Cheesey Rice Recipe Vegan Made Easy and Delicious

If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and flavorful meal that’s entirely plant-based, this Cheesy Rice Recipe Vegan is exactly what you need. Perfectly cooked rice enveloped in a luscious, dairy-free cheese sauce will satisfy your comfort food cravings without compromising your vegan lifestyle.

This dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or a hearty side for gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring plant-based options, this recipe offers the ideal balance of texture and rich, cheesy flavor that everyone will love.

Using wholesome ingredients like cashews and nutritional yeast, this vegan cheesy rice is both nutritious and indulgent. It’s gluten-free and can be made oil-free depending on your preference, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Dive into this recipe and discover how simple it can be to enjoy creamy, cheesy goodness without any dairy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan cheesy rice recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep time.

The creamy sauce mimics traditional cheese sauces using plant-based ingredients, delivering that beloved cheesy flavor without any animal products.

Additionally, it’s nutrient-dense and wholesome. Cashews provide healthy fats and protein, while nutritional yeast adds a boost of B vitamins and a savory umami flavor.

The dish is naturally gluten-free and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices.

Finally, it’s comforting and versatile. You can serve it as a main dish or as a side with salads, roasted veggies, or vegan proteins.

It’s perfect for meal prep too, as it reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth for cooking rice
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smoky depth)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter (optional)
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Medium saucepan with lid (for cooking rice)
• High-speed blender (to make the cashew cheese sauce)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer (to rinse rice)
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Serving bowl or dish

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice and 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
3. Soak cashews: While rice is cooking, soak the raw cashews in hot water for 20 minutes to soften, then drain.
4. Prepare the cheese sauce: In your blender, add the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more almond milk to reach desired consistency.
5. Combine rice and sauce: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Pour the cashew cheese sauce over the rice and stir well to combine. If using, stir in olive oil or vegan butter for added richness.
6. Heat and serve: Return the saucepan to low heat and gently warm the cheesy rice for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Garnish: Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra burst of flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or roasted red peppers to your cheesy rice. You can also swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa, but cooking times will vary.”

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Use different nuts: Macadamia nuts or blanched almonds can substitute cashews for a different flavor profile.
• Add nutritional yeast at the end: Sprinkle extra nutritional yeast on top for a cheesier punch.
• Oil-free option: Skip the olive oil or vegan butter to keep it lower in fat.
• Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of plant milk to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan cheesy rice pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside roasted or grilled vegetables for a wholesome meal.

It also complements vegan proteins like lentil patties, tempeh, or tofu scramble.

For a vibrant plate, try it with a fresh side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. If you’re hosting a dinner, this dish makes a great crowd-pleaser, especially when paired with a warm bowl of soup or steamed greens.

Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out these favorites:

• Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe
• Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe
• Passover Zucchini Kugel Recipe

Conclusion

This vegan cheesy rice recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the creamy, cheesy flavors you love without any dairy. It’s simple, nutritious, and adaptable, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

With wholesome ingredients like cashews and nutritional yeast, you can indulge in comfort food while nourishing your body.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking to try something new, this recipe offers a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with flavor. Don’t forget to experiment with add-ins and garnishes to make it your own.

Happy cooking!

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