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–+ servings
A chip dipping in a bowl of vegan queso

Best Vegan Queso (Ever)

The best vegan queso recipe ever, it tastes so much like the real thing! Made with potatoes, cashews, and nutritional yeast, this magical combination does not taste dairy-free, paleo, or vegan. But it is!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 2 minutes
Total: 7 minutes
Yield:12 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup boiled potato about 2 medium yellow or red potatoes, see note for strict paleo diets
  • 4 garlic cloves peeled
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ cup raw cashews soaked overnight if not using a high-speed blender like a Vitamix
  • 1 cup vegetable broth See Note if not vegan
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup coconut milk unsweetened, full fat, from a can
  • 1 4-ounce can chopped mild chiles
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 4-ounce can chopped pickled jalapeños divided and drained (reserve juice)
  • 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeno juice
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon tapioca starch Optional. For a gooier texture
  • dash turmeric Optional. For color
  • 1-2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 can tomatoes and green chiles like Rotel, drained. Optional
  • fresh cilantro chopped, if desired for garnish

Equipment Needed

Instructions

  • Combine everything except for 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños and can of tomatoes and chiles (Rotel) in a high-speed blender like a Vitamix. Including the 4-ounce can of green chiles. Start with 1 teaspoon salt. Blend until very smooth.
  • If the blender does not heat mixture, transfer to a saucepan and put on the stove over medium-low heat. Heat until desired consistency, stirring constantly so as not to burn the bottom. 
  • Taste and add extra salt if desired. Pour vegan queso into a serving bowl and stir in the 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños and drained can of Rotel if using. Garnish and serve.

Notes

If on a strict paleo diet or if you must avoid nightshade, swap the 1 cup white potato for 1 cup mashed, steamed cauliflower.
Keep leftover in an airtight container in the fridge about 5 days. When reheating, add unsweetened almond milk, if desired, to thin to desired consistency.
You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable if you're not vegan.
I use a Vitamix and love it.

Nutrition

Calories: 101cal | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 279mg | Potassium: 201mg | Total Carbs: 6g | Fiber: 1g | Net Carbs: 5g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1.9mg