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Roasted vegetables with dairy-free cheese sauce drizzled on top

Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce: A Delicious Guide to Its History, Ingredients, and Health Benefits

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A creamy, plant‑based alternative to traditional cheese sauce, rich, versatile, and perfect for dairy‑free diets.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup soaked cashews
  • 1 cup non‑dairy milk (almond, oat, or cashew)
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • (Optional) Coconut oil
  • (Optional) Turmeric or smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Soak cashews in warm water for 15–20 minutes (hot water for faster softening).
  2. Drain cashews and blend with non‑dairy milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt until smooth.
  3. Pour into saucepan over medium heat and simmer, stirring, for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning; add more lemon juice or spices as desired.
  5. Serve over pasta, veggies, nachos, baked potatoes, or use as dip or casserole mix‑in.

Notes

Make ahead and store for 4–5 days in the fridge; reheat gently with added non‑dairy milk if needed. Substitute cashews with soaked almonds, silken tofu, or cauliflower. Add cayenne or hot sauce for heat; stir in vegan cheese (e.g., Violife, Miyoko’s) for extra meltiness.

  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Blending & Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Plant‑Based/Modern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg