Vegan Queso (Dairy Free Queso Recipe) - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Vegan Queso (Dairy Free Queso Recipe) - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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Vegan Queso is my newest obsession! This dairy free queso recipe is made with cashews, nutritional yeast, spicy tomatoes, and more. It tastes just like the real deal– you have to try it to believe it! On day’s when dairy just isn’t agreeing with me, but I still want that “cheese” dip, this is the recipe I turn to.

Vegan Queso (Dairy Free Queso Recipe) - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

What’s in This Vegan Queso Recipe?

I know it seems a bit strange for us to post a dairy free queso recipe. I’m all about the cheese, and you guys are well aware. But I wanted to prove that dairy free recipes don’t have to be hard or lacking flavor. This vegan queso is proof that we can have your cake and eat it too.

  • Raw Cashews: These nuts have a mild flavor and blend up dense and creamy. Get unsalted, raw cashews if possible (if not, use less salt in the recipe). They need to be soaked for a minimum of 5 hours in order to create the stretchy queso consistency.
  • Nutritional Yeast: This is the magic ingredient that adds the nutty, cheesy flavor to our queso. We love Bob’s Red Mill for all things vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, but any brand will work.
  • Almond Milk: We’re partial to unsweetened almond milk for its nutty flavor, but cashew, soy, or oat milk will also work well. Avoid coconut milk, as it tends to add coconut flavor which really doesn’t work in this recipe.
  • Coarse Sea Salt: The larger flakes of salt really enhance the cheesy flavor of this dip. If using kosher or table salt, cut the salt amount in half.
  • Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds a pop of freshness and balancing acidity to this creamy dip. We recommend fresh whenever possible, but bottled will also work since we’re using so little of it.
  • Chili Powder: Adds smokiness and heat to this dip. Add more or less to taste.
  • Cilantro: Adds freshness and a peppery flavor to the dip. If you’re a cilantro-tastes-like-soap person, omit or swap in fresh parsley.
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Turns this dip into more of a vegan Rotel dip. You can definitely omit if you prefer, but we like the freshness, spiciness, and dimension it adds. Make sure to drain out the liquid so the dip doesn’t turn runny.

Variations on Dairy Free Queso

While we feel that cashews produce the creamiest vegan queso, other nuts and seeds can work in this recipe. Macadamia nuts are the best substitute, closely followed by blanched almonds and then sunflower seeds.

All will need to soak like the cashews to soften them up before blending. Just keep in mind that each of these substitutes has a unique and less mild flavor than cashews that will impact the final flavor of the dish.

Vegan Queso (Dairy Free Queso Recipe) - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

Vegan Queso (Dairy Free Queso Recipe) - The Cookie Rookie® (4)

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How to Store and Reheat

If you have any leftover queso, pour it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of almond milk and heat in the microwave in 15-30 second increments, stirring between each increment to make sure it’s fully heated through.

We do not recommend freezing dairy free queso because it will be too grainy when thawed and reheated.

How to Keep Warm

It’s normal for queso to harden as it cools, so stir regularly and keep it warm while serving. We like to serve it out of a Crockpot at parties for this reason.

After making vegan queso on the stovetop, pour it into a slow cooker, and set it to “warm”. This will keep it hot, smooth, and creamy throughout the whole party.

Vegan Queso (Dairy Free Queso Recipe) - The Cookie Rookie® (5)

Serving Suggestions

This vegan queso pairs wonderfully with classictortilla chips. For something different, try our homemade wonton chips or blistered sweet peppers.

But don’t stop there! Dip in some vegetarian taquitos, avocado egg rolls, or air fryer potato wedges for a satisfying snack.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

In a pinch, soaking the cashews in boiling water for just 15 minutes will help them soften enough to blend, though we found the queso had the best and creamiest texture when the nuts were soaked overnight. Don’t forget to drain off the soaking liquid before adding the nuts to the blender.

Recipe

Vegan Queso – Dairy Free Queso Recipe

4.85 from 13 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 15 minutes minutes

Total: 20 minutes minutes

Vegan Queso (Dairy Free Queso Recipe) - The Cookie Rookie® (6)

Serves6

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This Vegan Queso will blow your mind! Who knew a dairy-free queso dip could be SO creamy and taste so cheesy?

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups raw, unsalted cashews soaked in water for 5-24 hrs and drained
  • cup Bob's Red Mill Nutritional Yeast
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro plus more for garnish
  • 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chiles drained (1 can)

Instructions

  • Important Note: Make sure to soak the cashews for at least 5 hours or up to overnight before starting this recipe. Soaking the cashews helps give this queso its signature cheesy texture.

  • Place all the ingredients except the tomatoes in a food processor or high-powered blender. Blend on high until fully smooth. You may need to stop the food processor and stir a few times to get the right consistency.

    2 cups raw, unsalted cashews, ⅓ cup Bob's Red Mill Nutritional Yeast, ½ cup unsweetened almond milk, 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • Transfer the mixture to a small skillet or saucepan and stir in the can tomatoes.

    10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chiles

  • Heat over medium/low heat, stirring occasionally, until the "queso" is warm to your liking. Be careful to not burn the edges. You can also eat this cold, but we love how it tastes heated up.

  • Garnish with more cilantro and serve with your favorite chips.

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 259kcal (13%) Carbohydrates: 16g (5%) Protein: 10g (20%) Fat: 19g (29%) Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g Monounsaturated Fat: 10g Sodium: 815mg (35%) Potassium: 431mg (12%) Fiber: 3g (13%) Sugar: 4g (4%) Vitamin A: 151IU (3%) Vitamin C: 6mg (7%) Calcium: 57mg (6%) Iron: 4mg (22%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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Can I use a vegan cheese substitute?

To be honest, we haven’t tried! This recipe really relies on non-traditional ingredients, so we’d recommend subbing a vegan cheese into our regular queso recipe for better results.

Why is my vegan queso grainy?

If your dairy free queso ends up grainy, the problem is usually overcooking. Take care not to overheat the queso once it’s on the stove.

How do you thicken vegan queso?

This dip should be plenty thick on its own, but if you’d like it a little thicker, mix together a tablespoon or two of almond milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch, and stir it into the warm dip on the stove until thick.

Can I make vegan queso in the crockpot?

Sure! Simply pour the blended queso dip into a crockpot set over “low” and stir until everything is warmed through and melty.

More Queso Recipes To Try

  • Crockpot Queso
  • Velveeta Queso
  • Healthy Queso
  • Instant Pot Queso

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Vegan Queso (Dairy Free Queso Recipe) - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

Vegan Queso (Dairy Free Queso Recipe) - The Cookie Rookie®? ›

Dairy-free products are typically plant-based and suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Dairy-free cheeses are made nutritious plant-based ingredients. Lactose-free products cater specifically to individuals with lactose intolerance, allowing them to enjoy dairy without discomfort.

Is lactose free cheese the same as vegan cheese? ›

Dairy-free products are typically plant-based and suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Dairy-free cheeses are made nutritious plant-based ingredients. Lactose-free products cater specifically to individuals with lactose intolerance, allowing them to enjoy dairy without discomfort.

Is there lactose free queso? ›

When we decided to create a dairy-free queso, we knew we had to get it right! With high-quality ingredients, our almond-veggie dip provides an incredible, cheesy flavor profile that would make any cheese head proud. Experience "cheesy" goodness in this creamy almond-veggie dip, whipped and delicious, with less fat.

What is dairy-free cheese made of? ›

Vegan cheeses are 100% animal-free and made using vegetable proteins. Usually, they're made from soy; nuts, such as cashews and macadamias; and vegetable oils, such as coconut oil. You can also find cheeses that derive from agar, tapioca, peas and arrowroot.

How to thin queso? ›

Add milk to thin to desired consistency. Crockpot: transfer dip to crock pot and cook on low for 30-60 minutes, depending on how much White Queso Dip is left, stirring a couple of times throughout the reheating process. If your dip feels too thick, add additional milk to thin to desired consistency.

Can you eat vegan cheese if you're lactose intolerant? ›

Is vegan cheese lactose-free? Yes, vegan cheese is completely plant-based and does not contain the lactase enzyme, making it suitable and a great alternative for any with lactose intolerance.

Which fruit is good for lactose intolerance? ›

Many foods can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, lactose-free diet, including: Fruits: apples, oranges, berries, peaches, plums, grapes, pineapples, mangoes. Vegetables: onions, garlic, broccoli, kale, spinach, arugula, collard greens, zucchini, carrots.

Can you eat queso if you're lactose intolerant? ›

Yes, you can eat cheese without destroying your insides. ATTENTION ALL LACTOSE INTOLERANT PEOPLE: YOU CAN EAT CHEESE! A lot of people who are lactose intolerant think that they cannot eat cheese, but that is 𝙛𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙨. Even if ice cream destroys your insides, you can still comfortably indulge in cheese on the regs.

Is Velveeta OK for lactose intolerant? ›

Some of the best cheeses for lactose intolerance are muenster, brie, camembert, and gouda. Cheddar cheese, parmesan, and provolone are also relatively low in lactose. However, Velveeta, feta, ricotta, and American cheese are among the worst for lactose intolerance.

What cheese is fine for lactose intolerance? ›

Hard, aged cheeses like Swiss, parmesan, and cheddars are lower in lactose. Other low-lactose cheese options include cottage cheese or feta cheese made from goat or sheep's milk.

What cheese is naturally dairy-free? ›

Hard cheeses such as cheddar, colby, Swiss, mozzarella and Monterey Jack “are virtually lactose-free,” Cifelli explains. Additionally aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano are virtually lactose free. At less than 1 mg lactose per 100 grams even the Italian Ministry of Health allows it to be labeled as such.

Is Philadelphia cream cheese vegan? ›

Traditional Philadelphia cream cheese is made with milk and cream, which, of course, are products of the dairy industry. But in 2022, Philadelphia announced that, for the first time ever, it was launching a plant-based version of its iconic cream cheese in the US, and the game was permanently changed.

Is vegan cheese anti-inflammatory? ›

The dietary fiber and polyphenols in whole plant foods are known to reduce gut inflammation, so a plant-based diet based on whole foods that includes moderate amounts of vegan cheese will likely be overwhelmingly anti-inflammatory.

What does cornstarch do to queso? ›

For a cheese dip or sauce, the addition of cornstarch serves a similar function: Starch molecules absorb water and expand, not only thickening the liquid phase of the sauce, but also physically preventing the proteins from binding into long, tangled strands and the fats from separating out and pooling.

What can I use to thicken queso? ›

Making a slurry with cornstarch and cold milk is how you will thicken your queso. A traditional slurry is a 1:1 liquid to cornstarch ratio, but for our queso purposes I used 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of milk.

Why is my homemade queso chunky? ›

If you add the milk too quickly, use cold milk or simply don't whisk fast enough, you could get lumps in your sauce as bits of roux will cook and turn into small balls before they've had a chance to be smoothly blended into the milk.

What is the difference between vegan and lactose free? ›

Lactose-free dairy isn't vegan. Foods labeled as “lactose-free,” which are still made from real dairy, have enzymes added to them to break down the lactose so your body doesn't have to. This means lactose-free milk still has milk in it. As a result, it's not a vegan option.

Can you be intolerant to vegan cheese? ›

Sometimes it is easy to tell that a product is not suitable for certain allergy sufferers: Vegan cashew cheese, for example, is unsuitable for people with nut allergies, and those who suffer from gluten intolerance have to be careful with oat milk.

What kind of cheese is lactose free? ›

Hard cheeses such as cheddar, colby, Swiss, mozzarella and Monterey Jack “are virtually lactose-free,” Cifelli explains. Additionally aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano are virtually lactose free. At less than 1 mg lactose per 100 grams even the Italian Ministry of Health allows it to be labeled as such.

What cheese can I substitute for lactose intolerant? ›

You can use hemp, rice, reduced lactose, lactose-free, or soy cheese in recipes to replace cheese. There is a wide variety of diary-free ice creams and frozen yogurts made from soy, rice, hemp, coconut, and lactose-free milks. Sorbet, made from fruit, sugar, and water, is another option.

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