I’m really excited to share this vegan faux cheese sauce recipe with you because it’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for anyone who loves cheesy dishes but wants a plant-based option. This sauce has become one of my favorites because it’s simple to make and tastes great on so many things like pasta, veggies, or even nachos. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!
Some ingredients in this recipe might be new if you haven’t cooked vegan before. Nutritional yeast is a key one—it adds a cheesy flavor and can usually be found in the health food or baking aisle of most supermarkets. Raw cashews need to be soaked before using, which helps them blend into a smooth sauce. Turmeric and paprika are common spices but check the spice section if you don’t have them at home.

Ingredients For Vegan Faux Cheese Sauce Recipe
Raw cashews: These nuts create a creamy base when soaked and blended, giving the sauce a rich texture.
Water: Used to blend the cashews and create the right consistency for the sauce.
Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy, nutty flavor without any dairy.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the sauce a bright, tangy taste.
Garlic powder: Brings a mild garlic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor to deepen the sauce’s taste.
Salt: Balances and brings out all the flavors.
Turmeric: Gives the sauce a warm color and a hint of earthiness.
Paprika: Adds a mild smoky flavor and enhances the color.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
One of the most important steps in this Vegan Faux Cheese Sauce Recipe is cooking the blended mixture over medium heat while stirring constantly. Here’s how to do it so your sauce turns out creamy and smooth:
- After blending all the ingredients until smooth, pour the mixture into a saucepan.
- Turn the heat to medium—not too high, or the sauce might burn or stick to the pan.
- Use a wooden spoon or a heat-safe spatula to stir the sauce gently but steadily.
- Keep stirring without stopping for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce slowly thickening as it heats up.
- When it looks creamy and coats the back of your spoon, it’s ready!
Stirring constantly helps the sauce cook evenly and prevents it from sticking to the bottom or forming lumps. If you don’t stir enough, parts of the sauce can burn or get clumpy, which changes the texture and taste. Plus, stirring keeps the sauce silky and makes it feel just like real cheese sauce.
I remember the first time I made this sauce, I got distracted and stopped stirring for a moment. The sauce stuck to the pan and got a little burnt, which was a bummer. Now, I always keep my spoon moving and even set a timer to remind me. It’s a small step that makes a big difference! Also, if you want to save time, you can soak the cashews overnight instead of just two hours—it makes blending even easier and the sauce extra smooth.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
raw cashews - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds provide a similar creamy texture when blended and are a good nut-free alternative.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds more depth of flavor compared to plain water.
nutritional yeast - Substitute with miso paste: Miso paste offers a similar umami flavor, though it will alter the taste slightly.
freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar tangy acidity.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic offers a more robust and aromatic flavor.
onion powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder has a milder and slightly sweeter taste compared to onion powder.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a bit of umami flavor.
turmeric - Substitute with saffron: Saffron provides a similar yellow color and a unique flavor, though it is more expensive.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a similar color with a smoky depth of flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the vegan faux cheese sauce to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can affect the texture and flavor.
- Transfer the cooled sauce into an airtight container. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work best to maintain freshness.
- Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of its shelf life.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. The sauce will keep well for up to 5-7 days.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- Alternatively, use an ice cube tray to freeze individual portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for easy portion control.
- When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, place the container in a bowl of warm water.
- Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or plant-based milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Adjust the seasoning after reheating, as freezing can sometimes dull the flavors. A pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can revive its taste.
- Enjoy your vegan faux cheese sauce over pasta, vegetables, or as a dip for snacks.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method: Pour the leftover vegan faux cheese sauce into a small saucepan. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. Add a splash of water or plant-based milk if the sauce is too thick. Continue to stir until the sauce is heated through and reaches your desired consistency.
Microwave Method: Transfer the cheese sauce to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval. Add a bit of water or plant-based milk if needed to achieve the right consistency. Continue until the sauce is evenly heated.
Double Boiler Method: Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the pot, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Add the vegan faux cheese sauce to the bowl. Stir frequently until the sauce is warmed through. This method helps to gently reheat the sauce without the risk of burning.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the cheese sauce into an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through. If the sauce appears too thick, stir in a small amount of water or plant-based milk before serving.
Steamer Method: Place the vegan faux cheese sauce in a heatproof bowl and set it in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through. This method ensures a gentle and even reheating process.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Blender: To blend all the ingredients into a smooth and creamy sauce.
Saucepan: To cook the blended mixture over medium heat until it thickens.
Spatula: To stir the mixture constantly while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
Measuring cups: To measure out the raw cashews, water, and nutritional yeast accurately.
Measuring spoons: To measure the lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, turmeric, and paprika precisely.
Strainer: To drain and rinse the soaked cashews before blending.
Knife: To cut and squeeze the lemon for freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-soak cashews: Soak cashews overnight to save time on the day of preparation.
Use a high-speed blender: A high-speed blender ensures a smoother sauce quickly.
Measure ingredients ahead: Pre-measure all ingredients to streamline the blending process.
Cook in batches: Double the recipe and store extra sauce for future use.
Quick seasoning adjustments: Taste and adjust seasonings while blending to save time later.
Microwave option: Use a microwave to heat the sauce if you're in a hurry.

Vegan Faux Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Raw Cashews soaked in water for at least 2 hours
- 1 cup Water
- ¼ cup Nutritional Yeast
- 2 tablespoon Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric for color
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
Instructions
- 1. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
- 2. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- 3. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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