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Nacho Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe

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5 from 117 reviews

This Nacho Cashew Cheese Sauce is a creamy, dairy-free alternative perfect for nachos and other dishes requiring a cheesy kick. Made with soaked raw cashews blended with green chilies, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, pickled jalapenos, and spices, it delivers a tangy, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor. The sauce is quick to prepare, requiring no cooking, and is a versatile vegan option to elevate your snacks or meals.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Cashew Base

  • 3/4 cup raw cashews

Flavorings

  • 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

  1. Soak Cashews: Place your raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for at least 6-8 hours or overnight until softened. For a quicker method, cover the cashews with boiling water and soak for 20-30 minutes to soften them adequately.
  2. Blend Ingredients: Drain the soaking water from the cashews and transfer them to a high-speed blender. Add the green chilies, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, pickled jalapenos, smoked paprika, chili powder, plant-based milk, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Blend on high speed, scraping down the sides as needed until the sauce becomes completely smooth and velvety.
  3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the blended sauce and adjust the salt to your preference. Add small increments of salt (between 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon total), blend again, and taste until you achieve the desired seasoning level.

Notes

  • Soaking cashews softens them for a creamy texture; use the boiling water shortcut if short on time.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce pickled jalapenos and chili powder accordingly.
  • The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Use as a topping for nachos, dips for veggies, or a sauce for tacos and burritos.

Find it online: https://yummelle.com/nacho-cashew-cheese-sauce-recipe/