included in recipe box below).
- To make it coconut free, you can use another plant-based milk of your choice; I’ve found that almond milk works well here. Just keep in mind that it will not be as creamy as coconut.
- A note on the full fat coconut milk: you want your coconut cream to be separated from the liquid in the can, in order to scrape out the cream. When purchasing, give your coconut can a little shake; if it feels top heavy (and you don’t hear liquid sloshing around inside), it has probably already separated. Just pop it in the fridge when you get home to make sure it stays separated, or store in a cool place.
- To spice this up, add some chopped jalapenos before blending.
- Make it a fiesta dip by mixing in salsa after you blend. This is perfect party food.
- For another easy dip, check out my avocado hummus by clicking here.
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This easy vegan nacho cheese sauce is THE BOMB! With only 5 minutes prep time and absolutely NO cooking necessary, you can have this sauce ready in under 30 minutes! Goes great on nachos, enchiladas, tacos, and drizzled directly into your mouth. Completely vegan and gluten-free, with a nut-free option included.
Easy Vegan Nacho Cheese
Ingredients
- ¾ C unsalted cashews (OR ⅓ C sunflower seeds)
- 2 tablespoon full fat coconut cream (from can)
- ¾ C remaining coconut liquid (from can)
- ¼ C nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon pink salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a single serving blender cup (or high powdered blender), add cashews (or sunflower seeds, if using). Open a can of full fat coconut milk and scrape out 2 tablespoon of the coconut cream and add to blender; see "Allergy-Info & Substitutions" section above for details on this. Pour in ¾ C of the remaining canned liquid into blender, and let cashews sit for 20 min to soak.
- Add remaining ingredients to blender and mix on high for 2-3 minutes, until cashews (or sunflower seeds) are smooth. Drizzle over tortilla chips or your favorite Mexican dish!
Notes
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Thank you for taking the time to invest in your health and happiness!
Krystl
This cheese sauce made my mouth (and everyone else in the house) do a happy dance! SO creamy, So delicious! I’m about to be drizzling this on everything. Thanks for this treasure!
Randi Tisdall
Oh yay!! That is wonderful to hear Krystl, thank you for your review!
Pati
Curious…how do you store this…in fridge or on the counter, and how long is it good for?
Randi Tisdall
You can store it in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to a week!
Azuri
Would I be able to just use paprika, I stead of smoked paprika?
Randi Tisdall
Absolutely! The smoked paprika just has a slight smoke flavor to it:)
Randy
Cheese was the hardest food to do without when I first became vegan several years ago. This vegan cheese sauce is awesome!
Randi Tisdall
Oh yay! Thank you for your feedback and review!!
Trina
The consistency of the cheese is really thick. is there a way to thin it out just a little?
Randi Tisdall
Hey there Trina! Just add a splash of almond milk or water and blend again to thin it out a touch. Hope you enjoy it!
Carolyn Cornish
Very pleased to find coconut free and dairy free recipes/options.
Randi Tisdall
Wonderful Carolyn! I’m glad you found what you needed!
Heidi Teresa Pafford
Are you using raw or roasted cashews? This looks delicious!
Randi Tisdall
Hi Heidi! You can use either one- just make sure they aren’t salted. I hope you get a chance to make this cheese!
Heidi Pafford
I’m excited to try this and thanks for your quick response to my question!!
Randi Tisdall
You’re welcome Heidi! I hope you enjoy this recipe!
Becca
Hi!
So .. I place the real, full-fat coconut milk in the fridge to cool so that the “milk” separates. Then I reserve the supernatant and use the cream on the lower level to make the nut butter. Later do I use the supernatant when you say coconut liquid- sorry… I am slightly autistic….
Randi Tisdall
Hi Becca!! Good question! First, you don’t have to put the coconut milk in the fridge– I’m not sure if that would guarantee that it separates. The best way is to pick out a can that is already separated. I like to do this at the store and then keep them in a cool place. Anyhoo, even if you can’t get it to separate I think this recipe will still turn out great. To clarify, yes the coconut liquid is the supernatant.
I’d love to hear how this turned out!
Heidi Pafford
I will and thank you!
Miranda
This nacho cheese sauce is the best!! I was very skeptical at first, but it is now an instant favorite at our house!
Randi Tisdall
Oh thank you so much Miranda! I’m so glad you have enjoyed it- it is a favorite at our house too!
Mary Jane J Freeman
Love your website! I have to eat gluten free and soy free and looks like I can use many of your recipes. Thanks!
Randi Tisdall
Wonderful! Yes, most of my recipes are soy-free (with the exception of some using tamari sauce), but all of my recipes contain substitutions and can be made without soy or gluten! Thanks so much for stopping by Mary Jane!