If you’re craving creamy and cheesy goodness but you’re dairy free this cashew cheese sauce is sure to satisfy your cravings! It’s an amazing vegan option and incredibly easy to make. Forget complicated ingredients and long prep times. This recipe whips up a silky smooth, thick and cheesy sauce in just 5 minutes using your trusty blender and a handful of wholesome ingredients.
We’re ditching the dairy and nutritional yeast here, but trust me, the flavor is anything but lacking. With a touch of creative seasoning magic, this sauce delivers a rich, cheesy experience that will have you wondering where the dairy went. So ditch the store bought alternatives and whip up this quick and easy cashew cheese sauce for your next pasta dish, veggie platter or anything your heart desires!
Why You’ll Love This Sauce
It’s so easy to make!
This cashew cheese sauce is dairy free and vegan.
It does not call for nutritional yeast.
This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand!
It tastes better than store bought alternatives and is more wholesome.
It only takes about 5 minutes to make after you soak the cashews.
You can use this cheese sauce on so many dishes. The options are endless!
Equipment Needed
All you need to make this cashew cheese sauce is a blender and some measuring cups and spoons.
Ingredients Needed
Cashews: Cashews, when soaked and blended, have a remarkable ability to transform into a smooth and creamy consistency. This mimics the texture of dairy cheese in the sauce. The key is soaking the cashews for at least 4 hours before making this sauce!
Lemon Juice: Cashew cheese sauce can sometimes lean towards richness due to the cashews and other ingredients. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a touch of acidity that helps to brighten the overall flavor profile. This helps the sauce taste light and fresh!
Avocado Oil: Oil can contribute slightly to the overall creaminess of the cashew cheese sauce.
Salt: My favorite is Redmond’s Real Salt because it is high-quality and made with zero fillers. If you use my discount code LESSWITHLAUR you can get 15% off Redmond’s website.
Garlic: I used garlic powder in this recipe but feel free to use a garlic clove instead. This gives the sauce a delicious flavor!
Almond Milk: The cashews are the primary source of creaminess, but milk helps to create a smooth and enjoyable texture that’s similar to dairy-based cheese sauces.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather your ingredients.
Step 2: Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until creamy. Enjoy!
Storage
Store this cashew cheese sauce in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
You can also freeze this sauce for 3 months.
How to Serve
The creamy and versatile cashew cheese sauce shines in a variety of dishes! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
Veggie Platter: Cashew cheese sauce is a delicious dip for raw or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers or celery sticks.
Crackers: Pair your sauce with gluten free crackers, pita bread slices or even baked tortilla chips for a satisfying snack or appetizer.
Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with cashew cheese sauce for a creamy and flavorful vegan mac and cheese alternative. You can add steamed veggies and meat for a more complete meal. Try out my gluten free pasta bake!
Pizza: Spread cashew cheese sauce over your favorite gluten free pizza crust for a delicious pizza. Top it with roasted vegetables, meat or fresh herbs.
Baked Potatoes: Spoon some warm cashew cheese sauce over baked potatoes for a comforting and satisfying side dish. You can add chopped chives or bacon bits for extra flavor.
Nachos: Build a vegan nacho platter with tortilla chips, black beans, salsa and a generous drizzle of cashew cheese sauce.
Stuffed Vegetables: Use cashew cheese sauce as a creamy filling for roasted bell peppers, portobello mushrooms or zucchini boats.
Variations
Spices: I used garlic powder in my cashew cheese sauce but feel free to try out other spices. If you like your sauce spicy, try adding hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Milk: Feel free to use any type of dairy free milk that you have on hand!
Recipe FAQ
Can I make this nut free?
I do not recommend making this nut free because the cashews make up the bulk of the sauce.
What if I don’t want to soak my cashews?
If you don’t want to soak your cashews or you don’t have time, boiling them is the quickest way to soften cashews and only takes about 15 minutes. This is the quickest way to soften cashews, taking only about 15 minutes.
What does cashew cheese taste like?
The key characteristic of cashew cheese is its creamy texture. Soaked and blended cashews create a smooth and thick consistency that rivals cream cheese or soft cheeses. Cashews naturally have a subtle nutty flavor that comes through in the cheese sauce. This nuttiness adds depth and complexity to the overall taste.
Where can I buy cashew cheese?
Cashew-based cheeses can be purchased at most grocery stores or you can make your own using my recipe!
Related Recipes
Be sure to try these delicious sauces and dressings next:
If you make this cashew cheese sauce and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or Tik Tok.
Cashew Cheese Sauce
Equipment
- 1 high-speed blender
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cashews (soaked for at least 4 hours)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- dash salt
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup almond milk
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until creamy. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply