Best Recipe For Vegan Cheese Sauce YouTube Tutorial

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Best Recipe for Vegan Cheese Sauce YouTube

If you’ve ever craved the creamy, rich taste of cheese but want to keep things plant-based, this vegan cheese sauce recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly smooth, tangy, and packed with flavor, it’s a versatile sauce that elevates everything from pasta to nachos.

Inspired by some of the best vegan cooking tutorials on YouTube, this recipe is easy to follow and uses simple, wholesome ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just experimenting with plant-based meals, this sauce delivers the cheesy goodness without any dairy.

In this post, I’ll guide you through every step to make the best vegan cheese sauce from scratch. Plus, you’ll find tips on how to customize it, nutritional info, and serving ideas to get creative in the kitchen.

Let’s dive in and bring that cheesy magic to your next meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan cheese sauce stands out because it’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It blends the nuttiness of cashews with the tang of nutritional yeast, creating a flavor profile that rivals traditional cheese sauces.

The ingredients are natural and free from preservatives, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought options.

Whether you’re drizzling it over steamed veggies, mixing it into pasta, or using it as a dip, this sauce melts beautifully and has a satisfying texture. Plus, it’s free from gluten, soy, and refined sugars, making it suitable for many dietary needs.

If you love experimenting with vegan recipes, you might also enjoy our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes and Julie Marie Eats Recipes for more plant-based inspiration.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 4 hours or boiled for 15 minutes)
  • 3/4 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for that cheesy flavor)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (adds brightness and tang)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky touch)
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter (for richness)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric (for color, optional)

Equipment

  • High-speed blender or food processor
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowl for soaking cashews
  • Spatula for scraping down the sides
  • Saucepan (optional, for warming the sauce)

Instructions

  1. Soak the cashews: Place the cashews in a bowl and cover with warm water. Soak for at least 4 hours or boil them for 15 minutes if you’re short on time. Drain before blending.
  2. Combine ingredients: Add the soaked cashews, water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, olive oil, and turmeric into your blender.
  3. Blend until smooth: Blend on high for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is creamy and completely smooth. Pause to scrape down the sides with a spatula as needed.
  4. Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time and blend again until it reaches your desired pourable consistency.
  5. Warm the sauce (optional): Pour the sauce into a saucepan and gently heat over low-medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid sticking and to meld the flavors together.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning: Add more salt, lemon juice, or nutritional yeast if you want it cheesier or tangier.
  7. Serve immediately: Use the sauce warm, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For a sharper flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of mustard powder.”

If you want a different texture, try blending in some steamed cauliflower or cooked potato to make the sauce thicker and creamier without nuts.

To make it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. For a cheesy herb twist, blend in fresh chives or dill at the end.

Want to avoid nuts? Use cooked white beans or pumpkin puree as a base instead of cashews for a nut-free version.

For more creative vegan sauces, check out the Meatballs And Alfredo Sauce Recipe or the Low Sodium Hummus Recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per 1/4 cup serving
Calories 160
Fat 12g
Saturated Fat 1.5g
Carbohydrates 9g
Fiber 1g
Protein 5g
Sodium 300mg
Vitamin B12 (from nutritional yeast) Varies

Note: Nutrition can vary depending on brands and exact quantities used.

Serving Suggestions

This vegan cheese sauce is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

  • Drizzle over steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for a cheesy boost.
  • Mix into cooked pasta for a quick and comforting vegan mac and cheese.
  • Use as a dip for tortilla chips, pretzels, or fresh vegetable sticks.
  • Spread on baked potatoes or sweet potatoes as a savory topping.
  • Layer in vegan lasagna for a rich, creamy texture—try pairing it with our Kosher Lasagna Recipe.
  • Pour over vegan burgers or sandwiches instead of traditional cheese slices.

Conclusion

This vegan cheese sauce recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to add rich, cheesy flavor to their meals without dairy. Its creamy texture and vibrant taste make it a perfect companion to countless dishes, from pasta to veggies and beyond.

With simple ingredients and a quick process, you can whip up this sauce anytime to satisfy your cheesy cravings while sticking to a plant-based lifestyle.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers plenty of room to customize and experiment. Don’t forget to explore more tasty plant-based dishes like our Magic Dough Recipe or the Lump Of Coal Recipe for even more culinary inspiration.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Cheese Sauce

Description: A creamy and flavorful vegan cheese sauce perfect for pasta, nachos, or dipping. Made with cashews and nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours)
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse soaked cashews.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
  3. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour sauce into a saucepan and heat over medium heat.
  5. Stir constantly until sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 7g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 8g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vegan Cheese Sauce”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and flavorful vegan cheese sauce perfect for pasta, nachos, or dipping. Made with cashews and nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT20M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours)”, “3/4 cup water”, “1/4 cup nutritional yeast”, “2 tablespoons lemon juice”, “1 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1 teaspoon onion powder”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color)”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain and rinse soaked cashews.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine all ingredients in a blender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend until completely smooth and creamy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour sauce into a saucepan and heat over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir constantly until sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220”, “proteinContent”: “7g”, “fatContent”: “18g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “8g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X