I've got your new food addiction! Vegan nacho cheese. And yes, it tastes like cheese!
Don't worry, this vegan nacho cheese sauce is actually harmless because it's made with potatoes and carrots. Woo hoo! And I made it completely nut-free. This recipe has been copied by every vegan blogger on the internet, but just know, you've landed on the original vegan nacho cheese recipe and it's the best ever!
I've tried many cheese sauce recipes as well as products I've found at some specialty stores. None of it is very good. Sometimes it just tastes like nuts, or nothing, or something else you can't quite figure out on your tastebuds. Well, you'll get none of that with this version! The secret ingredient is the pickled jalapeños and the brine— which is the liquid in the jar or can of pickled jalapeños. THAT is what adds the tang and the nostalgic flavor.
Jump to:
what you need
I know you're wondering, how on earth do you make a vegan nacho cheese with potatoes and carrots? That's what I'm going to show you, silly. The potatoes and carrots create a creamy base, texture, and color, but you need to add a bunch of other things to make it taste like nacho cheese.
- peeled and cubed potatoes
- roughly chopped carrot
- vegetable oil
- unsweetened nondairy milk
- lemon juice
- pickled jalapeños + brine
- tomato paste
- arrowroot flour (optional)
- garlic & onion powder
- nutritional yeast
- sea salt
Once it's ready, you can go traditional and dunk in some tortilla chips like I did in the photos. But you should also try this stuff on jazzy plates like lentil chili cheese nachos, nachos supreme or mean green vegan nachos. Whatever combination of toppings you pair it with, you'll be yelling "it's nacho cheese!" anytime someone tries to swipe a bite. Ha ha ha... get it? Cut me some slack. I'm a food blogger, not a comedian. Anyway, scroll down for the full recipe.
substitutions
This recipe can handle swaps and substitutions if you don't have some of the ingredients.
- arrowroot flour was part of the original recipe to help thicken, hold and help a little with reheating the cheese. BUT if you don’t have it or don’t want to buy it you can leave it out and it doesn’t affect the end result! Some people have been swapping it for cornstarch which is fine too. But it also works without either of those ingredients.
- pickled jalapeños are the KEY ingredient but you could always use fresh (to your spice liking) and add white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to adjust acidity levels. If you don’t want it spicy because you’re feeding it to kids, I recommend swapping the jalapeño brine for pickle brine and then just omitting the pickled jalapeños all together.
- tomato paste is something I forgot to add when I made the recipe video. I do like it for a hint of flavor and to help with the final color of the vegan nacho cheese. If you don’t have tomato paste, a mild or medium red salsa is a nice swap. Ketchup can be used, but sparingly as it’s sweet. Sriracha can also be substituted, but only if you aren’t using jalapeños and subbing pickle brine as the acid.
- vegetable oil - one of my fave people, Erin Ireland, tested the recipe without the oil and said she liked it and it didn’t make much difference to her! But I personally still like it with the oil for mouth feel, much-needed fat, and viscosity! That's why other people add cashews in their recipes, for fat. But I wanted to make a nut-free version so I use oil.
If you didn’t have potato for some reason, you could use cauliflower along with the carrot. You could also use frozen potatoes like tots, hashbrowns etc. But they'll need to be thawed either in boiling water with the carrots or if they’re already cooked throw them in the blender!
equipment you need
- high-powered blender
- saucepan
- sharp knife
- measuring cups and spoons
- spatula
As long as you have a high-powered blender on hand, you can combine these better-for-you ingredients and get dipping stuff into the vegan nacho cheese in no time.
I use a Vitamix exclusively, but a NutriBullet will work wonders too. If you have a Ninja style blender, only the smoothie attachment that looks like a bullet will get this nacho cheese to a silky smooth consistency. I've found the normal large blender attachment doesn't as it's more like a food processor and not a high-powered blender. You've been warned. You want this 'ish to be SMOOTH and SILKY!
how to store & reheat leftovers
To be honest, I usually make a double or triple batch of the recipe beacuse it's so good and you'll want more immediately. If you do that and want to keep leftovers a little longer you can freeze this in a jar or container like you would soup. Thaw it completely on the counter or in the fridge. To heat it up again pour it in a sauce pan and whisk over medium heat with a bit of hot water or some more nondairy milk. It will get smooth again once it warms up. If you needed to you could also quickly blend it again with a bit more liquid
hot tip
When you're boiling the potatoes and carrots, they're ready when you can easily poke a fork through the pieces. Drain them immediately and put them in the blender. You can even place all the seasonings / remaining ingredients in the blender while you're cooking the potatoes and carrots. Then once you've added the vegetables, blend this immediately. It will even be warm and ready to serve if you do this right away. It's important you don't overcook the potatoes and carrots or they'll become too starchy. And when you go to blend the vegan nacho cheese you'll get a goopy or gummy consistency. That's no good!
vegan nacho cheese
Ingredients
- 1 C white potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ C carrots, peeled and cubed
- ¼ C vegetable oil
- ¼ C nondairy milk
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 6 pickled jalapeño slices
- 3 tablespoon jalapeño pickle brine
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 ½ teaspoon arrowroot flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes and carrots in pot of water for approximately 10 minutes. Drain them from the boiling water and add to a high-powered blender immediately. If you cook the potatoes for too long, they will become starchy and your sauce will not be smooth. This recipe will not work in a conventional blender. The potatoes need to be whipped at a high enough speed that they break down and emulsify, creating a smooth and creamy cheese-like sauce, with undetectable potato! You'll need a Vitamix or Blendtec. I've made it in a Magic Bullet in a half batch and it also worked well.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the blender and combine until smooth. Your sauce may be hot enough to serve immediately, if you're in a rush, or heat it up in a small pot to thicken it slightly before pouring over whatever food you want to make cheesier! How about chips, chili, broccoli, or cauliflower for starters.
Monika P.
Just made this, and really good! The texture is just like nacho cheese, and pairs really well with tortilla chips. Think I might try some on some roasted potato slices tonight. Thanks for a worthy vegan recipe I will be making again!
Lauren Toyota
You're welcome! It is a pretty incredible match to the real thing. So glad it worked for you 🙂
Lex
whats the significance of the arrowroot? is it specifically for thickening purposes? if so would cornstarch work just as well?
Lauren Toyota
it is for thickening. I prefer it to cornstarch but that would also work too. You may find it goopier but do try and let me know!
Thanks 🙂
Kayla
This really does taste like nacho cheese. I am so impressed, I followed the directions exactly and my regular (crappy) blender was able to get it smooth. Thanks for sharing!!!
Lauren Toyota
Oh good! I'm so glad it works in a regular blender. We don't have one to try it out. YAY!
susan
i tried to sign up my birthday would not go in would love to join
Lauren Toyota
hmmm not sure what you're referring too? The sign up to the newsletter takes you to mail chimp and only needs name and email! I hope it worked. OR i can manually add you if you want?
Terry Williams
I made this exactly like the recipe except I didn’t have plant milk so I used the hot potato water in same quantity. After tasting (it was delicious) I added teaspoon smoked paprika and now it’s perfect. The consistency is amazing.
Lauren Toyota
good improvising!!
Zulema Roman
does it have to be sunflower oil or can other oils work as well?
Joe
Any vegetable oil will work. I like to use avocado oil.
JRa
Made this to take to a family get together (baked potato bar) with one small change (subbed cashews for the oil and added a bit more milk). It was freaking amazing. Eerily spot on. Next time? Nachos (clearly).
Ashley
Tricked a non vegan with this one 😉 Thanks for the stellar recipe!
Ashley
I used cashew milk and it was extra creamy too
Isaac
Hey Lauren! Love your recipes! I’ve made this sauce about 3 times and on my last attempt I was very careful not to boil the carrots and potatoes for too long and when I tasted the sauce, it was a little bit gritty. Do you think I would need a high power blender for this to make it smooth?
彦珊
Any ideas for turning this recipe into something else? I naively tried olive oil instead of sunflower oil and it just tastes funky. Anyone creative out there have ideas for me to salvage this sauce?
Lauren Toyota
hmm ya that's why it's always best to follow recipes, SOMETIMES anyway! Maybe you can make it into more of a pasta sauce? Add more tomato paste to it?
mikayln b
would coconut oil work do you think?
Lauren Toyota
if you don't mind the taste. Or use refined coconut oil
Valerie
I may have missed it but I do t think the video has the tomato paste
Lauren Toyota
it does not and that was a mistake because we forgot to add it when we were making the video! OOPS. But it doesn't need really. I prefer the recipe with the tomato but have made it both ways
Valerie
This is the best vegan cheese I've had, tomato paste or not. Thank you!
Adhiti
I followed the recipe, but the texture was off a bit. The carrot was still in tiny shreds even after I blended everything for 10 minutes. Do you know how I could fix this? I love your channel!
paije moormann
I successfully made this in my ninja blender using the personal/one serving smoothie cup instead of the big pitcher. In order to find that success I had to add about a 1/4 cup of water and voilà!
Lauren Toyota
Oh good! Happy to know that works
Neydelin
Is there anything else I can replace the arrowroot flour for?
Pat
Made this recipe without any adjustments! SOOOOOOOO GOOOOOD! Thank you!
Cat
Are the jalapeños and the pickling juice necessary for the flavor?
greengainsgirl
I used Apple Cider Vinegar instead of the pickling juice, (only because I was pouring it on Mac and Cheese for my Kids...) ... it turned out AMAZING
Laura
I was short on some ingredients. I only had one tbsp of brine, so I added vegetable stock as needed for creamyness. I only had bottled lime juice, vainilla oat milk, and corn starch. I added 2 additional pieces of jalapeño. It came out delicious. My middle son is vegan, so I'll be getting to make a lot more when he visits on thanksgiving. Thank you for a great and easy recipe!
Lauren Toyota
haha wow even with vanilla oat milk :/
Anni
soo. i made this the second time now. i didn't find any arrowroot flour in the supermarket but i had xanthan at home, so i used this. the first attempt (weeks ago) was a little thick but now i used much less (1ml, i'm not sure what this measurement is in teaspoons.) and yep, best nacho cheese ever. if you don't know this is vegan you'd never guess, it tastes like the 'real' deal.
Marieke
Wow this sauce is amazing! Althoug i didn't realise it would make so much, now I have to come up with things to eat with this sauce. For how long can I store it in the fridge?
Lauren Toyota
ya! Well we tend to eat it with just plain nacho chips as a snack with some extra salsa. You can make a spicy mac & cheese with it. You can drizzle it over a baked sweet potato or baked potato. French fries... really it's endless! It should last about a week. When you reheat it you just might need to add some more liquid like water or non-dairy milk to thin it back out. But it will get nice and smooth again!
Jessie Armstrong
Do you boil your water before adding the potatoes and carrots? I was taught to start potatoes in cold water, but when I tried that method with this recipe I got the "not smooth" result you had warned of. It made a great cheesy pasta sauce though! (I omitted the jalapeños and arrowroot flour for this.) Thank you for all the inspiration!
Lauren Toyota
yes you cook the potatoes and carrots in boiling water. I think you're thinking of hard boiled eggs? How they start in cold and the water heats up to boil? maybe not but that's what it sounds like. I am just warning not to over cook your potatoes because they will become starchy and that may prevent the sauce from getting smooth like ours in the video/picture.
Jessie Armstrong
Yes, I was taught both eggs and potatoes start in cold water. No idea why the potatoes! Thanks for the reply. I'm making this tonight with no subs, and no starchy potatoes! 🙂
viki
they say everything that grows under the ground should be put in cold water and then boiled
Triin
Could You tell me what brand's nutritional yeast You are using? Also for the garlic and onion powder.
Lauren Toyota
we don't use any particular brand. Usually bulk / no name nutritional yeast. And spices are usually organic from anywhere
Sasha
The flavour of this is so gooood, but the mouth feel/texture is definitely thin mashed potatoes... Did I boil the veggies for too long do you think? And you blend them right when they're piping hot, correct? I wondered if maybe they cool a bit the starch in the potatoes would have time to settle down...
Honestly, it comes together so fast, I should just make another batch and answer my own questions, haha.
MELLY
hI sASHA, YOU MIGHT WANT TO TRY USING A VARIETY OF POTATOES LIKE THE SMALL RED OR YELLOW NEW POTATOES OR BOILER POTATOES. tHEY TEND TO HAVE A SMOOTHER LESS GRAINY TEXTURE, COMPARED TO A RUSSET OR LARGER BAKING TYPE POTATO.
Darlene
Lauren,
First off thank you for inspiring me to eat more plant based and with all your recipes it's going to make it more fesible for me. I know recipes are trial and error for some and sadly this one is a no go for me. However chances are I did something to the sauce (it had too much of a pungent smell for me) but we are having some of your butternut squash (potato in our case) tacos tonight and I'm positive those will turn out better.
Darlene
Ruth
would i be able to store this and heat it up later?
Lauren Toyota
yes definitely. Doesn't it say that?! Anyway heats up well, just might need to add a little liquid to loosen it over the heat again!
DB bee
What non-dairy milk do you use specifically on this recipe? And if you change it up, which one do you use most often? I would be worried that Silk Almond Milk might mess with the flavor of the sauce.
Lauren Toyota
we actually mostly always use Silk unsweetened almond milk in everything unless we mention to use Soy milk. It's always unsweetened though. Either would be fine in this recipe!
emily
is it possible to omit the jalapeño and the brine? 🙂
Heather @ Polyglot Jot
This looks soo amazing! Cant wait to make it!
Lauren Toyota
ENJOY 😀
melissa
This recipe is life changing... I like to add some water to make it a bit more runny then serve it piping hot, and it reminds me of the real stuff I had as a kid! A couple of my non vegan friends tried it and loved it as well. I got a request to make this for my friends baby shower, can't wait to see more non vegans try it!
Ruby
love this recipe, but in a health point of view, it would be better to use olive oil 🙂 thanks for this!!!! dinner is sorted for tonight.
DB b
One more question, finally plan to make it soon, does the type of oil you use matter? I've heard not sich good things about sunflower oil.
I was thinking maybe a refined coconut oil. Had to use refined but otherwise it will taste like coconut. Or maybe an avocado oil?
DB b
*hate to use refined...
Lauren Toyota
someone mentioned they can taste the olive oil... so you want to use something neutral. Not sure if you would taste coconut or avocado.
Amanda
This is a great recipe as is and also good to use as a base/template to tweak to your liking.
Next time I make it I'm going to try adding half of a roasted red pepper (or more) and less jalapeño. I've also heard that miso paste and cauliflower go well in these sauces.
I feel like once I can get this sauce the way I like it, then it will be a total game changer!!
Helen
This is a complete success for our family! We use canola oil and cornstarch as thickener (because that's what we had) and it was a great hit at game-night.
And as new vegans, it's part of our go-to quick meal: baked potato with nacho cheese and broccoli. Thanks for all the yumminess!
Kyla
This was delicious and non-vegan approved! I used yellow potatoes, corn oil, and corn starch and the sauce was perfect on corn chips with chile black beans and tomatoes. My mom loved the jalopeño flavor and was surprised it was dairy free. She started dipping veggies in the sauce once the chips were all gone. Great texture, great flavor, not feeling gross afterward.
Thank you! (:
eirini
hello! could this work with tappioca flour???
Lauren Toyota
YUP!
Blessed
Hey Lauren! I'm gearing up to make vegan mac and cheese and want my sauce more so "saucy" than think... and am wondering why no cashews in this recipe? What do the cashews add/not add to vegan cheese?
I have them but can't decide rather to use then or not : / Thanks so much for your help! Really love your channel and hff! <3
Lauren Toyota
you can make nacho cheese with cashews as well , but this is just as creamy and just another option... for those nut free folks. Trust us, you wont be disappointed. We also have a recipe for mac & cheese made with a cashew based sauce. This one also works though on pasta!
Grace
I'm going to a potluck and was planning on bringing your macaroni skillet, but it's a HCLF potluck, so I can't use oil!! Any ideas on how to substitute the oil in this recipe?
Lauren Toyota
you could leave it out but it might not be AS smooth
Sophie
I've been vegan for almost a year and this was honestly the first cheese I've had that was completely undifferentiated from real cheese. Seriously, it tastes exactly like the cheese sauce you get on nachos at a baseball game. My whole family was impressed too. Check out my blog post using it: https://eatingwithsophie.wordpress.com/2016/07/02/loaded-sweet-potato-nachos/
Christoffer
Huh, followed this recipe and it didn't taste anything remotely like real cheese? Anyway it was still a good dip sauce for nachos 🙂
Miranda
I see that this recipe, aside from the one on Youtube, lists tomato paste, will I be fine without it?
Diane Chandler
Just made this today and Wow!! is it good!!! I didn't have tomato paste on-hand so I subbed in garlic chile paste. Thanks Lauren for a really good recipe!!! 🙂
Vicky
This is so, so good. It brings back memories of the nacho cheese sauce I used to get at the movies when I was a kid, but it's so much better taste wise and tons healthier. I want to pour it on everything! My mom says this is her favorite vegan cheese. We're both convinced that an omnivore wouldn't be able to tell the difference between this and real nacho cheese because it tastes like the real deal. Make it!
Christeen
I just made this and put it on pasta and it's delicious. I used sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes. Thanks for sharing such creative amazing vegan recipes! You guys have become my go to site for vegan recipes.
emma
hi! i love every recipe I've made by you guys! this sauce was so good but do i have to use the jalepenos and brine? its not my favorite flavor and i felt it overpowered the sauce
Lauren Toyota
nope you can leave out. But you might need to add some apple cider vinegar for acidity
Jamie K.
I just made this to top the Minimalist Baker's quinoa taco meat and HOLYYYY it was good! I used olive oil instead since that's what I had on hand and it was great on just tortilla chips alone.
Lauren Toyota
yaaa we always just eat it with chips. Thanks for sharing!
gemma
where do you buy the flour or can you use plain flour? new to vegan world
Mallory
A little late to reply but just in case: It really depends on where you live. If you live in a more rural area you may not find it at your grocery store so perhaps you could order it online (Amazon.com or iHerb are just a couple ideas). If your store does have it it would be in the baking section or natural foods type section. Some stores even have it in bulk. And a Natural food store would be even more likely. It calls for Arrowroot Flour aka Arrowroot Starch. But she said in a comment that Tapioca Starch will work too. I think that one is a little more common.
If none of that works, someone else in the comments said they used corn starch with no problem. If a recipe called for a larger amount of it subbing it may not work as well but in this case it should be fine.
Welcome to the Vegan world, its a wonderful place to be!!
Elise Marsman
I am intolerant to potatoes so would there be anyway to substitute the potato for this? Maybe another vegetable?
Lauren Toyota
cauliflower!
Jackie
You're so smart!!! You inspired me to stay vegan ❤️🌱 - Jackie from Ajax Ontario
Ali Marie
Can I sub lime for lemon juice
Lauren Toyota
you could yes, it might come through a little more for flavour, but shouldn;t be too weird
Melross
All I could find at my local grocery store were nutritional yeast flakes, will that be okay or are flakes totally different from a powder
Michelle
Hi, yeah they're the same thing 🙂
Hilary
I made this today and could not believe how delicious it was! I was very skeptical and did not believe something with a base of blended potatoes and carrots would taste like cheese. I was surprised, and cannot wait to make this again. Thank you so much!
Becca
You mentioned in the comments if we are not using jalapeños we should substitute it with Apple cider vinegar for the acidity. But how much should we put in? (I don't want to use jalapeños or its pickling liquid)
Lauren Toyota
just add a small amount at a time and blend then taste. ACV is more powerful than the jalapeno pickling liquid. Starrt with a tsp and then see what you think. You want a sharp bite but not an overwhelming vinegar taste or smell.
Olivia
wow! i have never commented on a recipe before but this was amazing! i didn't have tomato paste and i put a bit of cornstarch since i didn't have arrowroot flour and it turned out AMAZING! i was craving 'junk' food and made nacho fries with this! totally satisfied that craving
Sue
I have tried 4 vegan nacho cheese recipes to date and this one is supreme. I don't know what made you think to put the jalapeño pickle juice in but I think it makes all the difference. I can't wait for my friends to try this at the Mexican Potluck I am taking it to. XO
Natalia
You guys are amazing, and all your recipes are so bomb. I've tried sooooooo many different nacho cheese recipes with the potato and carrot base or with soaked cashews and all of it turned out tasting like crap. THISSSS THOUGH! I just made it and had to comment right away haha. As a side note though, how long can you store this for in the fridge, if at all?
Lauren Toyota
Hey Natalia! SOOOO happy you enjoyed this version. We think it's bomb too! haha You can store in the fridge for a week. It is just veggies after all. But we've actually even frozen it! It re-heats up on the stove or in microwave great. YOU might need to add a little more non-dairy milk to it depending on your consistency preference but we usually don't need to!
sali
This was amazing!!!! we had it first with nachos then i just HAD to have it again so i made the macaroni skillet posted on this website. im pretty sure i have to make this again to pour over broccoli! 10 / 10 !!!
Lauren Toyota
YAAAY! have you seen our broccoli and cheese stuffed shells! That cheese sauce is similar but with pumpkin!
Hie Jin Shim
I'm planning on making this tomorrow and I'm so HYPED, LOL~ But why sunflower oil? 😮 As opposed to vegetable or avocado oil? P.S. I adore you and your channels are da bomb dot com [insert heart eyes emoji]
Lauren Toyota
I just like using that. But feel free to use another neutral vegetable oil. Avocado might have too much of a taste? I haven't used it much to know. Olive is too strong. <3
Hie Jin Shim
Ohhh, okay! Yea, I've never had avocado oil on its own. Always used it for salad dressings (and the flavor of the vinegar always overpowered the oil). Thanks, Lauren <3
Laurie
I made this last night with the addition of 1/2 of a small red pepper (because it was there) and my soooo not vegan husband could not eat enough of it!
Thank you so much for this recipe. It's a keeper.
Laurie
Angela Moon
Hey Lauren,
BIG fan of you and hot for food!
Would I be able to make this, then transfer it to a crock pot and leave it in there for a few hours during a dinner party? Please let me know, thanks! <3
Lauren Toyota
ya I think that woudl work. If it got a little too thick you could just add a little more liquid to thin out!
Lauren Toyota
THANKS for all the support <3
Vincent
I have to say this is AMAZING. I just made it tonight and WHOA it tastes even better than real nacho cheese and it's a LOT more healthier. The only thing different I did was to use Canola oil (That's what I had on me), lime instead of lemon, and tapioca instead of arrowroot. I used the almond milk for the liquid. I do eat meat occasionally but this got me thinking to become a full blown vegan in the near future!
Kieren Igoe
Does the recipe taste just as nice without the jalapeño's in it?? (not that good with heat) Thanks!
Lauren Toyota
I would use the brine or use pickle brine instead then. Leave out the pieces of jalapeno. Or you can just lessen how many you add. The brine itself isn't too hot.
Tamicka
I've made this without the jalapenos or the brine and it works well. I added about a tablespoon of mustard in to counteract that and a splash more milk or the boiling liquid from the potatoes and carrots. Tasted great!
Sabria Johnson
What's the shelf life for this? I made some like two weeks ago and I'm not sure if it's still good lol
Lauren Toyota
I have probably ate it after 2 weeks... although I am surprised you've had it that long... it's so good! haha. Usually smelling is the key or if there's mold on it. For future, this freezes well!
AlexG
Followed recipe exactly and poured on a stack of nachos with vegan chili. Nicely balanced and great texture if you emulsify for a bit. This is definitely a keeper.
Jenna
I bow to you. thank you for making this. game changer.
Sara L
OMG this stuff is the BEST!! This is definitely going to be a staple recipe in our house 🙂
Shanti
Hi,
Would you (or anyone who makes this) happen to know the potato and carrot conversion to already creamy mashed potatoes with nothing added (made from Bob's red mill dehydrated potato flakes) and puréed plain cooked carrots (baby food)? Sometimes this is all I have or have time for. Sometimes I have no access to a stove or good blender. Thank you so much to whomever knows this or to whomever figured it out when making the sauce.
The Complete Wife On youtube
Hell yes girl! This would definetely work - just make sure its unsweetened 😊
Shanti
Thanks!
Tamicka
I would say its just a bit under the cup for potatoes and a bit under 1/2 cup for the carrots.
Shanti
Thanks so much
Kialah
This stuff is AMAZING !!! Better than some non-vegan cheese sauces 😍😍 not even kidding--my carnivorous bf loves the macaroni skillet that uses this cheese. ❤️ Hot for food
Lindsay
I don't know what I was expecting when I made this but it wasn't the awsomeness that I put into my mouth! I didn't have arrowroot or corn starch so I skiped it and it was fine. I also only used about a tablespoon of oil. You are a food genius, Lauren!
Sadie
I made this but the after taste was really weird. I think I don't like nutritional yeast 🙁
S
I made this as a cheese sauce for my pasta. It was fine at the beginning, but after emptying half a plate it just tasted weird. Which is strange, because I love all of those ingredients individually. I feel like it's the carrots I don't like in this combination. I'll try and change the recipe to my liking.
Tamicka
You can sub out the potatoes and carrots for pumpkin or squash or even sweet potato.
The Complete Wife on youtube
Great recipe Lauren! I make a quick vegan taco nacho 'cheese' similar to your recipe by making a traditional white sauce, by making a roux with 2 tbsp vegan butter and flour, adding soy milk, then adding some garlic + a tbsp of nutritional yeast, and half a packet of the store bought taco/mexican seasoning. Make it as thick as you need. Pureed vegetables not needed! (But definitely much healthier!)
Alisa Christman
I have tried the nacho cheese sauce about 10 times and it never works. Always too starchy and kind of weird. The flavor is fine,but not right. Made nachos for dinner and subbed the potato for cauliflower like John did in the nacho challenge and bam! Finally got it right.
Liz Parker
Oh my gosh, this is LEGIT! I just made a double batch for super bowl, blew my socks off. I had a hard time NOT eating it by the spoonful. I have a batch of brown rice tortilla chips in the oven. Thank you!
Chloe Campos
Would this be cool to heat up in the microwave instead of heating it up on the stove after a day or so of being in the fridge?
Lauren Toyota
yeah, don't know how long since I don't have a microwave and you still might need to add a bit more liquid to smooth it out
Allison
THIS IS SO GOOD!! I've been trying so many cheese sauce recipes and finally found the perfect recipe. Thank you!! I love nutritional yeast so I added an extra tablespoon 🙂
Karoline
This recipe is fantastic! I have to admit, that I hesitated to make this, because I thought it can't get better than a cashew based cheese sauce.
I was blown away how cheesy the result turned out!
Another great thing is that the ingredients are really inexpensive compared to the cashew version. Thank you!
Jeanette
We love this!! So quick to make, great flavor.
Jenny k
I'm going to a party and was thinking of making this as an appetizer. Will it keep at room temperature for a few hours or will it end up getting too thick and gluggy?
Lauren Toyota
sorry for the late reply. You will likely need to heat it up again as it does thicken as it sits
Laura
Oh my goodness this was good... my teenage daughter's new favorite thing in the world. I subbed what I had in the pantry for the tomato paste and jalapeño ingredients. Kind of oddly, I added 4 tablespoons from a can of enchilada sauce and 2 tablespoons can of green chile peppers and it turned out exactly right! Oh and I didn't have carrots so I subbed sweet potatoes in the same amount. It was seriously the perfect color and taste. Thanks Lauren! We use at least one of your recipes every week and they always turn out great. I'm attempting to tackle the empire cookies for my daughters bday next 😬 Wish you would do a creamy (maybe yogurt based) lemon cake because although many vegan ones are out there, I think you'd make it best!
lindsey blonder
i just made this and didn't have white potato, so subbed sweet potato and the end of a bag of frozen hashbrowns to make the 1 cup. i have also noticed that jalapenos from a jar are better tasting than a can for this recipe. deeeeeeee-licious!
Sigga
This is serious comfort food, we had it with chips and veggies. Five stars for sure!
Jannine
Can you freeze this?
Alicia
I have frozen it without any problems.
Steph
added veggie broth and broccoli and made a delicious broccoli cheddar soup. better than panera!
Natassia
I made it exactly as the recipe states the first few times & then I actually used veggie broth & cashews in place of the oil & we (my very picky non vegan bf included) never noticed a difference in the flavor or mouth feel. He prefers this to any regular cheese for nachos. I have been searching for a broccoli cheddar soup so I'm excited to try your variation!
Christine L
I made this for the second time and this time it came out so much better. The first time I think I might've overcooked the veggies and that messed with the taste & texture. This time it was perfect. It tastes like nacho cheese, truly. If it doesn't for you, you may be doing something wrong. I boiled half a roma tomato alongside the potatoes and carrots, instead of adding tomato paste, added turmeric for color, and nixed the oil for more milk. Used it to dip for some store-bought taquitos and topped it on nachos. So damn good.
Eryn
OMG!! Are you serious.. delicious! i really thought i was eating nachos!! It was really good and I was skeptical ! I'm glad I tried it, i loved it I had two plates of nachos. Good job guys!
Claire
It was waaay to spicy for me, burned my mouth like hell. Should have put less jalapenos, my fault!
Natassia
Yeah we noticed the same thing & now start with 6 jalapeno slices but keep the brine the same as the recipe. Generally 6 jalapenos is perfect for us.
Sarah Galletly
Can this be made omitting the yeast?
Michaela
The nutritional yeast is the thing which gives meals its cheesy flavor, so I assume it won't taste like a nacho cheese at all if you skip it.
Christian Presley
Uhh? Lauren? You've changed my entire life. The first time I made this, I overcooked the potatoes a bit so the texture was off. The second time I nailed it and was absolutely blown away! By far the best recipe I've come across for a vegan nacho cheese sauce, and it's fairly healthy and affordable! Thanks so much for creating and sharing this, definitely going to be a recipe I hold on to.
Christy
Yup. It's amazing. Just made it for the first time.
Alexandra
Way too pickle-y tasting. I would halve the amount of jalapenos and juice.
Michelle
I dont know what i did wrong, but when i made this my dip tasted nothing like nacho cheese. The consistency was perfect the taste not so much. It didn't taste cheesy at all- i even added in an extra tbsp of nutritional yeast. The smell is even slightly repulsive.
Dana Depew
This is what happened to me too...I just made it, and followed the recipe almost completely to a T, but it does not taste even remotely like nacho cheese. Really disappointed because this has such great reviews
Jennifer Chianta
I haven't tried it yet, but in general, I have yet to taste a vegan cheese that tastes like cheese. I have a theory that vegans either can't remember what real cheese tastes like, or have never even had it. Vegan mozzarella is the worst; I'm Italian, having grown up on real, fresh, Buffalo milk mozza. The "best" vegan mozzas taste like salty rubber, and yes, I'm talking about Miyoko's brand, too. Same with vegan "parm." Don't even get me started. LEGALLY, parmesan cannot be called parmesan unless it originates in and is made by a certified producer in PARMA, Italy. There is no such thing as Vegan parm as far as I am concerned. That nut/yeast mixture vegans use in place of parm is just that, a nut/yeast mixture that of course, tastes NOTHING like real parmesan cheese.
Emelie
Hey Lauren! I am thinking of doing this recipe but I was wondering if the arrowroot flour is neccesary or if I could replace it with something else?
Christy
Oh it's so good. I've made it a couple of times now. Today I tried omitting the oil and replacing with almond milk. It turned out even better I think!
Venessia
This has totally changed the game for me!! My family and I just hit 1 month vegan and we can't believe the amazing recipes we have tried so far! I've binge watched pretty much all your you tube videos, and now I'm going through the blog. Thank you!!
Jane
How cooked should the potato and carrot be? You say 10 minutes, but carrots take longer to cook than potato, so they would be harder after 10 minutes than the potato would be - just cooked enough to put a fork through? Or firmer than that?
Lauren Toyota
everything should be cut the same size so it does take the same amount of time. It shouldnt be mushy or too soft - no falling apart in the water when you grab it with a fork. You would want to be able to eat them as is.
Lindsay
I ended up cooking the carrot a bit longer that the potato, probably closer to 15 minutes. I used a steamer for the carrots, and I boiled the potatoes. I cooked them until that were fork tender, but not mushy.
Lindsay
I have tried several nacho cheese dips, and this one is the best. I actually didn't have any arrow root or tomato paste, so I just left it out. Also, I did not add the oil, because I am trying to lose weight, so all of my meals are oil-free except for the occasional butter spray here and there. The recipe was a bit too spicy for me, but it was perfect for my husband. I also used 2 tbsp of nooch, because I freaking love that stuff! When I make it again, I will only use 1 or 2 jalapeno slices and 1 tbsp of the brine. Everything else was on point: color, texture and taste. I am so happy that I found an easy go-to cheese sauce. Thank you so much!
Caitlin
This. Is. The most amazing thing I have ever eaten. Oh man, fabulous. Truly claps. This blog has given me my spark back in the kitchen. I've been wanting to try one of your recipes for a while now and only just realized I had everything for this nacho cheese. I actually didn't add the oil because I thought the texture was perfect and didn't need any added creaminess. You guys are great, keep up the fantastic work!
Carissa
Totally surprised by how amazing this is! I've been following fit for food and making their recipies for a while now but I've never made this because I've attempted other potato/carrot "cheese" recipies before that didn't turn out so great...but this is delicious!
Carissa
*hot for food 😋
Lauren Toyota
AWESOME!!! thanks 😀
Lareesa
When I pulled my potatoes out and they were moldy, I made this subbing white beans for the carrots and potatoes. Still so good!!
Emily Baskin
The video doesn't show the use of tomato paste, but the recipe calls for it? Do I need it or notttt?
Taylor B
I made this for the first time tonight! My newly vegetarian sister loved it. I didn't have potatoes so I used cauliflower that we had cut in the fridge and it turned out amazing! I also used double nutritional yeast and half oil. Super creamy and cheesy and perfect spice <3
Natalie C
Um, this recipe is ridiculously good. I have tried other recipes from other sites that did not turn out well but this one is amazing! I literally did a happy dance around my kitchen after the first bite.
Rach Medo
THIS STUFF IS INCREDIBLE
I sorta followed the recipe, but was feeling lazy and used canned potato and carrot because I didn't want to wait to boil them. I also added way more jalapeno and nutritional yeast and threw in a little salt to make it really indulgent. The results speak for themselves, and I will definitely be making this again. I can't wait to have my boyfriend try it and tell him it's vegan!
Taylor Gary
BEST NACHO CHEESE EVER! When I say ever, I mean ever. The taste, texture, and smell are all on point. I made this for a New Years Eve party and we could not stop eating the nachos. This recipe is so addictive that I just made more to go with my lunch. Everyone needs this "cheese" in their life!
Lauren Toyota
YAAAAY! <3
Joshua Palmer
I cannot get over the amazingness that is this dip. I added a twist to it that took it to even the next level! I made veggie burgers using a fantastic recipe from Oh She Glows. For half the batch, I generously coated the uncooked patties with Panko and fried them on the stovetop. I crumbled these up and stirred the crumbles into the dip. I then drained some salsa and also stirred it into the dip. I took it to a party of 30+ people and half of them came up to me demanding a recipe...I'll be sending them your way! Thank you so much 😀
Katie Plummer
I make this sauce all the time! It’s great for dipping fries, putting on top of nachos, macaroni skillet (also a hot for food recipe!!). So yummy! Thanks hot for food 😋
Ray Kelly
I've made this four times now. I'm not vegan but I am lactose-intolerant and this is the best homemade vegan cheese recipe I've found. I made it with macaroni the first two times but now I just keep some on hand for a snack.
Allie Steinberg
Hi there! I haven't made this yet, but I have a question. I don't have a high-speed blender, but I do have an immersion blender. Could I use that to make the sauce?
Kiriako Iatridis
I've been making this recipe for over a year now and I keep meaning to leave a review (which I rarely do, so that speaks to how fabulous this recipe is!) This recipe is FANTASTIC folks!! I'm not vegan, but I love trying vegan dishes. Even my greek carnivore loving husband LOVES this vegan nacho cheese. It's amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Nat No
i just made this for the first time and substituted the jalapeno and brine for a whole bunch of hot sauce A+
Audrey-Anne LeBlanc
Can i substitute the arrowroot flour/starch with regular cornstarch? Is anyone tried it ?
Ashley Alter
I tried it, it works!
Tiffany 0
I've made this recipe about four or five times and I love it! I always half the amount of nooch because I don't love it, and this time I added 1/4 cup of an orange bell pepper and 1/4 cup of a white onion. I always add way more jalapenos.
Morgan Smith
Just made this and I have to say it is the BEST VEGAN Cheesy sauce EVER!! Thanks for bringing a bit of joy to my world today!
Laura Bartholomew
Hi Lauren,
I love this recipe it's so easy to make. I can believe how yummy it is. I've been making a while and I'm surprised everytime! My friend loved it. We had it with pasta.
Krystal Torres
I love this recipe!! I can't believe how long it took me to make it-- I did make a few modifications after following the recipe exact. I personally felt like the jalepeno brine was a little too over powering for me. I doubled the recipe but next time I think I'll half the jalepeno and brine. So I diluted it with some soy milk and then I felt like it needed some fats so I melted some vegan butter in a pot about 4/5 tbsp- and a little more soy milk and Bam I thought it was perfection!!! I love how this recipe doesn't use nuts cause they're expensive-- this recipe is easy, cheap and delicious thanks Lauren!!
Samara Wright
I had a mac n cheese craving but I'm also lazy so I cooked the pasta with the potatoes and carrot and bam! 15-minute vegan mac
Jenny Aragon
I am not vegan - however I have high cholesterol and I'm staying away from dairy. Gave this recipe a shot - DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I will say I think it was too much brine for my liking and I do recommend eating it right away not saving it for later as the texture changes a bit. All personal preference but totally good. A keeper! Thank you!!!!
Lauren Toyota
so happy you liked it! Thank you!
Stephanie Hoover
Has anyone tried this with pickles and pickle brine in place of the jalapenos? I liked the jalapeno version, but I'm wondering if pickles would make it taste more like cheddar and less like nacho?
Lauren Toyota
yes I tell people with kids to use pickled brine - to taste! Don't need to add actual pickles though.
Jen
Wow! Just made this and it's terrific! Thank you for sharing!
A. Alvarez
SO EASY and surprisingly good. My husband isn't a picky eater but when he likes something he really makes a point of letting me know that a particular dish was a hit, this was one of them. I only omitted the jalapenos. Love that it's healthy.
Lauren Toyota
this one is always a winner! Happy you liked it 😀
Heather
I normally stay away from vegan versions of non-vegan foods--I find the taste or texture or something is almost always off. In this case, though, it's spot on! That sauce is AMAZING! I made it exactly as written except subbed cornstarch for arrowroot flour. Perfection! I also subbed a can of black beans for the veggie crumbles...turned out great! Thank you!
Heather
^^Sorry -- the black bean substitution was for the macaroni skillet! 🙂
Lauren Toyota
yes well this cheese is just magic! haha happy you finally gave it a shot
Jacki
For anyone sad that it says that you can’t use a normal blender: You CAN.
I used a normal blender on puréed mode, just added the oil, spices, milk, etc (basically everything except the boiled veggies) & blended until combined, then I added the veggies 1/4 cup at a time, making sure it all got combined before adding the next scoop of carrots & potatoes! It took about 5 minutes of blending & adding & waiting & blending & adding & waiting BUT!
It blended down to the smooth consistency of nacho cheese and IT IS WORTH THE EFFORT TO MAKE. so delicious!!!
I’m REALLY hoping Lauren sees this comment and gives my method a try in a normal blender! I absolutely LOVE this recipe.
Lauren Toyota
OHHH good to know!!!! I don't have a regular blender, but I was just going off of feedback from people who had tried it. Thanks for the hot tips!!!
MJ
Where have you been all my life?! I just found out about this from Jenna & Julien, and this is AMAZING! I couldn’t find arrowroot and swapped for cornstarch, used my regular blender and it’s fantastic, I’ve been missing nacho cheese for so long. It’s 100% worth the small effort to make, seriously. THANK YOU!
I’m trying the cream cheese and bagels next!
elizabeth
Hi! Is it possible to make this without peeling the potatoes, or will that mess with the texture? Thanks!
Jamie
Dear Lauren Toyota,
Thank you so much for this recipe, it’s super tasty. I’m not great with spicy things so I was worried about the 6 jalapeños, but I gave it a try and it was delicious. I will definitely make this again.
From
Jamie
Lauren Toyota
yaay! most people who think it's going to be too spicy find it delicious! Glad you tried it out 😀
Joshua Howard
Thank you for sharing the recipe! It sounds very delicious but I have two questions. How many calories are there? What non-dairy milk do you use?
Katie Lafferty
I've made this recipe many, many, many times, but have never left a review. This is, and always will be, my go to for making mac & cheese or dip for tortilla chips. It doesn't feel heavy like cheese, and ever since I made it a couple years ago, my sister always requests it! Thanks for consistently making great recipes 🙂
Rose
To anyone questioning subbing other oils or using oil at all: I watch my oil consumption (Dr greger & dr campbell fan here) so I sub 1/4 cup veggie scrap broth & 1/4 cup raw cashews for the oil. I've never made it with oil but the broth/cashew combo is super delicious. I've had dairy eaters say they would be totally fine using my oil free version in place of regular nacho cheese for the rest of their lives.
nicole
Hi Lauren,
because of this recipe I finally bought a better blender. It was on my list anyway... and today your Nacho sauce was the first I did in it. What else can I say others haven't already?
It's absolutely JUM!
Thank you. 🙂
Lauren Toyota
WOW! welcome to the world of blending everything into CREAM 😀
Emmy
Mine came out very gritty. Will try again using a different variety of potato.... just wondering though has anyone tried this using sweet potato instead? I feel like the sweetness would amp it up nicely?
Agnes Fournier
I made this for tonight. It was realy good. We had it on oven baked potates with all sorts of vegies, salsa and guac. thank you for this recipe. We made a double recipe for 4 of us. and there is a little bit left over for tomorrow. 🙂
Agnes Fournier
I made this for tonight. It was realy good. We had it on oven baked potates with all sorts of vegies, salsa and guac. thank you for this recipe. We made a double recipe for 4 of us. and there is a little bit left over for tomorrow. 🙂 I used corn starch instead of the arowroot and I used a little less oil because I'm cotting back on oil. So sooooo good. Did I say it was good hihi.
Stephanie`
Really good,
I had no carrots so I used 1/2 a red bell pepper. Had no jalapenos (which I don't really care for) so used banana peppers and its brine. Didn't use oil. Its really good, and I've tried a ton of similar recipes. I made some quinoa "taco meat" from some website and am now eating something like a burrito, where I put the taco meat, this cheese and onions in a tortilla and crisped it up in my air fryer. Really good. Thanks a ton
kathys vegan kitchen
thanks for the recipe . its really yumm!
Donna
Hi Lauren, Thank you for taking the time to update your recipes and provide alternatives to the listed ingredients! I have made your Nacho Sauce twice already because it so delicious and easy to make! I am about 80% plant-based having eliminated meat and dairy products from my shopping list. My hub loves this nacho sauce and is happy when I make it! Thanks again for sharing your creativity and talent with us - you have made my journey to plant-based eating a delight!
Namaste, 🙏🏾Donna
Raleigh, North Carolina
Lauren Toyota
awww what a nice comment. Thank you for sharing!!! the cheese sauce is truly magic 😀
Julian Sedor
Why don’t people use weights anymore? Cups of carrots and potatoes? Grams makes for much better product consistency.
Lauren Toyota
literally everyone makes this without a problem - it's the best vegan cheese recipe online!
Corvidae
I make this sauce one or two times a month since getting the Comfort Food cookbook last year. I have an adverse reaction to jalapeños, so I have been using Kalamata olive brine instead and it works fantastic. Thank you so much for this recipe!
Gustavo Woltmann
Love this mouth-watering recipe.
Catherine
Added this to pasta for a killer, better than Daiya (and way healthier), mac and cheese. Topped it with more nooch and a touch of salt and pepper and bam. Deeeelish. Did not have arrowroot on hand, but was perfect thickness for pasta. Thank you!!! Will definitely make again!
Amber
This is so addicting and I don't need to feel guilty for eating it unlike conventional nacho cheese. The recipe is spot on. I was actually able to use a regular old blender and it came out delicious.
Lauren Toyota
so happy to hear!
Katherine
This is so good!!! I recently became a vegan and I've already made this recipe a bunch of times and shared it with several people. We also used this recipe as the foundation for a vegan version of the Pizza Pizza garlic dipping sauce (fellow Canadians, IYKYK!) with just a few swaps: 1.5 cup potatoes, 1.5 tbsp rice wine vinegar/1.5 tbsp water, 3-5 cloves of garlic, and same measures of the oil, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, arrowroot, garlic powder and onion powder. So good!
Lauren Toyota
AWESOME!!!!!
Malia Qury
Yummy recipe.
Ellen
This recipe is KILLER. Seriously, I'm not even vegan, but this stuff beats every cheese sauce I've ever had (and makes my gut much happier!). I like to make it with cashews for that extra creamy factor, but I love having a nut free option when I need it.
Nimue
THIS RECIPE PISSED ME OFF. I’m so pissed I didn’t become vegan sooner because of this. I’m sitting here stuffing my goddamn face with this stuff and not feeling any guilt. ITS LIBERATING. I originally made a batch to bring to a bbq tmrw but now I have to make another because my fat ass just ate it all. Thanks!!
Lauren Toyota
best comment ever!
Melissa
Made it again...for the 10,000 time...only way to get veggies on the little people...thanks for the recipe....
Cags Brads
I have never reviewed a recipe online before but I had to review this - it’s amazing! I left out the arrowroot because I didn’t have any but it came out great. I have used this so many ways - with chips, chilli, on fries with vegan bacon bits for vegan dirty fries, as a dip for cauliflower wings and stirred into a rice and veg casserole for a massive flavour boost. Delicious, thanks so much!
Velda
Thank you for sharing this! There's a tiktok about cheese made with potatoes and people are skeptical. TBH I'd be skeptical too without the high-speed blender and nutritional yeast. You've got it right.
Lauren Toyota
oh god everyone is just copying this recipe but making it worse
gabriella
Just made a double batch of this last night to put our it over macaroni pasta for one meal, and over stir fried broccoli, cauliflower and roast squash for another meal. It tasted delicious with both meal versions versions!
Have a small amount left which I'll use as dipping sauce with tortilla chips to go with the BBQ pulled mushroom and artichoke recipe I plan to make from this blog in a couple of days (I'll be filling them into mini tortilla wraps along with coleslaw for bite size taco 'sliders').
Substitutions I used were cauliflower (cooked in water with a pinch of veg bullion) instead of white potatoes and butternut squash (roasted in oven) instead of carrots. Also subbed plant milk for same quantity leftover cooking water from the cauliflower and only used 3 slices of pickled jalapenos as the jar I had was quite a hot kind so the heat and flavour was plenty even with just 3 slices in the double batch. For neutral oil I used sunflower and everything tasted excellent! Next time I'll try adding a teaspoon smoked paprika into the mix as well for a little more complex flavour profile.
Thank you so much for this recipe Lauren, I can't wait to make the pulled BBQ mushrooms and artichoke next!
Rebecca
I've gotta say, I would put this up against movie or stadium nacho cheese. Does it pass for real cheese? No. But does it have great texture and a great flavor? Yes! The jalapeno juice is pretty genius as far as making it taste like stadium nachos (in the best possible way).
Charlotte Tunstall
I've probably made about 150 servings of this recipe and for some reason never left a review. I even have it saved as a bookmark on my phone front screen!
Genuinely incredible, and everyone that tries it says the same. My daughter scores it as her joint favourite recipe, and even gave some to her school friends yesterday when she took it for lunch. She prefers it cold for school lunch which I can't get behind, but apparently all of her friends loved it and she asked for a double portion this morning!
I made 10x the recipe on Sunday night and it'll all be gone from the fridge and freezer soon enough, it's so good over pasta!
Lauren Toyota
aww thank you so much for leaving your feedback 😀
michelle
I have made this recipe probably a hundred times. It’s one of my favourite vegan recipes ever!! Today though, I didn’t have any carrots — I replaced the potato and carrot with 1.5 cups butternut squash. It turned out great! Really can’t tell the difference. I’ll keep doing it the normal way though 🙂
I like to add this sauce to spaghetti or ramen noodles and add some peas or edamame.
Lauren Toyota
AWESOME!
Boreas
I love this recipe. Sometimes I make this without the jalapenos and use it for macaroni and cheese.
Lauren Toyota
Yes, you can use pickle brine!