Name: Veggie Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 cups butternut squash (or summer squash), peeled and cubed; 2 medium carrots (or about 10 baby carrots), peeled and chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups vegetable broth (or water); 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/4 cup nutritional yeast; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika); 1/8 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1 cup raw cashews (or alternatively 1 1/4 cup peeled and cubed potatoes, or 1 can of white beans drained and rinsed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 6 reviews

If you have been searching for a delicious way to enjoy a cheesy sauce without dairy, then this Veggie Cheese Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with vibrant veggies like butternut squash and carrots, combined with the creamy richness from cashews and a subtle tang of nutritional yeast, this sauce delivers comfort food vibes with a healthy twist. It’s incredibly versatile, quick to prepare, and will elevate your meals to a whole new level of flavor and creaminess.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white enameled pot with a red handle contains a clear broth filled with orange chunks of squash and whole pale cashew nuts floating on top, with small bubbles of oil scattered across the surface, all sitting on a white marbled background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients is the key to making this Veggie Cheese Sauce Recipe a winner every time. Each item plays a special role in bringing that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color to the sauce, making it feel indulgent yet nourishing.

2 cups butternut squash (or summer squash): Provides a naturally sweet, smooth base that thickens the sauce beautifully.
2 medium carrots (or about 10 baby carrots): Adds an earthy sweetness and vibrant orange hue.
1 tablespoon olive oil: We use this to gently warm and infuse garlic flavor right at the start.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic brings a warm, aromatic depth that enhances the overall savoriness.
2 cups vegetable broth (or water): The liquid that helps everything blend smoothly while keeping the sauce light.
1/4 cup nutritional yeast: The secret ingredient that delivers that unmistakable cheesy flavor without dairy.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile with subtle onion undertones.
1/2 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika): Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness, boosting color too.
1/8 teaspoon turmeric: Provides a lovely golden color and a mild earthy note.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brings a fresh brightness that balances the creaminess.
1 cup raw cashews (or 1 1/4 cup peeled and cubed potatoes, or 1 can of white beans drained and rinsed): This ingredient is the heart of the sauce’s creamy texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Enhances all the flavors; adjust based on your broth’s saltiness.

How to Make Veggie Cheese Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

The journey to velvety smooth sauce starts by adding olive oil to a saucepan and warming the minced garlic over the lowest heat setting. This slow warming draws out the garlic’s aroma without burning, creating a flavorful base for your sauce.

Step 2: Prepare and Add Vegetables

Next, peel and chop your butternut squash and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Toss them into the saucepan with the garlic and oil. This mixture begins the tenderizing process needed for an ultra-smooth sauce.

Step 3: Incorporate the Creamy Component

Now, add your chosen creamy base—whether it’s raw cashews, potatoes, or white beans. Each option provides a luscious texture and makes this Veggie Cheese Sauce Recipe flexible to fit your pantry and preferences.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth, then sprinkle in onion powder, paprika, turmeric, and nutritional yeast. Add the lemon juice and salt last to brighten and balance the flavors. Increase heat to medium and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes until the veggies are tender enough to mash with a fork.

Step 5: Blend Until Creamy

Finally, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture to a standard blender. Blend for 2-3 minutes until your sauce reaches a perfectly smooth and creamy consistency that will impress any cheese lover.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Pour this luscious Veggie Cheese Sauce Recipe over your favorite pasta, dip crunchy veggies, or drizzle on loaded vegan nachos for a crowd-pleasing snack or meal.

How to Serve Veggie Cheese Sauce Recipe

A thick, creamy yellow cheese sauce is shown in a white bowl with a decorative edge, sitting on a white marbled surface. A triangle-shaped rice snack with a bumpy texture and light beige color is being dipped into the cheese sauce by a woman's hand, causing the sauce to drip slightly down from the snack’s tip. The cheese sauce has a smooth texture with tiny air bubbles, and the overall lighting highlights the glossy surface of the cheese and the detailed texture of the snack. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The way you finish your dish can make all the difference. Fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives add a pop of color and subtle freshness that lifts the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of smoked paprika on top can add an inviting warmth and enhance the presentation.

Side Dishes

This sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it alongside steamed broccoli, crispy roasted potatoes, or stirred into cooked quinoa to transform simple ingredients into a flavorful feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the basics and use this Veggie Cheese Sauce Recipe as a delightful topping for baked potatoes or as a base layer in a layered casserole. It also makes a fantastic dip for soft pretzels or crunchy tortilla chips, making snack time feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Veggie Cheese Sauce Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to four days, making it perfect for quick meals throughout the week.

Freezing

This sauce freezes beautifully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays to portion out. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to return it to its creamy, pourable consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the raw cashews with potatoes or white beans as suggested in the recipe. Both options maintain creaminess without using nuts, making it suitable for nut-free diets.

Is this sauce suitable for vegans?

Yes, the Veggie Cheese Sauce Recipe is completely plant-based, using nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor and no dairy products, so it’s perfect for vegans and anyone avoiding animal products.

How long does the sauce keep in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container, the sauce will stay fresh for up to four days. Give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the texture.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Definitely! While butternut squash and carrots provide great flavor and color, you can experiment with sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or even cauliflower to create your own spin on the sauce.

What can I use this sauce on besides pasta?

Think outside the usual bowl! Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, use it as a dip for chips, incorporate it into casseroles, or spread it on sandwiches for creamy richness and a nutrition boost.

Final Thoughts

This Veggie Cheese Sauce Recipe is one of those fantastic kitchen staples that feels indulgent while being packed with nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re vegan, simply curious about plant-based eating, or just looking to up your sauce game, this recipe offers a creamy, flavorful alternative to traditional cheese sauces. It’s easy, adaptable, and sure to become a favorite that you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try and see how effortlessly delicious healthy eating can be!