Bushra Griffith
Vegan cheese sauce is a plant-based alternative to traditional cheese sauce. It is usually made with a combination of vegetables, nuts, and spices. The most common ingredients include potatoes, carrots, onions, cashews, white beans, and nutritional yeast. Some recipes also include coconut milk, tapioca flour, and various spices such as garlic, smoked paprika, and onion powder. The sauce is typically blended until smooth and can be served with a variety of dishes such as pasta, nachos, tacos, and vegetables. It is a popular choice for those following a vegan or plant-based diet, offering a creamy and cheesy flavor without the use of dairy products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Potatoes, carrots, onions, cashews, white beans, nutritional yeast, spices, olive oil, water, coconut milk, tapioca flour, apple cider vinegar, salt, sweet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, chipotle pepper, pickled jalapeños, smoked paprika, garlic, maple syrup, lemon, turmeric powder, dijon mustard, almond milk, tofu |
| Preparation | Boil, bake, blend, freeze, warm in a pan, serve with tortilla chips, drizzle over pizza, lasagna, tacos, grits, steamed veggies, mac & cheese, nachos, baked potatoes, burgers, pasta bake, toast, noodles, pasta |
| Taste | Creamy, nutty, savory, tangy, spicy, smoky, sweet |
| Diet | Nut-free, oil-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan |
| Time | Ready in 3 minutes, prep time 5 minutes, cook time 20 minutes |
| Storage | Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, can be frozen |
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What You'll Learn
Nutritional yeast for cheesy flavour
Nutritional yeast is a key ingredient in creating a vegan cheese sauce, providing a cheesy flavour that is nutty, salty, and savoury. It is also known as "nooch" and is a dairy-free food seasoning, particularly favoured by vegans. Nutritional yeast is grown to be harvested and dried, and it is cultivated in large tanks of sugar-rich liquid, then fermented, rinsed, and heated to deactivate its live properties.
Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of vitamin B12, which is usually found in animal products, making it a good option for those on a plant-based diet. It is also rich in vitamins B1, B3, and B9. It is fat-free, sugar-free, gluten-free, and sodium-free. Nutritional yeast is commonly sold in powdered form or as flakes and can be purchased online or in food stores.
When making a vegan cheese sauce, nutritional yeast is added to taste, and other ingredients can be added to adjust the texture. The sauce can be made with either cashews or white beans, or a combination of both, to create a creamy texture. Other ingredients include potatoes, carrots, onions, and spices such as garlic and onion powder. The sauce can be blended to create a smooth consistency, and spices can be added for a spicy or smoky flavour.
The colour of the sauce can vary depending on the amount of nutritional yeast used, with a higher quantity resulting in a brighter yellow hue. The addition of sweet potatoes can also contribute to the orange colour of the sauce. Overall, nutritional yeast is an essential ingredient in creating a vegan cheese sauce with a cheesy flavour, and it is a versatile and nutritious option for those seeking a plant-based alternative to traditional cheese.
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Cashews or white beans for creaminess
Cashews are a popular ingredient in vegan cheese sauce due to their ability to create a creamy texture. They are often soaked in warm water before being added to the sauce to enhance their creaminess. However, some people may prefer to omit cashews due to allergies, preference, or the higher cost of cashew cream.
White beans are a suitable alternative for those avoiding nuts or wanting to reduce the fat content of their vegan cheese sauce. Navy beans, cannellini beans, and northern beans are commonly used in vegan cheese sauce recipes. White beans have a neutral colour and a soft, smooth texture, making them ideal for creating a creamy sauce. They also provide protein and fibre, boosting the nutritional profile of the sauce.
Combining cashews and white beans is another option to achieve a creamy texture while reducing the fat content. Using a ratio of one part cashews to one part white beans can result in a sauce with a lower fat content while retaining its rich, creamy texture and flavour.
For those who cannot consume cashews or white beans, there are other alternatives to achieve a creamy vegan cheese sauce. Sunflower seeds can be used as a nut-free substitute, providing a thick and creamy texture. Additionally, coconut milk is often added to vegan cheese sauce recipes to enhance creaminess and provide a rich mouthfeel. The use of full-fat coconut milk is recommended for the best results.
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Potatoes, carrots, and onions for base
A vegan cheese sauce can be made with potatoes, carrots, and onions as the base. This recipe is nut-free, oil-free, smooth, creamy, low-fat, and healthy. It can be used as a dip for nachos or poured over steamed veggies.
To make this sauce, start by boiling the potatoes, carrots, and onion until they are soft. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Once they are cooked, drain the water and transfer the vegetables to a blender. You can also use a veggie broth instead of water for added flavor. Add the remaining ingredients to the blender, such as milk, nutritional yeast, vinegar, garlic, and spices. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to adjust the consistency.
Some people also add cashews or white beans to this recipe for extra creaminess and protein. You can also experiment with different types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes, to find your preferred flavor and color. Additionally, spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and turmeric can enhance the flavor and give the sauce a yellow-orange color similar to nacho cheese.
This vegan cheese sauce is a versatile and healthy alternative to traditional cheese sauces, offering a creamy texture and cheesy flavor without the high fat content.
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Coconut milk for taste
Coconut milk is a great option for making vegan cheese sauce because it is easy, affordable, and naturally vegan, nut-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. It is also already creamy and flavorful, making it a perfect base for a tasty pasta meal.
When using coconut milk to make vegan cheese sauce, it is recommended to use full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk for the best texture and richness. The coconut milk will provide a subtle sweetness that balances out the rest of the spices in the sauce. While coconut milk does have a mild coconut flavor, this can be masked by using refined coconut oil and adding various spices and other ingredients.
To make the cheese sauce, simply add all the ingredients to a saucepan and whisk to combine. The coconut milk will still be clumpy at first, but this is normal. Turn on the heat to medium and keep whisking. When the sauce is bubbly, continue cooking and whisking for 4-5 more minutes. Then, add your cooked pasta and stir to combine. You can also add a pinch of turmeric powder to give the sauce a richer, golden yellow color.
If you are making a block of cheese, you can follow a similar process by adding the ingredients to a food processor or high-speed blender. However, instead of cooking the mixture on the stove, you will pour it into ramekins or small bowls and place them in the fridge for a few hours until the cheese has hardened and is sliceable.
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Tapioca flour for elasticity
Tapioca flour, also known as tapioca starch, is a key ingredient in making stretchy, gooey, and melty vegan cheese sauce. It provides elasticity to the sauce, giving it a texture reminiscent of real cheese. This ingredient is especially important if you're looking to create a cheese sauce that stretches like mozzarella.
Tapioca flour is derived from the yuca, cassava, or manioc root. It is a white powder that functions as a thickening agent, similar to cornstarch. However, unlike cornstarch, tapioca flour is essential for achieving the desired stretchy texture in vegan cheese sauce. When combined with liquid, tapioca flour transforms into a stretchy cheese-like substance.
To incorporate tapioca flour into your vegan cheese sauce, start by mixing it with water to create a slurry. Ensure that the flour is completely dissolved and free of lumps. Then, in a separate saucepan, heat your choice of liquid base—such as coconut milk, plant milk, or olive oil—over medium heat. You can also add other ingredients like salt, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast for flavor and texture. Once your liquid base starts to boil, slowly add the tapioca flour slurry while continuously stirring the mixture.
The amount of tapioca flour you use will determine the stretchiness of your cheese sauce. If you find that your sauce is not stretchy enough, you can add additional tablespoons of tapioca flour directly to the saucepan and stir quickly to combine. However, it is important not to overuse tapioca flour, as too much can affect the overall texture of the sauce.
Tapioca flour is easily accessible and can be purchased at Asian shops, large supermarkets, or online. If you are unable to find tapioca flour, arrowroot powder, arrowroot flour, or arrowroot starch can be used as a substitute, although the elasticity may not be identical. Alternatively, you can use cornstarch, but the stretchiness of the sauce will be compromised.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many recipes for vegan cheese sauce, but most include the following: potatoes, carrots, onions, cashews or white beans, nutritional yeast, and spices. Some recipes also include coconut milk, tapioca flour, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and water.
First, boil the potatoes, carrots, and onions in a pot for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft. Drain them and add them to a blender. Then, add the remaining ingredients and blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it is too thick, you can add a little water while blending.
Vegan cheese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen and then blended again to restore its original creaminess.
