Spoonful Of Plants

If you’re craving that nostalgic, comforting cheesy flavor but want something a little more nourishing, this vegan “cheese” sauce is about to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s rich, creamy, and satisfying—yet made entirely from wholesome plant-based ingredients you can feel great about serving to your family.

This sauce is incredibly versatile and works beautifully for:

• Cheesy pasta (mac and cheese vibes, without the dairy)
• Nachos or tacos as a creamy drizzle or dip
• Cheesy baked potatoes loaded with all your favorite toppings
• Steamed veggies, grain bowls, or even as a sandwich spread

Basically… anywhere you’d normally reach for cheese, this sauce fits right in.

Unlike many store-bought vegan cheeses that rely heavily on oils and starches, this homemade version gets its creaminess and flavor from real, nourishing ingredients:

• Cashews – provide a rich, creamy texture along with healthy fats and plant-based protein
• Hemp hearts – packed with omega-3s, protein, and minerals
• Carrots & potatoes – add natural sweetness, color, and a smooth, comforting base

Together, these nuts, seeds, and vegetables create a sauce that’s not only delicious but also nutrient-dense and filling. It’s a sneaky way to get more whole foods into meals—making it especially perfect for picky eaters who might not be thrilled about veggies on their own.

Kid-Friendly, Crowd-Pleasing, and So Easy

This vegan cheese sauce is mild, cozy, and familiar in flavor, which makes it a hit with kids and adults alike. It blends up silky smooth and can be adjusted easily—add more liquid for a pourable sauce or keep it thicker for dipping and spreading.

It also stores well in the fridge, so you can make a batch at the beginning of the week and use it on repeat for quick lunches and dinners.

Comfort Food, the Plant-Based Way

This is the kind of recipe that proves healthy food doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s comforting, creamy, and indulgent-tasting—while still being made from simple plants. Whether you’re dairy-free, vegan, or just trying to add more whole foods to your meals, this vegan “cheese” sauce checks all the boxes.

One quick note – this is best prepared in a high speed blender – here’s a quick link to our tried and true machine (which has been going strong with daily use for years!) https://amzn.to/4rPS8Bu

Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to for everything from weeknight pasta to weekend nachos 🧀

Vegan ‘Cheese’ Sauce (That Even Picky Eaters Will Love!)

Creamy, cozy, and secretly packed with goodness, this kid-approved vegan cheese sauce is the kind of recipe parents love to keep on repeat. Made with wholesome plant-based ingredients, it delivers that classic cheesy flavor and velvety texture—without dairy—while sneaking in nourishing ingredients!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 6

Equipment

• High Speed Blender

Ingredients

  

• 1 large carrot – steamed or boiled
• 1 medium potato – steamed or boiled
• 3/4 cup raw cashews
• 1/4 cup hemp hearts
• 1 cup plant milk
• 1 cup water
• 3 TBSP nutritional yeast
• 1 TSP turmeric powder
• 1 TSP garlic powder
• 1 TSP salt
• 1 TBSP tapioca starch optional

Instructions

 

• Blend the Sauce – Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender, placing the cashews in first so they sit at the bottom and soften in the liquid before blending. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
• Cook (Optional, for Extra Gooeyness) If using tapioca starch, transfer the blended sauce to a saucepan and cook over medium heat for at least 5 minutes, stirring frequently. This step activates the starch, thickening the sauce and creating that classic stretchy, “gooey” cheese-like texture.

Notes

-I like to use soy milk for most of my recipes – it is creamy, and performs as cows milk in recipes. Oat or cashew milk would work beautifully here too, so long as it is unsweetened and unflavoured.

 

-Using a high speed blender for this recipe is ideal. If you don’t have access to one, ensure you boil your 1 cup of water and soak the cashews and hemp hearts before blending. 

Keyword vegan