Make this dairy free queso dip with vegan cashew cheese in just about 20 minutes! It's a delicious party appetizer for game day or any gathering!
When I first started a dairy-free life, I discovered an amazing vegan nacho dip. It was made by Portland-based Heidi Ho, a company that got backed by one of my fave Sharks on SharkTank, Lori Greiner.
But then suddenly, I could no longer find it at my local New Seasons Market. And Whole Foods Market stopped carrying them. What was going ON, people?? I needed my vegan queso dip!!
Heidi Ho vegan cheeses made a comeback to stores a few months ago. But during that time, I decided to make my own dairy free queso dip. After some trial and error, I came up with a recipe that I loved. I'm sharing it here and hope you will all love it, too!
What's in Dairy Free Queso Dip?
This dairy free queso dip gets its "cheesiness" from blended cashews. Cashew cheese is a popular dairy free cheese alternative, so it's no wonder it works so well in making a cheese-like dip!
Do I need to soak cashews for this recipe?
The base of this vegan queso dip is cashew cheese. I use a high-powered Vitamix blender, so I find I don't need to soak the cashews before blending. If you don't have a high-powered blender, simply plan ahead and soak the cashews in water for up to four hours before beginning to make the recipe.
I prefer to make a chunkier queso dip, with a little bit of texture to each bite. If you prefer a creamy queso dip, then definitely soak the cashews ahead of time. You'll also want to blend in more water, and blend for a longer period of time. And, you will get a creamier consistency with a higher quality, high powered blender.
How to Make This Vegan Queso Dip
Begin by sautéing the onion and garlic. Then add the spices and stir, sautéing for just a little longer.
Next you'll blend the cashews, water, salt, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast. Then you'll add the sautéed mixture and blend until smooth. At this point, you can add more water and blend in increments, until you get the consistency you like.
Pour the dairy free queso into the saucepan you used earlier, stir in the fire roasted tomatoes. Cook and adjust flavors according to your preference. At this point, you can add more spices, salt and pepper, a little chopped cilantro, some jalapeño... it's all up to you!
Then you can pour the queso into a serving bowl and top with chopped cilantro, more tomatoes, some dairy free sour cream, jalapeño. Serve it with tortilla chips, and you're all set!
More Dairy Free Game Day Recipes
Best Instant Pot Chili Recipe- Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken: Make Once, Eat Twice Recipe
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Loaded Nachos- Instant Pot BBQ Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce
Honey Bourbon Wings- Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs
Dairy Free Queso Dip Recipe
Dairy Free Queso Dip (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ onion
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 cup raw cashews if you do not have a high speed mixer, soak for up to 4 hours and drained
- ¼ cup water plus more, if needed
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- ½ cup fire roasted tomatoes drained
- Optional: jalapenos cilantro, fresh tomatoes
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, sauté the onion and garlic for 1 minute, just until slightly softened. Add the paprika, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder. Stir and sauté for 1 more minute; remove from heat.
- In a high speed blender, mix the cashews, water, salt, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast. Add the sautéed mixture of onions, garlic, and spices and blend until smooth. Add an additional tablespoon of water at a time, as needed, to make blending easier and until you get the smooth texture you desire.
- Pour the queso into the saucepan you used earlier, stir in the fire roasted tomatoes, and cook over medium heat. Be sure to taste and adjust flavors according to your preference at this time: you can add more spices, salt and pepper, a little chopped cilantro or jalapeño.
- Once warm, remove from heat and pour into a large bowl. Top with your preferred optional toppings (I like this with chopped cilantro and a little seeded & sliced jalapeño). Serve immediately.
Notes
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Lizet Bowen says
This is such a great idea. My niece is coming next weekend and I wanted to make something vegan for her. Thanks for the recipe!
Jacqueline Debono says
I love dips and often serve them when I have guests. This is a brilliant one for vegan friends (I have a few!) Going to bookmark this recipe!
Pam Greer says
We have some dairy free friends coming over for a superbowl party, so this is definitely going on the menu, I have been searching for something to try!
Cindy says
I recently went dairy free, due to inflammation. I am so excited to still be able to eat queso!!
Tawnie Kroll says
This recipe was such a hit! Thank you!
Katie Carrick says
My kids eat way too much dairy. I'm going to try to sneak this one in and see if they can't tell the difference. (It may be a new go-to snack!)
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
This queso looks so delicious Marlynn and I love that it's a dairy free option! Perfect for the Super Bowl!
Olya Aman says
You do a nice job with your page. I love it.
Olufunke says
I love this. I am going to try it for my son. He's so picky with food and I trt to make varieties for him to keep him interested.
A Chronic Voice says
That looks delicious and nutritious, love the pics! I've heard good things about the Vitamix Blender, too. Need to check it out!
Gervin Khan says
Wow, this dip looks really good and tasty. I must try making this for our new nachos dip/sauce.
Eileen M Loya says
I am saving the recipe. Although no one in the family is vegan, we do have some friends who are and we don't want them to feel left out when we host a party. This dairy free queso dip would be nice to serve on game day if they will be coming over.
Jhentea Guzman says
Thanks for sharing this recipe. It sounds fun to try something vegan nowadays.
Celebrate Woman Today says
I love that you gave this recipe for the dairy intolerant people. We are going to the Big Game party, and my friend needs all things gluten and dairy free.
Chad says
I never had queso before, looks sooooooo delicious! I would love to make it. Thanks a lot.
Sally says
This sounds great. I will definitely try making it. I was just thinking of dairy-free cheese the other day, as I'm trying to reduce my dairy consumption. The only things I consume are greek yogurt and cheese..... but I love cheese!
Chelsea Sauve - Wandure says
My brother and I are HUGE queso dip fans. I will absolutely give this one a try! Bookmarking it now :)
Margaret says
This dips looks amazing. I'd love to make it. I have every single ingredient for this recipe except for the cashews..LOL.
Laura says
This looks so delicious! Thank you for the recipe. I'll try it out x
Christopher Mitchell says
This looks absolutely delicious, I've got to admit! I didn't know a dairy free cheese dip could even look this good!