Name: Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 cup (140 grams) raw cashew nuts; 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar; 1 small clove garlic; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika or chipotle powder; ¾ to 1 cup (180 ml to 240 ml) unsweetened, unflavoured plant milk (such as almond or oat milk)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 9 reviews

If you have been longing for a rich, creamy alternative to traditional cheese sauce that’s both wholesome and irresistibly delicious, you’re going to adore this Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe. Crafted from simple plant-based ingredients, this sauce offers a velvety texture and a depth of flavor that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or just looking to try something new, this Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe will quickly become your go-to for adding a cheesy punch to your favorite dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with many light beige cashew nuts that are whole and curved, showing their smooth and slightly wrinkled texture, stacked loosely inside the bowl, placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role: from the creamy base to the punchy seasonings, every ingredient helps build a perfectly balanced sauce packed with flavor and color.

Raw cashew nuts (1 cup, 140 grams): These are the star of the show, providing a creamy, rich texture that mimics traditional cheese beautifully.
Nutritional yeast (4 tablespoons): Adds a savory, cheesy flavor that’s essential for that authentic cheese sauce taste.
White wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Introduces a subtle tang to brighten the sauce and balance the creaminess.
Small clove garlic (1): Brings a mild, aromatic punch that enhances depth without overpowering.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Provides a gentle savory backdrop that rounds out the flavor.
Fine sea salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and amplifying all the other flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a slight spicy warmth for complexity.
Smoked paprika or chipotle powder (¼ teaspoon): Offers a subtle smoky note, elevating the sauce with a hint of intrigue.
Unsweetened, unflavoured plant milk (¾ to 1 cup): The liquid component that creates the silky smooth texture; almond or oat milk works beautifully.

How to Make Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Cashews

Begin by placing your raw cashew nuts in a small bowl and covering them with boiling water. This soaking step is crucial as it softens the cashews, ensuring that when blended, your cheese sauce becomes perfectly smooth and glossy, rather than grainy. Let them soak for about 15 minutes, giving yourself time to prepare the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare for Blending

After soaking, drain the cashews thoroughly through a sieve, discarding the soaking water. Transfer the softened nuts into your blender along with the nutritional yeast, white wine vinegar, garlic clove, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This is where your flavor base really starts to come together.

Step 3: Add Plant Milk and Blend

Pour in ¾ cup of your chosen unsweetened, unflavored plant milk to start. Blend all ingredients at high speed until the mixture turns silky and completely smooth. If the sauce feels too thick for your liking, gradually add more plant milk, blending briefly after each addition until you achieve the perfect creamy consistency.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Once blended, give your sauce a taste test. This is your chance to tweak the seasoning—maybe a pinch more salt, a dash of pepper, or a little extra vinegar to balance those flavors just right. Once you’re happy, your Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe is ready to elevate any dish.

How to Serve Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe

A white plate holds a heap of yellow tagliatelle pasta with flat, ribbon-like noodles arranged loosely in layers. A thick, creamy, light beige sauce is poured over the center of the pasta, slowly spreading and covering it, with black pepper dots sprinkled on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with two small terracotta pots filled with peppercorns in the background, and a piece of beige lace fabric to the side. The scene is softly lit, showing a close-up view. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a little extra flair, sprinkle your Cashew Cheese Sauce with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A light dusting of smoked paprika on top can also amplify that gorgeous smoky aroma. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also introduce fresh layers of flavor.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. Drizzle it over steamed vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower for an indulgent yet healthy treat. It also makes a fabulous dip for crispy fries or roasted potatoes, and it’s perfect over pasta for a quick, cheesy meal that satisfies every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try using your Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe as a base for a loaded vegan nachos platter, layering it with beans, salsa, and avocado. Alternatively, swirl it into baked potatoes or use it as a luscious sauce in wraps and sandwiches. Its versatility makes it a fantastic addition to so many creative culinary ideas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your homemade Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Always give it a good stir before serving since it might thicken slightly as it chills.

Freezing

This sauce freezes well, making it a great option for prepping ahead. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain its creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the sauce gently on low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If it thickens too much, simply whisk in a splash of plant milk to bring back that silky consistency you love.

FAQs

Can I use roasted cashews instead of raw cashews?

While it’s possible, using raw cashews is best for this Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe because they blend into a creamier, more neutral-flavored sauce. Roasted cashews might give a nuttier, slightly different flavor that can overpower the delicate cheese taste.

What types of plant milk work best for this sauce?

Unsweetened, unflavoured plant milk like almond, oat, or cashew milk works best to keep the cheese flavor pure and prevent any added sweetness or flavors from interfering with the sauce’s profile.

Is nutritional yeast necessary?

Yes, nutritional yeast is key to achieving that cheesy umami flavor without dairy. It’s a common ingredient in vegan cooking and adds richness and depth that really bring the sauce to life.

Can I make this sauce nut-free?

This particular Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe relies on cashews for creaminess, so it isn’t suitable for a nut-free diet. However, there are alternative recipes using ingredients like sunflower seeds or tofu if you want a nut-free cheese sauce.

How spicy is the sauce with smoked paprika or chipotle powder?

The amount of smoked paprika or chipotle powder is quite mild, adding more of a smoky warmth than heat. If you prefer less spice, you can reduce or omit the chipotle powder altogether without losing flavor.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe, it’s hard to go back to store-bought cheese sauces. Its creamy texture, vibrant flavor, and wholesome ingredients make it an absolute delight to whip up and enjoy. Trust me, your pasta, veggies, and snacks will thank you for it. Give it a go—you won’t regret adding this nourishing, cheesy magic to your kitchen repertoire!

Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need