Cashew queso is a rich and creamy vegan dip that is bursting with cheesy flavor. Ready in 10 minutes, it's gluten-free, dairy-free, and, meal prep friendly.
Next time you're serving up appetizers, whip up a batch of this cashew queso, along with some roasted red pepper dip, and our favorite 5 minute black bean hummus for a feast of vegan dips and snacks!
Cashew queso is our new favorite vegan meal prep snack! Serve it warm or cold as a delicious appetizer with chips and a side of salsa. No one will guess that it's dairy-free and packed with healthy ingredients.
Made with cashews, nutritional yeast, and smoky spices - this vegan alternative is a more wholesome swap for store-bought queso dips that are made with processed cheese and stabilizers. Plus, it's a tasty snack that the whole family will enjoy!
Reasons you'll love this recipe
- the creamy, cheesy flavor is incredible - yet it's completely dairy-free
- you can make extra and store it away in the freezer for meal prep
- it's packed with plant-based protein and healthy fats
recipe video
Watch the video below to see how to prep this cashew queso! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel.
ingredient notes
- Raw cashews - this recipe calls for raw cashews; they yield a smooth and neutral flavor base for this dip. We have not tested with roasted cashews or alternative nuts, though raw almonds might work as an alternative
- Nutritional yeast - nutritional yeast adds delicious cheesy flavor, and can be found in the natural foods section of the grocery store.
- Paprika- while regular paprika was used in the recipe pictured above, smoked paprika could add extra depth of flavor
- Chili powder - refers to the paprika-based spice blend and is not to be confused with pure powdered chillies.
Step by step directions
soak
Soak cashews in boiling water for 5 min.
Blend
Add the soaked cashews plus liquid to the blender with the nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Blend for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides halfway through.
Tip - you'll need a high powered blender; food processor has not been tested
Serve
Top with chopped tomatoes and cilantro, and serve with tortilla chips or crackers.
Flavor option - want to try a different variation of this cashew queso? Add in a can of green chiles and diced tomatoes for extra flavor! We prefer the smooth texture without the green chilies and tomatoes, but it can be a tasty variation.
FAQ
We wouldn't recommend substituting or swapping the nutritional yeast, as it is a key ingredient for adding that delicious cheesy flavor to this vegan recipe.
Though higher in calories and total fat than cheese, cashews are high in healthy unsaturated fats and lower in saturated fats. If you are looking to lower your intake of saturated fats and dietary cholesterol, then yes this recipe is a healthier alternative (and tastes great too)! (1, 2)
It's rich, luxurious, creamy, and similar in both flavor and texture to cheese queso. While not "traditional", it's a slightly lighter alternative that stores well for meal prep and tastes cheesy thanks to the nutritional yeast and creamy cashew combination.
Storage + Meal Prep
This cashew queso can be prepped ahead for easy snacks, and stores really well in the fridge or freezer:
- Fridge - store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days
- Freeze - in an airtight container for up to 3 months
- Thaw - completely in the fridge overnight
- Reheat - in the microwave if desired, or serve chilled
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
10 Minute Cashew 'Queso'
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews 154 g; see note 1
- 1 cup boiling water
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast see note 2
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
To serve
- fresh tomatoes
- cilantro
- chips or crackers for dipping
Instructions
- Soak- Soak cashews in boiling water for 5 min.
- Blend- Add the soaked cashews plus liquid to the blender with the nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder and onion powder. Blend for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides halfway through.
- Serve- Top with chopped tomatoes and cilantro, and serve with tortilla chips or crackers.
Tips:
- this recipe calls for raw cashews; we have not tested with roasted cashews or alternative nuts, though raw almonds might work as an alternative
- nutritional yeast is found in the natural foods section of the grocery store
- nutritional information is for ⅛ of the batch
- Fridge - store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days
- Freeze - in an airtight container for up to 3 months
- Thaw - completely in the fridge overnight
- Reheat - in the microwave if desired, or serve chilled
Video
Nutrition Information
© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Cathy Thelen says
What is the brand of chips / crackers in the photo? They look good.
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Cathy, here's the link, the brand is "food should taste good" 🙂 Enjoy!