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–+ servings
Bowlful of dairy free cashew queso with spoon.

Epic Vegan Queso Cheese Sauce (gf)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1.5 cup
Author: Tracy Halasz

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ tablespoons vegan butter (olive oil)
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • ½ red pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 2-4 tablespoons green chillies (or salsa)
  • 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeno juice (lemon or vinegar)
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • ½ - 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Heat the dairy-free butter/oil in a skillet until shimmering. Add the onions, garlic and red pepper. Cook over medium - medium-high until everything smells good and the onions start to take on some color (this should take around 5-8 minutes). Stir as needed so the mixture does not stick. Reduce heat as needed.
  • Meanwhile, put the remaining ingredients (from the cashews and below) into a high-speed blender.
  • Once the vegetables are cooked, add them to the blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste the queso mixture and adjust seasoning as needed (saltier, tangier, smokier, spicier).
  • Use right away or store in the fridge for up to a weeks.
  • Enjoy with vegan nachos, tacos, burritos, with guacamole and chips or on burgers.

Notes

  • Taste and adjust seasonings: Customize the plant based queso sauce to your taste: saltier, tangier, spicier, smokier, sweeter, cheesier.
  • Acid options:  Use lemon juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar or any acid in place of the pickled jalapeno liquid.
  • Chipotle chili options: Sub 1-2 teaspoons smoked paprika, chipotle powder or chipotle hot sauce or similar in place of the chipotle chilis in adobo sauce.
  • Vegan nacho cheese sauce consistency: As the sauce cools down, it will thicken up. Use a splash or two of water when reheating to correct consistency.
  • Storing vegan cashew queso: Store in the fridge in a jar or container for up to a week.
  • Reheating queso: To reheat, pour the queso cheese sauce into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently, until warmed through (~4 or 5 minutes). Add water as needed for a thinner consistency.