Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This creamy vegan cheese sauce is a delicious and versatile plant-based alternative perfect for pasta, vegetables, or as a dip. Made with white beans and nutritional yeast, it offers a rich, cheesy flavor without dairy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked white beans (such as cannellini)
• 1/2 cup milk of choice (preferably unsweetened)
• 5 tbsp nutritional yeast OR 1/3 cup vegan shredded cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• Optional: 1/2 tsp white or apple cider vinegar (if using nutritional yeast)
• Optional: 2 tsp buttery spread or olive oil
• Optional: pinch of turmeric, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, or other herbs/spices

Instructions

1. Step 1: Drain and rinse the beans if using canned. Combine the beans, milk, salt, garlic powder, and any optional ingredients except vegan shredded cheese in a blender or use a hand blender to blend until smooth.
2. Step 2: Transfer the blended mixture to a pot over low heat. Stir in the vegan shredded cheese if using, and heat gently, stirring occasionally until the sauce reaches your desired serving temperature and the cheese melts.
3. Step 3: If serving with pasta, stir in cooked pasta now. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner sauce.
4. Optional Instant Pot Version: After blending, place the mixture in your Instant Pot and heat on manual for 5 minutes. Stir before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, add a bit of buttery spread or olive oil into the sauce while heating.
• Customize the flavor by adding your favorite herbs and spices like thyme or rosemary.
• If you like a tangier sauce, include the vinegar when using nutritional yeast.
• Use different white beans such as navy or great northern beans if cannellini is unavailable.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheese sauce nut-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally nut-free since it uses white beans and nutritional yeast as the base.

Is nutritional yeast necessary?

Nutritional yeast provides the cheesy flavor, but you can substitute it with vegan shredded cheese or experiment with other plant-based cheese alternatives.