Plant-Based Nacho Cheese
If you ever thought nacho cheese was out of your plant-based equation, let me hit you with this fantastically easy, ultra creamy recipe!
It’s super simple and nutrient dense, and begs to be topped off with some savory ground walnut meat, juicy tomatoes, spicy jalapeños, and cilantro! Best of all, this recipe features unexpected ingredients that are most likely in your kitchen.
The special ingredients in this mix are potatoes and carrots! These humble vegetables create a masterpiece for a melty experience. The famous potato provides important minerals such as iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. When blended with water, the starch molecules produce a very thick and creamy, cheese-like consistency- a blissful alternative to dairy nacho cheese.
The carrots add a pretty orange hue to the mix, providing a healthy amount of vitamin A and beta carotene–awesome for eyes, skin, hair, and nails. And let’s not forget the unbelievably creamy cashew! This guy shines bright in any plant-based cheese recipe.
Why is this nacho cheese a crowd pleaser? It’s:
Velvety
Cheesy
Luscious
Smooth
Versatile
Going-back-for-seconds worthy
I love building my nacho bowl with ground walnut meat. I then top it off with any veggies I have on hand. However, it’s so good, you could practically eat it straight from the blender 😉
Plant-Based Nacho Cheese
Servings: 5
Ready In: 25 mins
Good For: Lunch, Dinner, Snack, Party
Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peeled potatoes (cooked)
- ½ cup carrots (cooked)
- ½ cup cashews (soaked)
- ½ cup yeast flakes
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp lemon juice
- 1½ cups water
Instructions:
- Soak raw cashews overnight, covered in about 2 inches of water. Or, soak for about 10 minutes in hot water.
- Chop the potatoes and carrots into small chunks and boil for about 20 minutes or until soft
- Drain potatoes, carrots, and cashews
- Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender
- Blend until very smooth
Notes:
- Best served hot, straight from blender
- Add a tad more lemon/salt to suit your taste, if needed
- Recipe adapted from Simple Vegan Blog
Did you make this recipe? Tag @cmhsocial on Instagram and hashtag it #cmhsocial
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Hey friend, I'm Mel!
I'm a certified holistic nutritionist, certified health coach, plant-based food instructor, and a certified personal trainer. My passion is helping people like you transition to a plant-based diet, with easy step-by-step strategies that work. I'm committed to empowering you to heal through a plant-based lifestyle so you can freely live out your God-given purpose and thrive. Let's start today!
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Finally got to making this and I must say it is impressively good. Thank you for this recipe. I now have a “go to” when I have a taste for nachos or a cheese sauce (this tastes amazing with broccoli too!).
@Jennifer, so glad you enjoyed it! Yessss on the broccoli! It’s a quick and tasty addition to many dishes!
OMG. This is the best plant based nacho sauce ever. We went plant based last fall and have been searching ever since for a nacho sauce that tastes amazing. This is is! It is even kid approved in our house!
This warms my heart to read Karen. Soo glad you and the fam enjoyed it! Hope you are still on the plant-based journey–it’s worth it!!
Hey Melissa! How long will this generally last in the fridge? And, can it be frozen?
Hey Stephanie! This keeps for about 5 days refrigerated. I’ve never tried freezing it, but I imagine it will be just fine.
Just now finding your videos. This cheese sauce looks great!! Definitely gonna be trying this one.
Yaaay! Thanks Kelley!
Hi,
So I’m just getting started and doing it for health reasons. My cholesterol was a little higher than it should be, so I’m making a change! I found you when I searched plant based! I will be binge watching! If this taste as as good as it looks, wow my brain!
Thanks for being here when I needed help! Blessings!
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Aw Russel! So glad you found me. Wishing you the best on your health journey, and hope the videos and recipes are a blessing to you.
Hi Melissa, I love nachos and want to try this recipe but what kind of nacho chips are those?
Hey Kay! These are the Siete brand chips. Alternatively, you could try making your own.
Just wondering what kind of nacho chips were used? 😊 Thanks!
Hey Sandra! Siete is the brand for the chips I used. Sometimes, I also make my own by slicing and toasting tortilla wraps.
Haven’t tried it yet but listen I’m about to this look seriously delicious! <3
Yay!! Try it!! It’s super adaptable and can be used with sooo many dishes. Thank you 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this receipe! I use it for our vegan mac and just add a shredded vegan cheese on top. I absolutely love your videos and your spirit! You inspire me in so many ways. Thank you!
Thank you so much Darissa. I am glad you like the recipe and the videos. We all inspire each other 🙂 Stay healthy!
I used white sweet potatoes and it was amazing!
Hi Marlene! Sounds delicious!!! I’ll have to try that, thank you for sharing. Next time you make it, tag me on insta or fb @CMHsocial—I’d love to see! ?
Hey Melissa, it’s Velena! I love your videos and content. I am super excited to try the Nacho Cheese & the Walnut Meat. I’ve been plant based for a few months now and in need to add new recipes. Your recipes look tasty and easy to make. I cannot wait to try it. Thanks and keep the videos coming. xo
Hi Velena! So good hearing from you! I’m so glad you made the transition to a plant-based lifestyle! I’m hopeful my recipes make your journey easier, and more enjoyable. Thank you for your kind words. xoxo