If you’re searching for a creamy, flavorful, and completely plant-based cheese sauce, this Blendtec vegan cheese sauce recipe is your new kitchen hero. Perfect for drizzling over steamed veggies, mixing into pasta, or using as a dip, this sauce brings all the cheesy goodness without any dairy.
Thanks to the powerful Blendtec blender, creating a smooth, velvety texture is quick and easy, saving you time while delivering a rich taste that will satisfy both vegans and cheese lovers alike. With wholesome ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices, this sauce is not only delicious but also nutrient-packed and customizable to your taste preferences.
Whether you are vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just curious about plant-based alternatives, this recipe will open the door to a world of creamy sauces that are better for you and the planet. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to be mild or bold depending on your mood.
Let’s dive in and whip up this indulgent yet guilt-free cheese sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan cheese sauce is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy cheesy flavors without dairy. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Simple Ingredients: Made from nutrient-dense cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices you probably already have in your pantry.
- Quick and Easy: Thanks to the Blendtec blender, it blends to a perfectly smooth consistency in minutes.
- Versatile: Use it as a dip, a sauce for pasta, a topping for baked potatoes, or even a base for vegan mac and cheese.
- Dairy-Free & Allergy Friendly: Perfect for vegans and those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the flavors, spice levels, and thickness to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 20 minutes, then drained)
- 3/4 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for that cheesy flavor)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a subtle smoky depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (for color and mild earthiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
Equipment
- Blendtec blender (high-speed blender for a creamy texture)
- Bowl (for soaking cashews)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula (to scrape down the sides)
- Storage container (for leftovers)
Instructions
- Soak the cashews: Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for at least 20 minutes to soften, which helps create a smooth sauce.
- Drain and rinse: After soaking, drain the cashews and rinse under cold water.
- Add ingredients to the Blendtec: In your Blendtec blender, combine the soaked cashews, water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Blend until smooth: Start blending on a low setting, gradually increasing to high. Blend for about 1 to 2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Give your sauce a taste. Add more salt, lemon juice, or spices if desired, then blend again briefly to mix.
- Serve immediately or chill: You can serve the sauce warm or refrigerate it to thicken. It will last up to 4-5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Tips & Variations
For an even cheesier flavor, try adding a teaspoon of miso paste or a dash of soy sauce.
- Thickening the sauce: If you want a thicker cheese sauce, reduce the water to 1/2 cup or add a small cooked potato or carrot for extra creaminess.
- Make it spicy: Add extra cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
- Herb infusion: Blend in fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill for a fresh twist.
- Nut alternatives: If you have a cashew allergy, try soaked macadamia nuts or blanched almonds, though the texture may vary slightly.
- Use as a base: This sauce is perfect as a foundation for other recipes, like vegan nacho cheese or creamy salad dressings.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Vitamin B12 (from nutritional yeast) | 20% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan cheese sauce is incredibly versatile and can elevate many dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Vegan Mac and Cheese: Toss with your favorite pasta for a comforting meal.
- Dip for Veggies or Chips: Use as a creamy dip for carrot sticks, broccoli florets, or tortilla chips.
- Baked Potatoes: Pour over a baked potato with steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty dinner.
- Tacos or Burritos: Add a drizzle to your plant-based tacos for extra creaminess.
- Pizza Sauce Alternative: Use as a white sauce base under your favorite vegan pizza toppings.
For more delicious and creative recipes, check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or indulge in something sweet like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe. If you love cheesy dishes, you might also enjoy the Cheese Penny Recipe.
Conclusion
This Blendtec vegan cheese sauce recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional cheese sauces. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and wonderfully creamy thanks to the power of your Blendtec blender.
The use of cashews and nutritional yeast creates a rich, cheesy taste without any dairy or artificial ingredients, making it perfect for vegans and anyone looking to eat a little cleaner.
With its quick prep time and versatile uses, this sauce will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re drizzling it over veggies, mixing it into pasta, or using it as a dip, it adds a satisfying cheesy touch that everyone will love.
Give it a try and discover just how delicious plant-based cheese can be!
📖 Recipe Card: Blendtec Vegan Cheese Sauce
Description: A creamy, dairy-free cheese sauce made with wholesome ingredients, perfect for pasta or dipping. Quick to prepare and blends smoothly for a rich, cheesy flavor.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 2 hours
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup water
- 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
- Drain and rinse soaked cashews.
- Add cashews, nutritional yeast, water, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, turmeric, and olive oil to the Blendtec.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Heat sauce gently on stove or microwave before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 9g | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 12g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Blendtec Vegan Cheese Sauce”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy, dairy-free cheese sauce made with wholesome ingredients, perfect for pasta or dipping. Quick to prepare and blends smoothly for a rich, cheesy flavor.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT20M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 2 hours”, “1/4 cup nutritional yeast”, “1/2 cup water”, “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”: “Add cashews, nutritional yeast, water, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, turmeric, and olive oil to the Blendtec.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat sauce gently on stove or microwave before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280”, “proteinContent”: “9g”, “fatContent”: “22g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “12g”}}