Vegan Nacho Cheese

This rich, creamy, oozy, spicy vegan nacho cheese is pure liquid gold. Honestly, grab some tortilla chips and get dipping – it’s life changing!

But it’s not solely for dipping; you can use this nacho cheese for everything from enchiladas to baked potatoes. It’s also perfect inside our epic vegan breakfast burritos.

We use healthy whole-food ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and spices to create this easy pourable recipe, which takes just 25 minutes to whip up.  

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What is Nacho Cheese?

Nacho cheese is a hot, tangy, spicy liquid cheese, typically found poured over tortilla chips for a quick and tasty snack. Because of this, it’s often found in movie theatres and gas stations.

It’s also used to add flavor and a creamy texture to Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, and burrito bowls, as well as foods like burgers and baked potatoes.

Is Nacho Cheese Vegan?

No, nacho cheese is typically not vegan. This is because most nacho cheese recipes use dairy cheese and milk.

We keep things solely plant-based by using cashews for a creamy consistency, with nutritional yeast for the all-important cheesy flavor.

Is this Vegan Nacho Cheese Gluten-Free?

Yes! There are no glutenous ingredients in this nacho cheese recipe.

Is Vegan Nacho Cheese Easy to Make?

Yes, there is nothing complicated about this recipe. You simply need to blend your ingredients, then cook them down. It takes around 25 minutes in total!

What is Vegan Nacho Cheese Made Of?

Forget about cheese and milk – we use a handful of easy pantry ingredients to create our vegan nacho cheese.

You will need the following:

• Water
• Raw cashews
• Lemon juice
• Nutritional yeast
• Sea salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Turmeric powder

How to Make Vegan Nacho Cheese

To a high-speed blender, add all the ingredients (hold back one cup of water), and blend until smooth and creamy.

In a saucepan over medium heat, add the cheese sauce and whisk constantly until it begins to bubble and thicken. If it gets too thick for your liking, add the remaining water as needed.

Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Serve with tortilla chips, or with your favorite Mexican dishes!

Tips for the Best Vegan Nacho Cheese

Be sure to use raw cashews for a creamy consistency. Roasted cashews will have too strong a flavor to make this recipe a success.

It’s always wise to soak your cashews before using to make them easier to blend. It’s best to leave them in a bowl of water overnight, or in hot water for at least 30 minutes.

If the cheese sauce sits for a while, it will begin to thicken. If this happens, don’t worry – just heat it again over the stove, adding water as needed to thin it out.

Remember that nacho cheese is a bold flavor, so don’t skimp on the ingredients. If it lacks punch, just add a little more nutritional yeast, chili, salt and spices.

FAQ

How to Store Vegan Nacho Cheese

We recommend allowing it to cool completely, before transferring it to an airtight, or at least covered, container.

You can then store the nacho cheese in the refrigerator for up to one week, reheating it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, or in the microwave.

Can You Freeze Vegan Nacho Cheese?

Yes, you can freeze our vegan nacho cheese. Transfer the cheese to an airtight container, then store it in the freezer for up to one month.

When you are ready to use it, allow it to thaw in the fridge, then reheat in a small saucepan over a medium-low heat, or in the microwave. You may need to add water if it becomes too thick.

Can You Make Vegan Nacho Cheese Ahead of Time?

Yes, although as it cools it will thicken. You can make it ahead of time, then reheat it in a pan to return it to the desired consistency.

If you want to leave it longer than a few hours, store it in the fridge as mentioned above.

How Long Does Vegan Nacho Cheese Last?

In the fridge, this nacho cheese will last for up to one week. In the freezer, its life is extended to around one month.

Can Vegans Eat Nachos?

Yes, if you are talking about the tortilla chips. These chips are usually made with just corn flour, water, oil, and salt, so are vegan.

However, the nacho cheese that sits on top is usually not vegan because of its dairy content. This is likely to be true if you buy nachos from street vendors, movie theatres, or in most restaurants.

Of course, you can just make our simple recipe on this page and enjoy your own healthier plant-based nacho cheese! 🙂

If you’re looking for more dip recipes, check out:

Roasted Beet Hummus

Guacamole

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag your photos with @healthiir on Instagram!