Vegan Jalapeno Queso Dip

February 12, 2022

•

Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

This ooey, gooey dairy-free queso dip has just the right amount of spice - perfect for game day!

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Vegan Jalapeno Queso Dip

Vegan Jalapeños Queso Dip is the perfect snack for game day with a bit of heat, and tons of gooey, cheesy flavor (but no dairy!).

Overhead shot of a bowl of Vegan Jalapeno Queso Dip

If you're planning a Superbowl party, or really any kind of gathering, you're going to want to have this vegan queso dip on the menu. It's a total crowd-pleaser, whether you're having vegans over or not, everyone loves digging into the cheesy, flavorful dip. Indulge in the creamy delight of our Whipped Feta Pesto Dip—a fusion of tangy feta, aromatic pesto, and creamy goodness perfect for dipping or spreading.

Why You'll Love this Vegan Queso Recipe

This dip has a lot to love! It's

Full of flavor, with heat, tang and umami
Easy to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand
Super versatile for dips, spreading and drizzling over your favorite meals
Easy to make ahead for a party

Ingredients for Vegan Queso Dip

Here's what you need to make this cheese dip without any dairy:

Cashews. Make sure you're using raw, not toasted or salted, cashews.
Jalapeños. If you like less heat, remove the seeds from the pepper.
Garlic. I prefer fresh, but in a pinch you can use ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
Nutritional yeast. The secret to umami, cheesy flavor!
Apple cider vinegar. You can use white vinegar if you prefer.
Smoked paprika, chili powder, ground yellow mustard, and turmeric. These add extra heat and the signature yellow color to your queso.
Almond milk. Or any unsweetened dairy-free milk you like.

Topping Ideas for Vegan Queso

You can dress up this dip with fun toppings! I like to add chunky salsa, fresh cilantro, and more sliced jalapeños.

You could also add fresh corn, vegan shredded cheese, hot pepper flakes, or other flavorful toppings. Let me know your favorites!

What to Serve with Vegan Queso Dip

Serve this hot and creamy dip with anything that dunks! I love tortilla chips, fresh veggies, and crackers. You can also serve the dip as a sauce for burritos or tacos. Yum!

Try adding jalapeños queso dip to:

More Game Day Recipes

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you make this Vegan Jalapeños Queso Dip, be sure to Tag me @orchidsandsweettea and #orchidsandsweettea

Vegan Jalapeno Queso Dip

February 12, 2022 •

By Shanika

5 from 1 vote

This is the best dairy-free Jalapeno Queso dip for game day or any day

Prep Time: 25

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 30

Serves: servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

VEGAN QUESO:

1 cup cashews, soaked
1 jalapeño, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
⅓ cup nutritional yeast + 2 Tbsps!
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground yellow mustard
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup Almond milk (You can use your favorite plant-based milk!)

TOPPINGS:

1 cup chunky medium salsa (You can use your favorite one!)
Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Sliced jalapeños

Instructions

TO SOAK THE CASHEWS:

Add cashews to a bowl or measuring cup, cover with fresh cold water and cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temp overnight. If soaking for 3-4 hours, add cashews to measuring cup and cover with boiling water instead. Drain and rinse.

TO MAKE THE QUESO:

Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add additional salt, to taste.
NOTE: If you want a thinner consistency for the Queso, add additional milk.
You can either add the Queso to a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring it until it begins to bubble----to serve it warm or serve it immediately after it's blended.
To serve, add to a bowl and top with salsa (gently spreading it atop the Queso in a circular motion), sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro. Enjoy with your favorite tortilla chips, over nachos, burrito bowls, in quesadillas, etc.
Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

STORAGE: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When serving, either enjoy cold or heated.
MAKE AHEAD: You can make the Queso ahead of time (unheated) and store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator prior to serving. When serving, either enjoy cold or heated. Prep topping ingredients and store them in separate airtight containers until ready to assemble.