Nacho Cashew Cheese Sauce (Printable version)
A rich, smoky dairy-free sauce made from cashews and roasted red pepper.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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 Additions
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. Process until completely smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down sides as needed.
02 - Check sauce thickness and blend in additional water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired pouring consistency is reached.
03 - Sample the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice as needed. For increased heat, incorporate hot sauce or chipotle and blend to combine.
04 - Transfer sauce to a small saucepan and warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently for 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
05 - Present warm as a dipping sauce or drizzle over nachos, tacos, or roasted vegetables.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
- The texture is so incredibly creamy that nobody believes its dairy-free
02 -
- Don't skip soaking the cashews or your sauce will have a grainy texture instead of that smooth velvety consistency
- The sauce thickens as it sits, so make it slightly thinner than you think you need
03 -
- If you need a nut-free version, raw sunflower seeds work surprisingly well as a substitute for cashews
- Use smoked paprika rather than sweet paprika for that authentic nacho cheese flavor