When we first switched to a plant-based diet, faux cheese sauce became a very important part of our arsenal. We ate a lot of Mexican food (we still do) but it wasn’t the same without all of the cheese we used to add. After a few months we no longer craved the cheese, or faux cheese and rarely made it. It was just an extra step that we usually forgot.
I love making faux cheese sauce for plant-based newbies. They are usually really missing their dairy and this really hits the spot. We don’t love it by itself but it’s great as part of the dish, I also don’t like tomatoes much by them selves but love salsa and tomato based sauces.
Faux Cheese Sauce (Gluten-Free and Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1/4 c Nutritional Yeast
- 2 Tbsp rice flour* (wheat flour can be used instead)
- 1/4 tsp tumeric
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- salt to taste (I used 1/2 tsp)
- 1/4 tsp cumin**
- 1/2 tsp chili powder**
- 1 c plant milk (I use rice or unsweetened almond milk)
*For a thicker sauce add extra flour.**These are optional but best used for a Mexican inspired flavor.
Do
- In a medium sauce pan add all dry ingredients and place on medium heat.
- Stir with a wisk as dry ingredients are heated and begin to toast. Don’t let them burn!
- Once they are warmed and begin to be very fragrant (again, not burnt) add the plant milk and wisk often.
- Once sauce becomes thick remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
Serve
I like this drizzled over potatoes, broccoli, mixed into a casserole, or best yet on nachos. Unlike other recipes I’ve tried this one stays pretty fluid and is versatile enough to use in a number of different recipes. I’ll have more recipes coming using this sauce next month. 
Tagged: Dairy Free, Faux Cheese Sauce, gluten free, Healthy, Mexican Food, Nachos, nutritional yeast, Plant Based Diet, Recipes, Vegan
We’ll have to try this! We miss cheese so much right now, well, I don’t miss Nate being sick!!!
It is really easy, unless you walk away and it burns. I always make it last. I hope you like it.
yeah, I will have to try this too. My boys love mac and cheese, I wonder if this would work. I’ll let you know.
It should work. I plan to experiment with it more. I have made mac and cheese with a different cheese sauce recipe. I’m also planning a gormet baked mac and cheese too. You could even puree steamed cauliflower or baked potatoes into the sauce for a creamier version. I better stop talking before I give away all my secrets.
Hmm, it sounds like I should wait for your big reveal. But i will try this recipe since we also do a lot of mexican
haha! don’t wait. It will be a while.
[...] It can be kept warm in the oven or a crockpot until ready to eat. This would fit perfectly with the Faux Cheese Sauce, Unfried Beans, and Mexican Rice. This recipe is pretty mild since I serve it to company and kids [...]
[...] A friend let me borrow here Crockpot Trio which contained Quinoa-Lentil Tacos, Unfried Beans, and Faux Cheese Sauce. I also had salsa, guacamole, black olives, jalapenos and of course tortilla [...]
Since you like a lot of mexican food, do you like red and/or green chile? It’s abundant here in New Mexico. I could mail some to you!! Makes everything better, and vegan of course!
I know that New Mexico is famous for its chili. I’ve used dried red New Mexico Chilis but not fresh and not green. I’m intrigued.
Email me your mailing address, it will be my treat! As long as you post a pic of what you end up making with it. If you ever need more let me know.
estringer_09@gmail.com
I check my email almost everyday.
[...] Nachos are by far one of the best party foods. Try it with precooked quinoa (it comes in little pouches near the rice) seasoned with taco seasoning, canned refried Beans, then whip up some Faux Cheese Sauce. [...]
[...] 1 recipe Faux Cheese Sauce [...]
[...] vegetable breakfast burritos. Lunch ideas include Quinoa-Lentil “Tacos”, Unfried Beans, Faux Cheese Sauce, salsa, and guacamole. Snacks and treats include Fresh Fruit Parfaits, apple slices dipped in [...]