Vegan Walnut Cheese Sauce [Oil Free]
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Total Time
5 mins
-
Servings
6 Servings
-
Calories
169 kcal
-
Course
Appetizer, Condiments
Vegan Walnut Cheese Sauce [Oil Free]
Description
The sauce is made by processing raw walnuts with nutritional yeast—a common vegan ingredient providing cheesy flavor—along with onion powder and sea salt. Hot water is added gradually to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. This sauce mimics traditional cheese sauces but uses only plant-based ingredients without oil or dairy.
The recipe notes that soaking walnuts isn't necessary with a powerful blender, but can help soften them otherwise. The blender may need to be paused and restarted to prevent overheating. Optional additional hot water can be added to thin the sauce further depending on use.
Flavor variations are possible by substituting onion powder with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or other spices, but darker spices will change the color. Leftover sauce keeps refrigerated for up to three days and should be reheated before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup walnuts
- 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
- ¾ cup water plus an optional extra tablespoon or two for desired consistency, hot
Instructions
- Using a kettle or small pot, boil a cup or two of fresh water. (Since some will evaporate.)
- Add all the ingredients using only ¾ cup of the hot water to your blender and process until smooth and creamy. It will take about a minute or so for the walnuts to fully break down and become smooth. If needed, turn off your blender and start again until desired texture is reached. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary. If you like a thinner sauce, add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of water and re-blend.
Notes
- If your blender isn’t powerful, soak walnuts for 30 minutes in hot water before blending to help create a smoother sauce.
- Pause your blender during processing to prevent overheating if needed, restarting until walnuts are fully broken down.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding 1-2 tablespoons of hot water and blending again to reach desired consistency.
- Swap onion powder for garlic powder, smoked paprika, or other spices to vary flavor profiles, noting that darker spices affect color.
- Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before use.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 169 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 169cal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 196mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 157mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
