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    Home » Appetizers & Snacks

    Vegan Nacho Cheese (Easy to Make)

    Published: Mar 17, 2023 by Robin Brookshire · This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

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    Are you a fan of rich, creamy nacho cheese but can’t have dairy? Then this vegan nacho cheese recipe is for you! It’s easy to make and made with simple ingredients such as sweet potatoes, raw cashews, and nutritional yeast. So grab your chips because it’s time to make some delicious vegan nacho cheese! I think you’re going to love it! This goes perfectly with Dairy-Free Rotel Dip.

    A bowl of vegan nacho cheese with a tortilla chip getting dipped in it.

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    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Special ingredients
    • More gluten-free and dairy-free snacks
    • Vegan Nacho Cheese (Easy & Delicious)
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    Ingredients

    Ingredients for Vegan Nacho Cheese listed out and in small bowls.

    To create this delicious vegan nacho cheese that rivals the real thing, you’ll need the following ingredients:

    • Sweet Potatoes
    • Raw cashews
    • Olive Oil
    • Nutritional yeast
    • Canned jalapenos slices
    • Apple Cider Vinegar or lemon juice
    • Garlic Powder
    • Onion Powder
    • Salt
    • Water

    These plant-based ingredients may surprise you, but when combined, they create the perfect cheesy flavor and texture for your nachos.

    Instructions

    Boiling sweet potatoes and cashew pieces.

    Peel and dice the sweet potatoes and place them in a pot along with the 1/2 cup of raw cashews. Add enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring to a soft boil and continue to boil for 8-9 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

    While the potatoes and cashews are cooking, add the rest of the ingredients to a blender.

    Ingredients for vegan nacho cheese sauce in a blender and then blended smooth.

    Drain in a colander, and then add the potatoes and cashews to the blender. Keep the lid ajar so that steam does not build up while blending, or leave the center of the blender lid open. Blend the mixture slowly and then speed up until it’s smooth and creamy.

    Vegan nacho cheese with cashews and sweet potatoes.

    If you would like to warm the sauce, heat it over medium-low heat, stirring until it is heated through.

    Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

    Special ingredients

    Amazon Affiliate Links (My Kitchen Essentials)

    • Raw Cashews – Either raw cashew pieces or whole cashews can be used.
    • Nutritional Yeast – My favorite to use is Anthony’s Non-Fortified Nutritional Yeast.

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      Pico de Gallo Recipe (Easy to Make)
    Print
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    Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese in a serving bowl.

    Vegan Nacho Cheese (Easy & Delicious)

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
    • Author: Robin Brookshire
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: 2 1/2 cups 1x
    • Category: Snacks
    • Method: Stove Top
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Vegan Nacho Cheese made with plant-based ingredients, this cheesy dip has all the flavors of regular nacho cheese, without dairy.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
    • ½ cup raw cashews
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
    • 3 tablespoons canned jalapeno slices
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup water


    Instructions

    1. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes and place them in a pot along with the 1/2 cup of raw cashews. Add enough water to the pot to cover the potatoes and cashews. Bring to a soft boil and continue to boil for 8-9 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
    2. While the potatoes and cashews are cooking, add the rest of the ingredients to a blender.
    3. Drain in a colander, and then add the potatoes and cashews to the blender. Keep the lid ajar so that steam does not build up while blending, or leave the center of the blender lid open. Blend the mixture slowly and then speed up until it’s smooth and creamy. 
    4. If you would like to warm the sauce, heat it over medium-low heat, stirring until it is heated through.
    5. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @mamashire on Instagram and hashtag it #mamashire

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    Filed Under: Appetizers & Snacks

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Shelby

      March 23, 2023 at 5:28 am

      Hi!
      I’m just wondering how long it would last in the fridge, and if it can be frozen?

      Reply
    2. Megan

      November 11, 2024 at 6:58 pm

      Could I use something other than cashews? Possibly coconut cream? We can’t have nuts, but coconut is ok.

      Reply
      • MamaShire

        November 11, 2024 at 8:33 pm

        I haven’t tried it with anything other than cashews so I can’t say for sure, but you could definitely try it. If you do, I’d love to hear how it turns out.

        Reply
        • Lo

          January 27, 2026 at 1:57 pm

          This was GREAT! I would have never guessed those ingredients together could taste so close (or better, b/c healthier) to actual nacho cheese- wow- thanks!!

        • MamaShire

          January 27, 2026 at 4:17 pm

          Thanks for taking the time to leave me a comment and a 5 star rating!! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe.

      • Hillary

        April 07, 2026 at 2:56 pm

        Did you ever try making it with coconut? We are also nut free & would love to know if it worked out!

        Reply
    3. April Ann Wofford

      December 13, 2024 at 9:04 pm

      I would love to see come comments from people about how this tastes. My dairy free kids sure miss nachos!

      Reply

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    Hi there! I’m Robin and I’m here to give you easy, delicious, and reliable gluten-free and dairy-free recipes! Let’s get started!

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