Basic Cashew Cheese Sauce
Quick and easy and a creamy and delicious vegan cheese you can make at home. Drizzle it on your salads, grain bowls, or on sandwiches, and so much more!
Servings 1 cup(180ml)
Ingredients
- ½ cup (75g) raw cashews, soaked in warm water for at least 1 hour and drained, water reserved
- 5-6 tbsp reserved soaking water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ½ tsp white soy miso (or chickpea miso)
Instructions
- Combine the cashews, ¼ cup (60ml) of the reserved soaking water, the lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and miso in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Add up to 2 tablespoons more water for a thinner sauce. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The cheese will thicken when chilled, so you may need to add more water to thin it back out (unless you want a cheese spread, as described in the Variations).
Notes
Variations
- Smoked Gouda Cheese Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon dried dill.
- Pepperjack Cheese Sauce: Add ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- Mixed Herb Cheese Sauce: Add 2 teaspoons dried mixed herbs of your choice. I prefer ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon dried basil, but any blend will do.
- Melty Cheese: For cheese that seems melty and browns when baked—for the main recipe or any of the variations—increase the water to ⅔ cup (160 ml) and add 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch. Transfer the cheese to a small pot and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, 3 to 4 minutes, until it’s thickened but still drips slowly off a spoon. Pour it on top of whatever you’re baking and proceed with that recipe’s instructions.
- Cheese Spread: Use only 3 tablespoons water, or use the regular amount and chill the cheese sauce for at least 24 hours. The sauce will thicken into a spread.
