cashew queso dip: creamy vegan and irresistibly cheesy
By:
Savory Touch
Published:
29 May 2025
Have you ever craved that warm, comforting, cheesy goodness of queso dip but wanted a healthier, plant-based alternative? Look no further! This cashew queso dip is your answer. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with flavor, this dip will impress vegans and non-vegans alike. It's so good that even my skeptical Uncle George asked for the recipe! It might not fool everyone, but the taste is sure to win hearts. And it’s incredibly easy to make. Perfect for parties, game nights, or just a cozy night in, this dip is sure to become a new favorite.
What makes this cashew queso dip so special? It's the creamy texture, the cheesy flavor without any actual cheese, and the versatility. The cashews create an unbelievably smooth base, while nutritional yeast adds that essential cheesy umami. A touch of lemon juice balances the richness, and spices like garlic and onion powder round out the flavor profile. You can easly tweak the spicies. If you like paprika, you can use it! If you are not a fan of lemon, you can leave it out!
This dip isn't just delicious; it's also packed with nutrients. Cashews are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals. Nutritional yeast provides B vitamins, and turmeric adds anti-inflammatory properties. So, you can indulge in this creamy, cheesy dip without any guilt. It's a win-win! Plus, this cashew queso dip is incredibly adaptable. Use it as a dip for tortilla chips and veggies, drizzle it over nachos, or spread it on tacos and burritos. The possibilities are endless! Honestly, one of the best things that I have been able to make lately. Simple, easy and full of flavour!
Cashew Queso Dip: Creamy Vegan and Irresistibly Cheesy
This creamy cashew queso dip is a delicious, plant-based alternative to traditional cheese dip. Made with simple ingredients, it's perfect for parties, snacks, or a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes. Even my picky eaters loved it!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:2 cups servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Soak the cashews: Place raw cashews in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to soften them for blending. This step is crutial!
Drain and rinse: After soaking, drain the cashews and rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
Blend the base: Add the drained cashews to a high-speed blender, along with the vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and turmeric. Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, and you may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a few times. The mixture should have no gritty bits left.
Cook the queso: Pour the blended mixture into a small saucepan.
Heat and thicken: Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly to prevent burning or sticking. Heat the mixture until it begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the queso and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt for savoriness, lemon juice for tanginess, or garlic/onion powder for depth of flavor.
Serve warm: Transfer the cashew queso dip to a serving bowl and serve warm. It's great with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or as a topping for nachos and tacos.
Garnish (optional): Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of paprika, or a drizzle of hot sauce for added visual appeal and flavor.
📝 Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Smoked paprika can be added for a smoky flavor.
Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.