This easy-to-make Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce is a keeper! It makes snacks and meals tastier! Drizzle it all over nachos for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, use it as a dip for veggies or chips, or pour it onto tacos and burritos. It’s also amazing over cooked vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower or green beans.
This sauce is versatile and delicious, and adds a burst of savory, cheesy goodness to your favorite dishes! Enjoy the irresistible nacho taste and keep everyone loving your dishes!

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.
How long does it last in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, it can last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the nacho cheese sauce?
Yes, you can freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I adjust the spice level?
Control the spice by adding or reducing the amount of pickled jalapeños to suit your taste.
Can I use raw jalapeños instead of pickled?
Certainly! Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference and add a bit of vinegar for acidity.
How do I reheat the sauce?
Gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until desired temperature.
Can I use this sauce as a pasta or veggie dip?
Absolutely! It works well as a versatile sauce for pasta or a flavorful dip for veggies.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Confirm that all ingredients, especially nutritional yeast, are gluten-free.
How can I make the sauce smoother?
For an even smoother texture, soak the cashews longer or use a high-powered blender.
What dishes pair well with this nacho cheese sauce?
It’s fantastic on nachos, tacos, burritos, and even as a topping for baked potatoes or a dip for pretzels.
Can I make it nut-free?
Substitute cashews with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
How do I make it thinner?
Adjust the consistency by adding more water gradually until you reach your desired thickness.
Is it kid-friendly?
Kids generally love the cheesy flavor! Adjust the spice level to suit their preferences.
Can I use this sauce in a vegan mac and cheese recipe?
Absolutely! It makes a delicious base for vegan macaroni and cheese.
Can I add extra veggies or herbs to the sauce?
Customize by blending in roasted red peppers, cilantro, or other herbs for added flavor.
Can I use it as a base for a queso dip?
Indeed! Enhance it with diced tomatoes, green chilies, or black beans for a flavorful queso dip.
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More Delicious Dips
Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups cashews, soaked in water overnight (or 1 hour in hot water)
- 3 cups water (adjust for thickness)
- ⅓ cup nutritional yeast
- ⅛ cup jarred pickled jalapenos (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- pinch of cayenne (optional)
Instructions
- After soaking the cashews, drain and rinse them.
- In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, water, nutritional yeast, pickled jalapeños, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, pinch of cayenne and salt.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the consistency is too thick, you can add a bit more water to achieve the desired thickness.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings. Add more salt or lemon juice if needed.
- Put the sauce in a saucepan, on the stove, with medium heat. Continue to stir or whisk constantly until it is heated and has thickened. (About 3 -5 minutes). Pour it over nachos, use it as a dip, or drizzle it on your favorite dishes.