Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This vegan cheese sauce is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for adding a cheesy touch to your favorite dishes without any dairy. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it comes together quickly and thickens nicely when heated.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 3 tbsp tapioca starch
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp smoked paprika
- 2/3 cup coconut milk (plus 1 tablespoon or 200 ml)
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine all the listed ingredients in a high-speed blender. Blend for 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Step 2: Transfer the blended mixture into a small saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, and cook for about one minute until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, reduce the smoked paprika or use sweet paprika instead.
- Swap coconut milk for any other plant-based milk, but note it may slightly affect the texture and flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Storage
Store any leftover vegan cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to restore its creamy texture. If the sauce thickens too much when chilled, stir in a little plant-based milk to loosen it before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use this sauce for pasta?
Yes, this vegan cheese sauce works great as a creamy pasta topping or mixed into cooked pasta for a quick mac and cheese alternative.
Is tapioca starch essential?
Tapioca starch is key for the sauce’s stretchy, creamy texture. If unavailable, you can try arrowroot or cornstarch, but the consistency may differ slightly.
PrintCreamy Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
This creamy and flavorful Vegan Cheese Sauce is made with wholesome ingredients like nutritional yeast and tapioca starch, providing a rich, cheesy texture without dairy. Perfect as a dairy-free topping or dip, it blends easily and thickens on the stovetop for a smooth, melt-like consistency ideal for vegans and those with dairy allergies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Vegan Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 3 tbsp tapioca starch
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp smoked paprika
- 2/3 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp coconut milk (additional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Gather all the dry ingredients—nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika—and the wet ingredients, coconut milk. Place them into a high-speed blender for an even blend.
- Blend Thoroughly: Blend on high for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and all the seasonings and starch are fully incorporated into the coconut milk, creating a uniform base for the sauce.
- Heat the Sauce: Pour the blended mixture into a small saucepan. Place the pan over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
- Thicken the Sauce: Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, for approximately 1 minute or until the sauce thickens to a creamy, cheese-like consistency. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can cook it a little longer but be careful not to burn.
- Use a high-speed blender for best results to ensure smoothness.
- This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed to loosen.
- Adjust spices to taste, adding more smoked paprika or garlic powder if desired.
Keywords: vegan cheese sauce, dairy-free cheese sauce, nutritional yeast sauce, plant-based cheese sauce, coconut milk cheese sauce
