Name: Vegan Cashew Queso
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups raw cashews; 1-1 1/2 cups non-dairy milk (plain almond preferred); 1/3-1/2 cup nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 clove garlic; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon hot sauce (or to taste)

Why You’ll Love Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

This queso is smooth, flavorful, and completely plant-based. It comes together with simple ingredients and is ready in about 20 minutes. It is great for nachos, tacos, burrito bowls, roasted vegetables, or as a warm dip for chips.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 1/2 cups raw cashews
1 to 1 1/2 cups non-dairy milk, such as plain almond milk
1/3 to 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon hot sauce, or to taste

Directions

Soak the cashews by placing them in a bowl and covering them with boiling water. Let them sit for about 20 minutes until softened. For an even softer texture, boil the cashews in a pot for 15 to 20 minutes.

Drain and rinse the cashews, then add them to a blender.

Add the non-dairy milk, nutritional yeast, salt, garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, tomato paste, lime or lemon juice, chili powder, paprika, and hot sauce.

Blend until completely smooth. Start with 1 cup of milk, then add more as needed to thin the queso to your preferred consistency.

Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more hot sauce, salt, citrus juice, or nutritional yeast if desired.

Transfer the queso to a pot or pan and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Serve hot and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

For a spicier queso, add extra hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.

For a thinner queso, add more non-dairy milk until it reaches a pourable consistency.

For a thicker dip, use less milk and warm it gently until creamy.

For a chunkier style, stir in diced tomatoes, green chiles, or sautéed onions after blending.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of non-dairy milk to loosen the texture if it thickens after chilling.

You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one until warm and smooth.

FAQs

Can I make this queso without soaking the cashews?

Soaking is recommended because it helps the cashews blend into a smooth, creamy sauce. If you have a high-speed blender, you may be able to shorten the soaking time.

Can I use roasted cashews?

Raw cashews are best because they create a milder, creamier queso. Roasted cashews can change the flavor and texture.

What non-dairy milk works best?

Plain unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or cashew milk all work well. Avoid sweetened or flavored milk.

Is this queso spicy?

It has mild heat from the chili powder and hot sauce. You can reduce or increase the hot sauce depending on your preference.

Can I make it nut-free?

This recipe is cashew-based, so it is not naturally nut-free. For a nut-free version, you would need a different base such as potatoes, carrots, or sunflower seeds.

Why is my queso too thick?

Cashew queso thickens as it sits or heats. Add more non-dairy milk a little at a time until it reaches the texture you want.

Can I serve this cold?

It tastes best warm, but it can be served at room temperature as a dip or spread.

Can I freeze vegan cashew queso?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently, blending again if needed.

What can I serve with this queso?

Serve it with tortilla chips, tacos, nachos, burrito bowls, fries, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Make it ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat before serving with a splash of non-dairy milk if needed.

Conclusion

Vegan Cashew Queso is a creamy, flavorful, dairy-free sauce that works as a dip, topping, or drizzle. With simple ingredients and a quick blending method, it is an easy recipe to keep on hand for snacks, parties, and weeknight meals.