Nacho Cheese

Gluten-free, Soy-free 

This flavorful Nacho Cheese is the perfect go-to cheese sauce to drizzle on just about anything. It’s also really easy to make—just blend all the ingredients, heat to thicken and serve. Use it on our Loaded Nachos, drizzle it over veggies or serve it as a dip with tortilla chips.

Nacho cheese is renowned for its irresistible taste. It combines the creamy richness of cheese with a hint of spice, making it a favorite for dipping tortilla chips or smothering over nachos. Its unique flavor profile, characterized by the tanginess of cheese and the warmth of spices, makes it a go-to choice for snack enthusiasts.

Nacho cheese plays a central role in some of the most popular and iconic snack foods. Nachos, a Tex-Mex creation, feature crispy tortilla chips generously coated with this cheese sauce. Often served at sporting events, movie theaters, and parties, nachos topped with gooey nacho cheese have become a symbol of indulgence and fun.

While nacho cheese is famous for its role in nachos and chips, it can also be a versatile ingredient in various recipes. It can elevate classic dishes like macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, and burgers. Some creative cooks even use it in casseroles, burritos, and as a sauce for vegetables.

While store-bought nacho cheese sauces are widely available, many culinary enthusiasts prefer making their own homemade versions. These recipes often include ingredients like cheese, milk or cream, and spices like chili powder or cayenne for that signature kick. Vegan and dairy-free variations, like the creamy cashew-based nacho cheese, cater to dietary preferences and restrictions.

Nacho cheese’s popularity has extended beyond its Tex-Mex origins to influence global cuisines. In various parts of the world, chefs and home cooks alike experiment with incorporating nacho cheese into diverse dishes, giving a unique twist to traditional recipes.

Whether enjoyed as a snack, drizzled over favorite foods, or used as a creative ingredient in culinary creations, nacho cheese continues to be a beloved flavor that adds a touch of comfort and indulgence to many meals. Its combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of spice makes it a classic favorite that stands the test of time.

PREP TIME: 5 minutes, plus inactive time to soak cashews

COOK TIME: 5 to 7 minutes

YIELD: 8 to 10 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 tbsp (24 g) tapioca flour
• 1½ cups (219 g) raw unsalted whole cashews, soaked
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• ⅓ cup (26 g) nutritional yeast
• ½ cup (130 g) Roasted Tomato Salsa or store-bought salsa of choice
• 1½ tsp (9 g) salt
• 1½ tsp (3 g) paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce + 1 tbsp (15 ml) adobo sauce
• 3 cups (720 ml) water

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin by soaking the raw cashews. To do this, cover them with water and let them soak for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the cashews before using them in the recipe.
2. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, tapioca flour, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, Roasted Tomato Salsa (or your choice of salsa), salt, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce.
3. Blend the mixture until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, depending on the power of your blender.
4. Transfer the blended mixture to a medium-sized saucepan.
5. Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking constantly. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes or until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. The tapioca flour will help give it a gooey, nacho cheese-like consistency.
6. Once the sauce reaches your desired thickness, remove it from the heat.
7. Serve your creamy cashew nacho cheese immediately as a dip for tortilla chips, a topping for nachos, or a sauce for various dishes. Enjoy the rich and cheesy flavor!