Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe (Dairy-Free)
Greetings, fellow food lovers! As a nutritionist and food blogger, I have always been passionate about creating and sharing easy-to-make recipes that are both healthy and delicious. Today, I am excited to share with you my latest creation: the “Cheese” Sauce Recipe – made entirely dairy-free!
For those of you who are seeking a vegan or dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese sauce, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings with its creamy and velvety texture. Whether you’re looking for a cheese sauce to smother on fries, potato wedges, or pasta dishes, this sauce will do the trick!
Unlike regular cheese sauces that may contain high amounts of saturated fats and sodium, this recipe uses nutritional yeast flakes as a key ingredient. Nutritional yeast not only adds the desired “cheesy” flavor but also provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s gluten-free and nut-free for those with dietary restrictions.
So gather your ingredients and let’s get started on making one of the best vegan cheese sauces out there! This recipe takes only 5 minutes to make, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your cheesy creations in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of sacrificing taste for your dietary needs? Look no further, as this dairy-free and vegan “cheese” sauce recipe will blow your taste buds away.
Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just 5 minutes of your time and simple ingredients such as nutritional yeast flakes, cornstarch, and dry mustard, you’re on your way to a delicious and creamy vegan cheese sauce made in a jiffy.
Moreover, this recipe is versatile for various dietary restrictions such as gluten-free and nut-free options. Instead of using cashews which many vegan sauces use for creaminess, this recipe calls for full-fat coconut milk which is not only healthier, but adds a touch of sweet flavor.
But the best part is that it has the same gooey texture of real cheddar cheese sauce without the dairy or animal products. Say goodbye to those paleo diets that make you give up cheesy nacho fries- now you can have your dairy-free cheese melt and eat it too!
In conclusion, whether you’re a vegan looking for a satisfying cheese spread or someone with dietary restrictions who misses the taste of cheddar cheese on their pasta, this vegan cheese sauce recipe will have you hooked from the first bite to the last.
Ingredient List
Here’s a list of the most essential ingredients needed for making this delicious cheese sauce recipe.
List of Ingredients:
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup
- Nutritional Yeast Flakes: 1/4 cup
- Dry Mustard: 1/2 teaspoon
- Coconut Milk (full fat): 2 cups
- Cashews (soaked): 1/2 cup
Also, you may want to use some optional ingredients to adjust the flavor and the texture of the cheese sauce as per your personal preference. These include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pickled jalapenos.
The Recipe How-To
Here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for, let’s dive into making this delicious dairy-free “cheese” sauce! This recipe only requires a handful of ingredients and takes around 5-10 minutes to whip up.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk
- ¼ cup of nutritional yeast flakes
- 2 Tbsp of cornstarch
- 1 tsp of dry mustard
- ½ tsp of salt
Instructions:
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Begin by whisking together the nutritional yeast flakes, cornstarch, dry mustard, and salt in a small saucepan until combined.
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Add in the coconut milk while whisking constantly to avoid any lumps.
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Heat the saucepan over medium heat and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth for around 3-5 minutes.
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Once your sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
- Be sure to use full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or more coconut milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Double the recipe if you need more sauce.
Now that your dairy-free “cheese” sauce is made, feel free to drizzle it on top of some roasted veggies, pour it over pasta or even serve it as a dip for fries or potato wedges. The possibilities are endless with this easy vegan cheese sauce recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch things up with this “cheese” sauce recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Nutritional Yeast: If you don’t have nutritional yeast flakes on hand, you can use vegan parmesan cheese or regular parmesan cheese if you’re not keeping the recipe dairy-free.
– Cornstarch: Instead of cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a thickener. They work just as well as cornstarch and are gluten-free options.
– Cashew Based: If you want a creamier and richer “cheese” sauce, swap out the coconut milk for cashews. Soak 1 cup of cashews for 3 hours before blending them with 1 cup of water until smooth. Use this instead of the coconut milk in the recipe.
– Cheddar Cheese: For a cheddar cheese flavor, add in 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard powder and 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder to the recipe. This adds both flavor and a bright yellow color just like cheddar cheese.
– Nut-Free: To make this recipe nut-free, substitute the cashews for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. You’ll still get a creamy texture without nuts.
– Paleo: If you’re following a paleo diet, skip the cornstarch and use arrowroot powder instead.
These substitutions and variations will allow you to customize the “cheese” sauce to fit your needs and preferences. Whether you’re dairy-free, gluten-free, or paleo, this recipe is adaptable to your dietary requirements.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve created a delicious and healthy vegan “cheese” sauce, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair it. One of the best ways to enjoy this sauce is by using it as a dip for your favorite fries, potato wedges, or nacho chips. Trust me, you won’t be able to get enough of it!
If you want to make a complete meal out of it, try pairing it with some gluten-free pasta. The creaminess of the cheese sauce will complement the pasta perfectly giving your taste buds an experience that they won’t forget soon.
If pasta isn’t your thing, then try using the cheese sauce as a sandwich spread or as a topping for a veggie burger. The tangy taste of nutritional yeast flakes adds a cheesy goodness to every bite, bringing out fulfilling flavors in each serving.
But wait if you’re on a Paleo diet or avoiding nuts, don’t worry! You can substitute cashews with sunflower seeds for an allergy-friendly option, minus the nuts.
In summary, this vegan “cheese” sauce is versatile and easy to pair with different meals. Get creative with how you serve and pair it to suit any and all of your dietary needs!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making “cheese” sauce ahead of time is a great idea if you plan to use it throughout the week. You can refrigerate it, and it should keep well for up to four days. To store, transfer your sauce to an airtight container and cover it. Reheat over low heat or in the microwave. You may need to add a little bit of water or nondairy milk to get the desired consistency.
Freezing cheese sauce is not recommended as it does not freeze well due to its high-fat content. However, you can preserve your nutritional yeast flakes and cornstarch mixture by combining them together in an airtight container and storing them in the pantry for future use.
When reheating cheese sauce, be sure to stir constantly as you reheat gently over low-medium heat. Avoid overheating the sauce as this can cause separation into oily and gloopy components.
This “cheese” sauce recipe can also be made easily in larger batches for entertaining guests. Store any leftover vegan cheese sauce in small portions for easier reheating and portion control.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making a “cheese” sauce that is vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free can be challenging without the expertise of an experienced cook. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect vegan cheese sauce for your next culinary masterpiece.
1. Play Around with Nutritional Yeast Flakes
Nutritional yeast flakes are a staple ingredient in many vegan cheese recipes. You can manipulate the cheesy, savory flavor to suit your taste buds by adding more or less flakes. It is essential to experiment with different quantities and find what works best for you.
2. Use Cornstarch
Cornstarch is crucial in creating the perfect thick and creamy dairy-free sauce texture. For optimal results, mix it with water before adding it to your hot ingredients. You will avoid lumps and ensure that your “cheese” sauce has the right consistency.
3. Try Dry Mustard
The essence of mustard in your cheese sauce recipe can provide it with an incredible tangy flavor that complements any dish perfectly. Add a pinch of dry mustard to create a unique, sophisticated taste for your next level”cheese” sauce.
4. Opt for Cashew-Based Cheese Sauce
If you’re looking for a creamier texture and want to bypass using gluten altogether, consider making cashew-based vegan cheese sauce instead of nutritional yeast flakes. Cashews add not only thickness but also nutty and flavorful components to the sauce.
5. Mind Your Temperature
Precise temperature control is fundamental during the cooking process while preparing any dairy-free cheesy dip or sauce recipes. High heat can cause ingredients to separate and lead to disastrous results. Always start slowly with lower heat settings: patience will let all flavors blend correctly.
6. Go Non-Dairy Full Fat Coconut Milk
To make sure that your “cheese” sauce turns out extra creamy, use full-fat coconut milk instead of regular unsweetened almond or soy milk. The richness of the coconut milk provides the perfect balance to the other ingredients, especially when you require a cheesy, comfort food taste.
In conclusion…
Experimenting with vegan cheese sauce is all about finding the perfect mix of ingredients for better results. Each tip shared above can help you achieve perfect, delicious vegan cheese sauce that makes your dishes unforgettable.
FAQ
Now that you’ve learned how to whip up a delicious “cheese” sauce that’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly, you might still have a few questions. In this section, I’ll provide answers to some frequently asked questions about this recipe, including tips for serving it, storing leftovers, and variations you can try depending on your preferences. Read on for more information!
What can I use instead of milk when melting cheese?
In this recipe, I use whipping cream as a substitute for regular milk. I find that cream blends perfectly with cheese and results in an incredibly creamy cheese sauce. Alternatively, you could also use one cup of heavy cream.
How do you make dairy-free cheese melt better?
When it comes to cooking with dairy-free cheese, it’s important to make sure that it’s melted to the perfect texture for ultimate satisfaction. Although it may maintain its original appearance, it’s important to gently examine the texture with a utensil to ensure that it melts in a creamy and smooth manner. To achieve the creamiest results, I recommend cranking up the heat by setting your oven to 425°F. This will guarantee that you attain a dreamy texture that will make your taste buds burst with joy.
Does any non dairy cheese melt?
Have you ever wondered if vegan cheese can melt like regular cheese? In general, most vegan cheese options do not melt easily, especially the ones that are less processed. Nevertheless, if you are seeking melty vegan cheese, there are some slices and shreds available that can get the job done. Fortunately, science has made it possible!
What are dairy-free cheese options?
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I enjoy recommending healthy recipes that are gluten-free and dairy-free. My latest obsession is with a variety of vegan cheeses. Miyoko’s Smoked English Farmhouse and Mozzarella, Jule’s Vegan Brie, Kite Hill Ricotta, Follow Your Heart Slices, Treeline Cream Cheese, and Parmela Shreds are my top picks. These plant-based cheeses are perfect for a cheese platter or as an ingredient in your favorite recipes. They are all made from cashews, almond milk, or coconut oil, and are just as creamy and flavorful as their dairy-based counterparts. In this article, I will share tips and recommendations for how to incorporate these delicious vegan cheeses into your meals.
Bottom Line
Are you looking for a tasty and healthy alternative to cheese-based sauces? Look no further than this delicious and easy-to-prepare vegan “cheese” sauce recipe! It’s perfect for any dish that requires a melty and tangy addition, and it’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free.
With just a few simple ingredients and 5 minutes of preparation time, you can make a creamy vegan sauce that gets its cheesy flavor from nutritional yeast flakes. And if you crave a little extra crunch or texture, throw in some cashews to create a cashew-based cheese sauce.
This recipe is so versatile that you can use it as a dip, pour it over fries or potato wedges, spread it on bread or pasta, or even create your own nacho cheese using Daiya cheddar or other vegan cheese products. Plus, it can last up to 7 days in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep or as an emergency snack.
It’s time to ditch the traditional animal-based cheese sauces and embrace this exciting vegan alternative. You won’t regret trying this recipe out for yourself!
“cheese” Sauce (Dairy Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice milk (or broth, or whatever)
- 1/4-1/2 cup nutritional yeast flakes
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Instructions
- Heat "milk" or broth on med. heat.
- Take a couple Tbsp of the hot liquid and mix it with the cornstarch until it dissolves. Set aside.
- Add yeast flakes and spices to hot liquid. Stir until dissolved.
- Add cornstarch to mixture and let it bubble on low heat until it reaches the thickness you want.
- You can use more or less liquid, depending on just how thick you want it to be. Enjoy!
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