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Quick and simple Vegan Queso Dip is snack I am absolutely addicted to. I can’t help it. The inner “nacho loving” child in me has found a healthier way to enjoy one of my all time favorite foods. This magic Vegan Queso Dip has zero cheese and is made in a blender and fits right in with the kind of quick and easy recipes I turn to again and again. It’s wonderfully creamy, has so much “cheesy”, flavor and must be made immediately!
It’s simply magic. I can’t explain it! We live in a world where you can be anything, and in this case, where raw cashews can become cheese. It’s so good you guys, and even good for you!
If you have been around Wholesomelicious for awhile, you will know how much I love a dairy-free cheese. You may also know that I love a buffalo queso “cheese” sauce that I use in so many recipes! Buffalo White Chicken Chili and my Buffalo Potato Chicken Casserole are just a few of my favorites. For a high-protein, creamy twist on traditional queso, my Cottage Cheese Queso is another recipe you’ll want to try.
Reasons to love this Vegan Queso:
As a nutritionist, I love to take some of my favorite childhood “junk” food recipes and make them healthier. This queso does exactly that, and in delicious way! Here are a few of the reasons you will love this recipe:
- It’s so creamy with a nacho cheese texture. Similar to the processed stuff you enjoyed as a kid.
- This one is actually good for you! Vegan queso is loaded with nutrients from the cashews (an antioxdant with vitamin E and Zinc, packed with magnesium, and healthy fats to name a few). Plus, nutritional yeast: a great source of B vitamins and protein.
- Vegan queso comes together in just 5 minutes! A blender and a handful of ingredients is all you need.
How to make Vegan Queso in the blender
This dairy-free queso cannot be any easier! Let’s gather up these simple ingredients:
- Raw cashews
- Nutritional yeast
- Garlic cloves
- Buffalo hot sauce (like Frank’s red hot)
- Vegetable broth or water
To start, soak the cashews in hot water for at least 10 minutes and drain.
Next, we drain the cashews and place all of the ingredients in a high powered blender. A Vitamix is such a good tool for this! Blend until completely smooth. So easy!
Serving and storing
What can I serve with this? My favorite option is with chips, or chopped vegetables like celery and carrots. Or, you can use as a Vegan nacho cheese sauce.
To store, place inside an air tight container in the fridge. It will last for about a week!
Recipes with Vegan queso you will love!
As I mentioned above, I love using a dairy-free queso in so many recipes. It’s especially delicious baked into my Chili Relleno Casserole, and it’s also a perfect topping for Buffalo Chicken Casserole with Cauliflower Rice when you’re craving something hearty and comforting.
Quick Blender Vegan Queso
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 2/3 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce*
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 clove garlic, (minced)
Instructions
- Ensure that you soak the raw cashews in hot water before using. Pour enough hot water (about 2-3 cups) so that the cashews are completely covered with water.
- Drain the cashews and add to the blender. Also add the water, hot sauce, nutritional yeast, and garlic.
- Blend until completely smooth. This make take a few minutes, and you will most likely need to pause a few times and use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We can’t eat cashews. Have you tried this with almonds or other nuts?
Unfortunately, I don’t think those nuts would work the same. Cashews are known for having a creamy style texture when they break down, unlike almonds or other nuts.
This stuff is AMAZING!! I could eat it all day long 😋
Right, me too!
This was great and yummy… Followed your recipe 100%. Husband loved this on his wings. I would love to see more nut/cashew/almond based dips on your website!
Yes I myself also don’t use any kind of yeast. It’s a complete fallacy that nutritional yeast is healthy. I was once told white miso can be a decent replacement but I’d love to know what you suggest.
You can leave out the nutritional yeast in this recipe! I wouldn’t call nutritional yeast a “superfood” by any means, but it’s a great option for people who can’t have dairy or stay away from dairy and still appreciate something that tastes cheesy. I don’t think miso would be a great substitute for this particular recipe, but it definitely can be in other recipes. The only thing I would replace it with is maybe some dried mushrooms (like porcini), otherwise just omit altogether.
Hello Amy,
This sounds like a good recipe, however I can not have any yeast …what would be an acceptable substitute? Thank you Love your site!
Hi Deb! You can leave out the nutritional yeast, it just won’t have that extra “cheesy” flavor. The cashews will still make it creamy and delicious! You could also add a few extra dried mushrooms, those have an earthy umami flavor that might be a tasty addition.