Nacho Cashew Cheese Sauce (Printable)
Spicy, creamy dairy-free cheese sauce made with soaked cashews and roasted red peppers.
# What You'll Need:
→ Nuts
01 - 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes and 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
→ Optional Enhancements
13 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce or chipotle in adobo for extra heat
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil for extra creaminess
# How-To Steps:
01 - Place 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, pausing to scrape down sides as needed. Adjust consistency with additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
03 - Taste and season with more salt or lemon juice if desired. For more heat, blend in hot sauce or chipotle.
04 - Pour the sauce into a small saucepan. Heat gently over medium-low, stirring frequently for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened.
05 - Serve warm as a dip, or drizzle over nachos, tacos, or roasted vegetables.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This sauce comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
- Its incredibly versatile and doubles as a veggie dip, taco topping, or potato sauce
- The leftovers keep beautifully for days, making meal prep genuinely exciting
02 -
- Soaking cashews in hot water is non-negotiable for achieving that smooth, creamy texture
- The sauce thickens as it heats, so start slightly thinner than your target consistency
03 -
- A high-speed blender makes all the difference for achieving restaurant-smooth results
- For an incredibly rich version, add a tablespoon of olive oil before blending