Faux Cheese Sauce

If you’re new to plant-based cooking or just exploring dairy-free alternatives, you may have noticed that creating a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying “cheese” sauce can be a bit of a challenge. Enter faux cheese sauce—a delicious, nutrient-dense sauce that requires no dairy but still brings the cheesy goodness.

This sauce, featuring ingredients like nutritional yeast, rice flour, turmeric, and plant milk, is a perfect companion to just about any dish that could benefit from a little extra creaminess. Keep it mild and savory, or add spices like cumin and chili powder for a Mexican-inspired twist.

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.

This faux cheese sauce is more than just a vegan alternative—it’s a delicious, versatile addition to any kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or simply looking for a healthy, dairy-free sauce to add to your repertoire, this faux cheese sauce is sure to impress.

How to Make Faux Cheese Sauce

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.

Instructions

Step 1 – Add Dry Ingredients

In a medium sauce pan add all dry ingredients and place on medium heat.

Step 2 – Stir

Stir with a whisk as dry ingredients are heated and begin to toast. Don’t let them burn!

Step 3 – Add Plant Milk

Once they are warmed and begin to be very fragrant (again, not burnt) add the plant milk and whisk often. When sauce becomes thick remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Once blended, this faux cheese sauce becomes a rich, creamy addition to a wide range of dishes. You can drizzle it over pasta for a dairy-free mac and cheese, use it as a nacho cheese sauce, or even as a dip for veggies and chips. It’s also great for casseroles, baked potatoes, and as a topping for plant-based burgers and sandwiches. And if you make it a little thicker, it can be spread on toast for a quick, savory snack.

For those who like experimenting, consider stirring in additional ingredients to customize your sauce. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or a touch of mustard powder to bring out the “cheesiness” even more. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for Perfect Faux Cheese Sauce

1. Blend Until Smooth: Achieving a creamy, smooth texture is key to a great faux cheese sauce. Use a whisk or blender to ensure all the ingredients are fully combined and that the rice flour is evenly incorporated.
2. Adjust to Taste: Don’t hesitate to play around with the seasonings to suit your taste. Start with the base amounts listed, then tweak to find your perfect balance of cheesy, salty, and savory.
3. Experiment with Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, gradually add more rice flour, a half-teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of extra plant milk.
4. Store and Reheat Carefully: This sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it a convenient option for meal prep. When reheating, warm it gently and add a splash of plant milk if it becomes too thick.

More Plant Based Sauce Recipes

If you like this faux cheese sauce, you’ll love these plant-based recipes too:

• Creamy Brown Gravy
• Homemade BBQ Sauce
• Spicy Vegan Ranch Dressing
• Creamy Italian Salad Dressing
• Jalapeno Hummus