Best Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce

Discovering the Magic of Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce

My Favorite is Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce and When I first ventured into the world of vegan cooking, I was on a quest for a cheese sauce that would rival the real thing. I wanted something creamy, flavorful, and, most importantly, completely free of dairy. That’s when I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe for Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce. It was a game-changer, made from simple ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and onions. The thought of blending these humble veggies into a luscious, cheesy sauce was intriguing and a bit magical.

The Joy of Cooking Up Creaminess

The cooking process was surprisingly straightforward. I peeled and chopped russet potatoes, diced some carrots, and roughly chopped a bit of onion. These went into a pot of boiling water, simmering until they were tender. As I waited, I prepped the blender with nutritional yeast flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and a splash of lemon juice. Once the veggies were soft and ready, I drained them and added them to the blender with a bit of warm water. Blending it all together, the transformation was incredible – from a pile of veggies to a smooth, golden sauce that looked and smelled like comfort in a bowl.

A Versatile Vegan Delight

One of the best parts about this cheese sauce is its versatility. Whether drizzled over steamed vegetables, used as a dip for nachos, or mixed into pasta for a vegan mac and cheese, it never fails to impress. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor come from the nutritional yeast, which gives it that classic cheese taste without any dairy. I was thrilled to discover how well it complemented everything I paired it with, making it a staple in my kitchen.

A Healthy, Guilt-Free Indulgence

Not only is this vegan cheese sauce delicious, but it’s also incredibly healthy. With only around 80 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a cheesy treat. It’s low in fat, nut-free, and packed with vitamins from the potatoes and carrots. Plus, the recipe is easy to make and perfect for meal prepping. I found that having a batch of this sauce on hand made my meals not only healthier but also a bit more exciting. It’s amazing how a simple sauce can make such a big difference in your diet and cooking routine.

Chef’s Notes-Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce

• Ensure the vegetables (potatoes, carrots, and onions) are thoroughly tender after boiling to create a creamy, lump-free sauce. If they’re undercooked, the sauce won’t blend as smoothly.
• Use a high-speed blender for a velvety texture. If your blender isn’t strong, you may need to blend longer or add more water to avoid a grainy consistency.
• Start with 1/2 cup of water and blend. Gradually add more if needed to adjust the thickness based on your preferences, whether for dipping or drizzling.
• This ingredient is key for that cheesy flavor. Don’t skip it! It provides a nutty, savory taste essential to mimicking cheese.
• Experiment with add-ins like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or a touch of mustard powder for extra depth and complexity.
• Store leftover sauce in the fridge. It will thicken as it cools, so reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of water to return it to its original consistency.
• Substituting sweet potatoes or butternut squash will give the sauce a sweeter, earthier flavor. Try these alternatives for a seasonal twist.

Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce

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Dive into this luscious, nut-free Vegan Cheese Sauce made with wholesome potatoes, carrots, and onions! It’s smooth, creamy, and incredibly healthy. Perfect for drizzling over veggies or crafting guilt-free nachos. This easy recipe will make you forget all about traditional cheese. Let’s get cooking!

Course: Main Course, Side Dish, SnackCuisine: American, VeganDifficulty: Easy

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Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

80

kcal

Total time

25

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 2 cups russet potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 1 cup diced carrots

• 1/4 small yellow onion, roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast flakes

• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 to 3/4 cup warm water

Directions

• Boiling Vegetables – In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the chopped potatoes, diced carrots, and roughly chopped onion. Cook until the vegetables are very tender, about 15-20 minutes.
• Blending Ingredients – Once the vegetables are soft, drain them and transfer to a blender. Add the nutritional yeast flakes, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt.
• Achieving Desired Consistency – Pour in 1/2 cup of warm water and blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more warm water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Serving Suggestions – Pour the sauce into a bowl and serve immediately over steamed vegetables or use as a dip for nachos. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• blender
• pot
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 80kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Potassium: 400mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 100IU
• Vitamin C: 20mg
• Calcium: 2mg
• Iron: 6mg

FAQ- Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce

Can I freeze the vegan cheese sauce?

Yes! You can freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat with a little water to restore its smooth texture.

What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast is essential for the cheesy flavor, but you can substitute it with miso paste for a different umami taste, though the flavor will vary.

Can I make this sauce without a blender?

A blender is highly recommended for smoothness, but you can use a food processor. For a rustic texture, you could even mash the vegetables manually, though it won’t be as creamy.

Is this cheese sauce gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

How long does this vegan cheese sauce last in the fridge?

The sauce will keep well in the fridge for up to 5-7 days in an airtight container. Stir it before using, and add a little water if it thickens too much.