My Favorite Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese

If you’re in the mood for something cheesy and oh-so-delicious, my Favorite Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese sauce recipe is here to save the day! This creamy, flavorful dip is perfect for scooping with chips, dressing up nachos, or drizzling over your favorite meals. You won’t believe it’s dairy-free—it’s packed with all the cheesy goodness you crave! Gluten-free Option.

You all know I’m a big fan of anything cheesy! These days, I try to limit my dairy intake, but chips + nacho cheese used to be my go-to for hosting, late-night snacks + everything in between. After making my Chipotle Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadilla (dairy-free!) and experimenting with my Loaded Sheet Pan Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese Fries, I finally perfected My Favorite Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese recipe—and I just had to share it with y'all!

This nacho cheese is perfect for topping Mexican dishes like nachos, drizzling over burrito bowls, using as a dip for veggies, or even adding to baked potatoes. The best part? You won’t even know it’s dairy-free—it’s just as cheesy, umami-packed, and flavorful as the real deal!

And if you love this recipe, be sure to try my Vegan Jalapeños Queso Dip next—it's definitely up there on my favorites list!

Why You Will LOVE My Favorite Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese

• Cheesy goodness without the dairy!
• Perfect for nachos, tacos, burrito bowls—you name it!
• Ultra creamy and packed with flavor.
• You won’t even miss the real thing!
• Super versatile for dipping, drizzling, or smothering.

How To Make Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese

This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes! Start by melting some vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour, chili powder, garlic powder + smoked paprika, then whisk in the milk.

Bring it to a low boil for 1-2 minutes until it thickens. Lower the heat, then gradually add in your dairy-free cheese, stirring constantly until it’s all melted and super creamy. See the recipe card below for detailed steps.

Ingredients

NACHO CHEESE SAUCE:

• Almond milk. Unsweetened. I find that using a creamier Almond milk works best; You can use your fave plant-based milk.
• Dairy-free cheddar shreds. I love Violife but feel free to use whatever is available to you.
• Dairy-free colby jack shreds. You can sub with dairy-free mozzarella, Mexican blend, etc.
• Vegan butter. Earth Balance has a great one!
• Organic all-purpose flour. This helps thicken everything up!
• Seasonings. Chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder + sea salt.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS NACHO CHEESE!

Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Ways To Serve Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese Sauce

This can seriously be used in so many ways, and it’s a staple in my kitchen! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

• As a dip! Enjoy with fresh veggies, tortilla chips, crackers or even with fries!
• Drizzle over nachos for the ultimate dairy-free snack!
• Smother your burrito bowls or tacos.
• Pour over baked potatoes for a cheesy twist.
• Add to quesadillas or sandwiches for extra creaminess.
• Use it as a sauce for pasta or mac + cheese.
• Top off your loaded fries or tater tots.
• Stir it into soups or chili for extra richness.

What Does Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese Taste Like?

• Super smooth, creamy + velvety!
• Just like the real deal—no dairy needed!
• Packed with rich, savory goodness.
• A hint of spice that’s oh-so-tasty.
• Pourable not too thick or thin!

Can I Use A Different Type Of Milk?

Absolutely! You can use whichever milk you love best. I recommend going for unsweetened options to keep the flavor just right, but cashew, coconut, oat, or soy milk would all work wonderfully, too! Each brings its own unique twist to the recipe.

Can I Make This Nacho Cheese Gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily make this nacho cheese gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour for thickening the sauce. Just ensure that any dairy-free cheese you choose is also gluten-free, and you’re all set!

Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese Sauce Q + A's

More Deliciously Dairy-free Recipes

If you are a fan of My Favorite Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese sauce recipe, you will also love these other drool-worthy dairy-free dishes!

• Dairy-Free Vanilla Funfetti Milkshake
• Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos [Dairy-Free]
• Vegan Blueberry Acai Mini Muffins 
• Creamy Vegan Cajun Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta
• Dairy-Free Carrot Cake with Chai Buttercream
• Dairy-Free Mexican Street Corn Nachos

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried My Favorite Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

My Favorite Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese

October 5, 2024 •

By Shanika

No ratings yet

If you’re in the mood for something cheesy and oh-so-delicious, my Favorite Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese is here to save the day! This creamy, flavorful dip is perfect for scooping with chips, dressing up nachos, or drizzling over your favorite meals. You won’t believe it’s dairy-free—it’s packed with all the cheesy goodness you crave!

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Serves: 8 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

NACHO CHEESE:

• 2 cups Almond milk, unsweetened (I find that using a creamier Almond milk works best; You can use your fave plant-based milk)
• 8 oz. dairy-free cheddar shreds (I love Violife)
• 1 cup dairy-free colby jack shreds (You can sub with dairy-free mozzarella, Mexican blend, etc.)
• 2 Tbsps vegan butter
• 2 Tbsps organic all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• sea salt, to taste

Instructions

TO MAKE THE NACHO CHEESE:

• Add the butter to a saucepan and melt over medium heat. Stir in the flour, chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for a few seconds, then whisk in the milk and bring to a low-boil, for about 1-2 minutes, until thickened. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and add in a handful of dairy-free cheeses, stirring constantly, before adding in another handful. Keep whisking until all dairy-free cheeses have melted and it’s smooth and creamy.
• Add salt to taste.
• To serve, add the creamy nacho cheese into a serving dish and along with your favorite tortilla chips, crackers, etc.
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

STORAGE: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When serving, reheat in a saucepan for creaminess or a few seconds in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 42kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 106mg | Potassium: 9mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 99IU | Vitamin C: 0.004mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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