Nut Free Vegan Nacho Cheese Slices. Gluten-free Recipe
This nut-free vegan nacho cheese recipe uses chickpea flour and roasted red peppers for a creamy, custard-like texture that sets into sliceable blocks. Flavored with garlic, spices, chipotle, and nutritional yeast, it offers a smoky, tangy taste suited for toppings or snacks. The slices can be chilled and stored, making them versatile for various plant-based dishes requiring a cheese alternative.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 pickled jalapeño pepper or 2 slices, whole
- 2 Tbsp roasted red pepper or roasted pimento pepper
- 2 Tbsp tomato chopped
- 1/3 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 to 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce use 1/2 tsp chipotle powder if you cannot find gf canned peppers
- 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 to 1.5 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vinegar apple cider or white
- 3/4 to 1 cup water
- jalapeno pepper chopped (jalapeno
- red pepper flakes chopped (jalapeno
Instructions
- Put everything in a blender and blend until fully combined. Use 3/4 cup water for shredd-able block, 1 cup water for slices.
- Add to thick bottom pan, and heat at medium-low heat. Keep stirring frequently.
- The mixture will start to thicken and get lumpy, then smooth out. The mixture will eventually become custard-like and evenly thick. After the mixture has become a thick even custard, Cook for another 2 -3 minutes to cook the chickpea flour. Stir continuously. You can carefully taste at this point and add salt, spice and tang if needed. * Cook a bit longer if not sure. You want to cook the chickpea flour really well, else it can taste raw (bitter and bad) in the slices later.
- Add the chopped jalapeno and pepper flakes if using and mix in.
- Transfer the hot mixture to a greased brownie pan or parchment.
- Spray oil on top. Place another parchment on top and press to a thin square. or use rolling pin.
- Chill for an hour. Slice and use or store refrigerated for upto 5 days.
- Or transfer the mixture to a greased deep small container. Chill for an hour or more before shredding.
- * You can make nacho cheese sauce with the recipe as well. Use a 1/4 cup chickpea flour with 1 cup of water or non dairy milk. Cook to thicken (about 5 to 6 minutes so chickpea flour gets cooked through, taste and adjust. Use to top nachos!
Notes
- Cook the chickpea flour completely to remove any raw bitterness; stirring continuously during cooking helps.
- Adjust water between 3/4 cup to 1 cup to achieve desired firmness: less water yields a block, more for slices.
- Add jalapeño and red pepper flakes for adjustable heat intensity; omit if a milder flavor is preferred.
- Store refrigerated cheese slices in an airtight container for up to five days for best freshness.
- Use a greased pan and spray oil on top before pressing mixture to prevent sticking when chilling.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 9 slices
Amount Per Serving
Calories 36
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 36kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Sodium | 144mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 106mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 90IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 4.1mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 4mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.6mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.