Delicious and Easy Food Recipe for Salads
Welcome to my Vegan Nooch-Based Melty White Cheez Recipe! As a vegan chef, one of the biggest challenges I face is recreating the taste and texture of traditional dairy-based cheese. This recipe was born out of my love for cheese and my desire to create a vegan cheese that is just as creamy, melty, and delicious as the real thing.
This recipe uses nutritional yeast flakes as the base for its cheesy flavor, offering a nut-free option for those with dietary restrictions. But don’t let that fool you – this cheese sauce tastes like the real deal. It’s easy to make, super versatile and can be used in all kinds of dishes from macaroni to pizza.
Whether you’re a life-long vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, this recipe will satisfy your craving for a cheesy indulgence without compromising your values. So, grab your apron and join me in the kitchen as we whip up some truly scrumptious vegan cheese sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan nooch-based melty white cheez recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional cheese sauces. One of the things you’ll love about this recipe is that it tastes like cheese, without containing any animal products.
If you are a vegan, you know how hard it can be to find a creamy and melty vegan cheese that actually tastes good. But this recipe provides a solution. We use nutritional yeast flakes, which add cheesy flavor to any dish. Nutritional yeast has become quite popular among the vegan community because of its nutty and savory flavor. It’s also packed with nutrients such as B vitamins, protein, and iron.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s nut-free, making it an excellent option for people with nut allergies or sensitivities. The base of this sauce is made from coconut milk and tapioca starch; both are ingredients that work well together to create a creamy and thick texture.
Lastly, this recipe is super easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, including garlic powder, salt, onion powder, lemon juice, arrowroot, tahini, nutritional yeast flakes, water, and white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar; you’ll have a delicious cheesy sauce ready in no time!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy vegan cheez sauce recipe that tastes like cheese, but without any animal products:
- 1 cup of raw cashews, soaked overnight or in hot water for 30 minutes
- 2 tablespoons of arrowroot or tapioca starch
- 2 tablespoons of tahini
- 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of white wine or apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of coconut milk
These ingredients are widely available, and work well in a variety of different vegan cheese recipes. Nutritional yeast flakes are the key to this recipe – they have a cheesy flavor and make the cheez sauce taste like it’s made with real cheese!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe steps. Trust me, this vegan nooch-based melty white cheez recipe is so easy that even if you burn water when you cook, you’ll be able to pull it off.
Step 1: Soaking the raw cashews
Start by soaking 1 cup of raw cashews in hot water for at least 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can soak them overnight in cold water if you have time.
Step 2: Preparing the Nooch Cheese Base
Once cashews are soaked, drain and rinse them to prepare the nooch cheese base. Add the soaked cashews to a blender along with 1/4 cup of tahini, 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast flakes, 2 tbsp of lemon juice, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder and 1 tsp salt. As a result, you should get a thick paste.
Step 3: Making tapioca flour mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp of tapioca flour nutritional yeast flakes, and 1/4 cup water until you get a smooth mixture.
Step 4: Heating coconut milk
Heat up 1/2 cup coconut milk in a saucepan until it’s warm but not boiling.
Step 5: Mixing everything together
To make the actual cheese sauce that will melt perfectly, add nooch base from step 2 and tapioca mix from step 3 to the warm coconut milk while stirring constantly over medium heat. Keep mixing until cheese sauce thickens and becomes stretchy. It takes just about five minutes to get there.
Step 6: Adding more zest
At this point, you can add some more taste notes by incorporating some optional ingredients. I personally recommend adding 1 tsp of white wine vinegar and 1/2 tsp of apple cider vinegar to add acidity and cheesy flavors respectively. If you like your cheese sauce spicy, feel free to experiment with hot sauce or chili flakes as well.
This vegan nooch-based melty white cheez recipe is perfect for making mac & cheese, poured over veggies as a nacho dip, drizzled on pizza or stuffed into grilled cheese sandwiches! The possibilities are endless!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this Vegan Nooch-Based Melty White Cheez Recipe is that it is very versatile and you can easily adjust it to your liking. Here are some variations and substitutions you can consider:
– Nut-free option: If you have a nut allergy or prefer not to use cashews, you can swap them for an equal amount of raw sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even silken tofu. Keep in mind that this will give the final result a slightly different taste and texture, but still yummy.
– Tapioca flour substitutes: Tapioca flour is used in this recipe to give the cheese sauce a stretchy and gooey texture similar to real cheese. If you don’t have tapioca flour on hand or can’t find it in your grocery store, you can replace it with cornstarch or arrowroot powder. However, be aware that the final texture might not be as stretchy.
– Lemon juice substitutions: If you’re out of fresh lemons or don’t like their taste, you can substitute them for an equal amount of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. This will give the cheese sauce a slightly different tangy flavor that works well with the nutritional yeast and other seasonings.
– Smokier flavor: If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce recipe. It will give it an extra depth of flavor and enhance its complexity.
– Spicier option: If you like your food with a kick, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce recipe. Start with a pinch and adjust to your desired spiciness level.
– Mac & Cheese variation: This vegan cheese sauce recipe works perfectly as a base for mac & cheese. Simply cook some macaroni (or other pasta), mix it with the cheese sauce, and bake it in the oven until golden brown. You can also top it with breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness.
– Pizza topping variation: Use this melty vegan cheese as a delicious pizza topping! Spread it over your favorite crust, add veggies or vegan meat if desired, and bake until crispy. You’ll get a yummy vegan mozzarella cheese alternative without all the bad stuff.
Remember that cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make this recipe your own!
Serving and Pairing
:
This Vegan Nooch-Based Melty White Cheez Recipe is a crowd-pleaser! It tastes so similar to real cheese, making it perfect for those who want a plant-based alternative. You can serve it alone as a dipping sauce or use it in all kinds of dishes.
For a classic mac and cheese, cook up some elbow macaroni and mix it with this vegan cheese sauce. You can also add in some steamed veggies such as broccoli or cauliflower for added nutrition. This melty cheese sauce also works wonders on pizza as a vegan mozzarella cheese replacement. Just spread the sauce over your favorite crust and add your favorite toppings like tomato sauce, peppers, and mushrooms.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use this white cheez sauce to make a vegan cheddar cheese dip. Simply heat up the sauce with some fresh jalapenos or diced tomatoes for an extra kick. This dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips and raw veggies.
For those who prefer a nut-free option, simply swap out the raw cashews in this recipe for sunflower seeds instead. The result will be just as creamy and delicious!
When it comes to pairing this vegan cheese sauce with wine, I recommend serving it with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity in the wine will help balance the richness of the cheese sauce.
Overall, this Vegan Nooch-Based Melty White Cheez Recipe is versatile and tasty, making it perfect for any occasion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this vegan melty white cheez recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply transfer your cheese sauce to an airtight container, and it will be ready whenever you are.
If you have any leftovers, don’t worry, they can also be stored. Just make sure to refrigerate them in an airtight container. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or plant-based milk to loosen up the sauce as it may thicken when refrigerated.
Another great feature of this vegan cheese sauce is its versatility. You can use it as a dip, toss into macaroni or other pasta dishes, as a spread for sandwiches, and even pizza!
If you want to freeze your cheese sauce, go ahead! Simply store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to six months. Make sure to thaw the sauce out in the fridge before reheating.
By making this vegan cheese sauce ahead of time, you’ll save time and always have a tasty topping or dip available without sacrificing flavour.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making vegan cheese at home can be a bit tricky, especially if you are new to this venture. Thankfully, making this vegan nooch-based melty white cheez recipe is easy, and I have some tips that’ll help you get perfect results every time you make it.
1. Nutritional yeast flakes and water amount:
To get a creamy and smooth texture for your vegan cheese sauce, use 1 cup of water for every 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast flakes.
2. The power of arrowroot:
Arrowroot is a gluten-free thickener that can be used to give any sauce or soup the perfect consistency. For this recipe, using arrowroot helps the vegan cheese become more stretchy and melty. Mix 2 tbsp of arrowroot with 2 tbsp of water before adding it to the sauce mixture.
3. Blend cashews beforehand:
Soaking raw cashews overnight can help make them easier to blend; though, blending them first to create a fine powder will result in a smoother and creamier sauce.
4. Apple cider vinegar is a game-changer:
Adding just a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar to your sauce mixture will give it a tangy flavor that’ll enhance the overall taste.
5. Tapioca Flour/Nutritional Yeast Experimentation:
There are many other ways to achieve cheesy flavors in vegan cooking- tapioca flour or nutritional yeast-flour combinations work well too! Don’t hesitate to experiment from time to time with these ingredients.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be sure to make the best vegan nooch-based melty white cheez recipe that’ll taste like regular cheese but without any animal products!
FAQ
As you prepare this delicious vegan melty white cheez recipe, it is natural to have some questions along the way. In this section, I answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this nooch-based cheese sauce recipe, and offer tips for perfect results. So, let’s dive in!
Does nutritional yeast melt like cheese?
There are two variations of nutritional yeast: flakes and powder. Despite their different forms, they possess an identical flavor profile and effortlessly blend into dishes.
Does nooch actually taste like cheese?
Describing the taste of nooch can be a bit challenging as each individual may interpret its flavor differently. Some people may perceive it as cheesy or nutty while others may describe it as earthy. However, once you taste nooch, you’ll be able to recognize its distinct profile that sets it apart from other flavors. It’s like how apples taste like apples, and nooch tastes like nooch.
How do you use nutritional yeast like cheese?
Looking for a way to add some savory flair to your dishes without the guilt of cheese? Nutritional yeast may be just what you need! This versatile ingredient can be used in the same way as grated cheese, and can be sprinkled over everything from roasted vegetables and salads to pasta and rice, providing a flavorful punch.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Vegan Nooch-Based Melty White Cheez Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who wants to enjoy the taste and texture of cheese without the dairy. It’s easy, quick, and affordable, making it the perfect option for a busy weeknight or a special occasion. By utilizing nutritional yeast flakes, tapioca flour, tahini, and other simple ingredients, you can get a rich, cheesy flavor that tastes like the real thing. This recipe also offers a variety of substitutions and variations to fit your dietary needs and preferences. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite melty vegan cheese recipe. With the right method along with the suggested tips and tricks, you can enjoy delicious vegan cheese in no time!
Vegan Nooch-Based Melty White Cheez Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups water
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
- 1/4 quick-cooking rolled oats (not instant)
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 1/2 tablespoons arrowroot (cornstarch and kuzu are acceptable subs)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients into a blender or food processor and pulse until completely smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan on medium-high heat.
- Cook it, stirring constantly with a wire whisk, until the sauce is thick and smooth. Best served hot.
- To color the cheese orange, add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon paprika.
- For a "smoked cheddar" flavor, reduce the salt to 1/2 teaspoon and blend in 1 tablespoon light miso and 1/4 teaspoon liquid hickory smoke.
- For "pepperjack", stir in a small can of diced green chilis, drained. It says 1/4 cup but I think one of those little 4-oz cans after draining would be 1/4 cup or a little more.
- For curried cheese, blend in 1/2 teaspoon curry powder.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.