This Vegan Queso recipe is super thick and creamy - you'd never know it's filled with veggies! Made without cashews, this nut-free vegan queso is a cheesy, plant-based dip made allergy friendly!
This queso is such a perfect example of a 'secret veggie' recipe. Your friends or kids or guests will just be snacking away at this queso dip and they'll never notice that it's made of potatoes, carrots, and other whole foods. In my opinion, this is the best kind of plant-based recipe, when the dish is just tasty and you don't even have to think about the fact that it's also healthy.
The best part is that the veggies in this recipe make the dip sooo thick. The creamy potatoes create such a smooth, velvety texture. Perfect for queso.
Potatoes in queso?! YES. No cashews. Completely nut-free!
This queso is so tasty, and literally so easy to make. You'll throw the veggies in the microwave to soften, and then toss all the ingredients into a blender or food processor. Take everything out of the food processor and serve - the queso will still be warm and fresh. YUM!
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Why I love this Nut Free Vegan Queso
- Dietary needs - this easy nut-free vegan queso is oil-free, dairy-free, plant-based, gluten-free, and sugar-free
- Perfect snack - this dip is quick and easy to make and can be whipped out for a quick and healthy snack, best enjoyed with oil-free chips or veggies
- Thick & cheesy - this plan-based queso is everything you want in a cheesy dip. It is seriously so creamy. And has just a hint of spice
- No Cashews, Nut-Free - the best part of this dip. Many vegan queso recipes use nuts to help thicken the dip, but this recipe is made without cashews and is easily nut-free. If you have allergies, this is the recipe for you
Ingredient Notes
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Potatoes create a beautiful soft and smooth texture. Yukon Gold potatoes specifically are super creamy - you'll often find them used in mashed potato recipes. For the creamiest results I recommend using Yukon Golds.
- Carrots: Carrots also contribute to the soft texture. They also add some color, to make the dip appear more like a traditional cheesy color.
- Vegan Cream Cheese: this is optional - some vegan cream cheese brands use cashews or other nuts. So if you're avoiding nuts, you can omit the cream cheese. If you'd like, add some sunflower seed butter for a thicker texture, but this recipe is perfectly creamy without the cream cheese
- Nutritional Yeast: this wouldn't be a vegan cheese recipe without nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is known for its cheesy flavor and is the main source of cheesy goodness in this recipe.
- Minced Garlic: I like fresh garlic in this dip, but garlic powder will also work
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a great thickener. It helps bind all the ingredients together to create that classic sticky cheese texture.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A bit of acid creates some bite in the flavor.
- Sriracha: I like to add some spice to add some depth of flavor. Don't worry if you're not a big spicy person - it doesn't make the dip too spicy.
- Spices: cumin, paprika, salt, & pepper
- Boiling Water: Boiling water brings everything together. It activates the cornstarch. You'll notice when you add it to the mixture the dip will immediately start to thicken.
How to make Easy Vegan Queso
Step 1. Place the potatoes and carrots in a microwave-safe bowl (preferably one with a lid) add ¼ cup of water and the lid or a paper towel. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes. Let cool until easy to handle.
Step 2. Add the potatoes, carrots, vegan cream cheese, nutritional yeast, garlic, cornstarch, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend, adding the water slowly, until smooth and creamy. Adjust spice level and salt as desired. Serve and enjoy!
FAQ
No. The spices like nutritional yeast, garlic, cumin, and paprika help create a cheese-like flavor.
You won't notice you're eating vegetables.
- Enjoy with vegetables
- Make a batch of oil-free tortilla chips
- Serve over sweet potato nachos
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for foods that make us feel good and help us to gather and grow closer together. Amen.
More vegan dips
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📖 Recipe
Vegan Queso (No Cashews)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Medium Yukon Gold Potatoes quartered
- 1 Large Carrot quartered
- 4 Ounces Vegan Cream Cheese or 2 Tablespoons Sunflower Seed Butter
- 3 Tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
- 4 Cloves Minced Garlic
- 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Teaspoons Cornstarch
- 2 Teaspoons Sriracha
- 1 Teaspoon Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ⅛ Teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Cup Boiling Water
Instructions
- Place the potatoes and carrots in a microwave-safe bowl (preferably one with a lid) add ¼ cup of water and the lid or a paper towel. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes. Let cool until easy to handle.
- Add the potatoes, carrots, vegan cream cheese, nutritional yeast, garlic, cornstarch, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend, adding the water slowly, until smooth and creamy. Adjust spice level and salt as desired. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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