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    Home » Dairy-free

    June 5, 2024

    Cashew Cheese Sauce

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    You won't believe your tastebuds when you try this Cashew "Cheese" Sauce that is completely dairy free yet tastes so cheesy and decadent! You can use it as a Queso dip by adding chilis to it or on its own wherever you would use cheese in a recipe. Like soups, sauces, stews, eggs, potatoes and more! I made a broccoli cheddar soup with this sauce and everyone at the table could not believe there was no real cheese in it! You have to try it to believe it! You may also enjoy this Pesto Tomato Sauce.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    This recipe will fool even the toughest of critics! Believe me I know as I have a few in my family and they were in disbelief that there was no real cheese in it. It is the best sauce for making soups, casseroles and more! It truly makes an amazing cashew cheese sauce.

    Ingredients You Will Need

    Raw Cashews: Raw cashews soaked in water create a creamy and dairy-free base that adds richness and smooth texture to this sauce.

    Garlic: Incorporating garlic adds a savory note that enhances this recipe with its bold and aromatic flavor, perfect for our cheese sauce.

     Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a fresh, bright, and tangy element, which can help balance the richness of the other ingredients in the sauce.

    Salt: Elevates the overall flavor of any dish. Always salt in moderation in accordance with your dietary preferences.

    Nutritional Yeast: Different from regular yeast, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor to dishes without the need for dairy, making it a popular choice in vegan cashew sauces.

    Instructions

    Soak the cashews: The only real prepping for this sauce is to soak the cashews in hot water for at least 2 hours or longer and then drain them to prepare for the perfect sauce.

    Make the cashew cheese blend: Blend all of the ingredients in high speed blender till smooth and creamy. Add a little water if too thick for a smoother sauce.

    Enjoy!

    Recipe Tips and Tricks

    Soaking the cashews: Soaking them as long as possible will result in a creamier sauce.

    Recipe Variations

    Chicken or Vegetable Bone Broth: You can thin this cashew sauce with bone broth instead of water which will enhance the nutrients.

    Storage Tips

    I like to store this cashew cheese sauce in a glass ball jar and it keeps well for several days.

    FAQs About Cashew Cheese Sauce

    Why is my cashew sauce grainy?

    If you are not using a high speed blender the texture of your sauce may be a little grainy.

    What can I use this cashew cheese blend on?

    Besides using in casseroles and soups try this sauce over steamed veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. It can truly elevate these dishes.

    How long is Cashew Cheese Sauce good for?

    This sauce can last up to a week when refrigerated in an air tight glass jar.

    Cashew Cheese Sauce in white cup with spoon

    Cashew Cheese Sauce

    Penny Kovacs
    You won't believe your tastebuds when you try this Cashew "Cheese" Sauce that is completely dairy free yet tastes so cheesy and decadent! You can use it as a Queso dip by adding chilis to it or on its own wherever you would use cheese in a recipe. Like soups, sauces, stews, eggs, potatoes and more! I made a broccoli cheddar soup and everyone at the table could not believe there was no cheese in it! You have to try it to believe it!
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 hours hrs
    Total Time 2 hours hrs
    Course Condiment, Dinner, Lunch, Sauce
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 cup

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup Raw Cashews
    • 1 clove Garlic peeled & cut in half
    • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
    • ½ teaspoon Salt
    • ½ cup Water
    • ¼ cup Nutritional Yeast
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Soak cashews in hot water for at least 2 hours or longer, drain
    • Blend all ingredients in high speed blender till smooth and creamy
    • Add a little water if too thick
    • Keeps well in a glass jar in the refrigerator for several days
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    When using this in most of my recipes, the whole recipe is used.  As a queso dip it will serve 2-4 people. 
    Keyword Condiment, Dairy-free, Dressing, Gluten-free, Healthy, Paleo, Sauce, Whole30
    Tried this recipe?Mention @pennypsprimal or tag #pennysprimal

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    Hi, I'm Penny!

    An Adirondack transplant, founder, recipe developer and food photographer behind Penny's Primal. Nothing makes me happier than being in my kitchen cooking easy and healthy meals for my family and friends! The recipes I create are Whole30, Paleo, Plant based, Gluten and Dairy Free and I know your family will enjoy them as much as mine!

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