Super Easy Vegan Queso Recipe
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There are many ways to make vegan queso. This yummy version is the simplest, easiest way I have found to make a delicious and comforting bowl of plant-based queso.
Whether you are plant-based or not, everyone needs a great pot of queso to enjoy on movie nights or to share at parties and holidays. This queso blanco is delicious, creamy, as thick or thin as you want it to be, and is totally adjustable to your likes and needs.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Queso
Not only does it taste great, but by omitting one ingredient, this recipe can also be used to make vegan macaroni and cheese. It has a great queso consistency and delicious flavor.
When To Serve Vegan Queso
If you or any guests you are having over are plant-based or vegan, this dip is a great option for any of these occasions:
- Game Nights
- Outdoor Picnics
- Potluck Parties
- Barbecue or Cookout
- Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
- Holiday Gatherings
- Movie Marathons
- Birthday Parties
- Graduation Parties
- Office Potlucks
What Is Vegan Queso Made Of?
There are a few ways to make vegan queso. Meaning, there are a few choices for the ingredients you use as your base to create the actual “sauce.”
- Potatoes
- Raw cashews
- Plant-based yogurt
While the first two are wonderful, they involve a lot more work. For this recipe, I chose convenience while still sticking to the principles of clean eating.
What Plant-Based Yogurt Should I Use For Queso?
You can use any plain, unflavored yogurt you like. I recommend something almond or cashew-based because coconut-based yogurt will add flavor you probably don’t want in queso. But if you do, feel free to use that too.
This is the yogurt I used.
How To Substitute Rotel
I will be the first to admit that it is super difficult to find a can of Rotel that meets clean eating standards. So if you can’t find one, you can easily make your own.
For every can of Rotel called for in any recipe, use a single, 10 oz. can of crushed or diced tomatoes (depending on how chunky you want your queso) and a 4 oz. can of diced green chilies. That said, Rotel is totally optional in the recipe. Try the dip without it before stirring it in if you are unsure of whether you want to use it or not.
What To Serve With Vegan Queso
While you can serve anything you want with queso, some suggestions are:
- Pretzels
- Corn chips
- Tortilla chips
- Vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumber, jicama)
- Crackers
- Breadsticks
- With a tortilla wrap, burrito or quesadilla
- Nachos
- Potato wedges or fries
- Pita chips
- Cauliflower florets
- Broccoli florets
- Zucchini slices or dehydrated zucchini chips
- Apples
- Pear slices
- Pretzel rods
- Mini bell peppers
Optional Additions
You can add anything you like to this. Pretty much any vegan cheese that will melt will make this thicker and cheesier. Try one or more of the following:
- Whole corn kernels
- Vegan sausage
- Vegan sharp cheddar
- Jalapeno
- Vegan pepper jack or Monterey jack
- Vegan mozzarella
- Vegan chorizo
- Finely chopped kale
- Small chunks of roasted butternut squash
- Smoked paprika for a smokier flavor
- Salsa
- Avocado chunks
- Chopped chilies
- Mustard – This will add more umami
- Cayenne
- Miso paste for umami
- Chopped poblano pepper
- Fresh cilantro
- Taco seasoning
- Cornstarch if you want to thicken this without adding vegan cheese
About The Ingredients
Plain plant-based yogurt – The best options are plain almond yogurt or plain cashew yogurt.
Nutritional yeast – No sugar added.
Garlic granules – Or garlic powder.
Rotel – This is optional. If you can’t find a can without unwanted ingredients, see the notes above for substituting Rotel.
Salt – To taste.
Plant-based milk – Use only if needed for consistency. If you skip the Rotel, you probably won’t need it at all.
How To Make Vegan Queso
Gather and measure all your ingredients.
Add all the ingredients to a pot and warm gently over low to medium heat. DO NOT LET THIS BOIL. It doesn’t need to cook. You are simply warming it up to a lukewarm temperature. Whisk or stir frequently as this warms.
Once it’s been warmed up, you can serve it. If you need to keep it warm, do so in a small, dip-size slow cooker.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe.
Reheating
Reheat this in a pot on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Never let this boil. You can also reheat this in a slow cooker meant for keeping dip warm.
More Dip Recipes
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Super Easy Vegan Queso Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Small Slow Cooker (if you want to keep it warm for a party)
Ingredients
- 16 oz. container plant-based yogurt
- ½ cup nutritional yeast (no sugar added)
- 2 tbsp. garlic granules
- 10 oz. can Rotel (optional)
- salt to taste
- ¼ cup plant-based milk (if needed)
Instructions
- Gather and measure all your ingredients.
- Add all the ingredients to a pot and warm gently over low to medium heat. DO NOT LET THIS BOIL. It doesn't need to cook. You are simply warming it up to a lukewarm temperature.16 oz. container plant-based yogurt, ½ cup nutritional yeast, 2 tbsp. garlic granules, 10 oz. can Rotel, salt
- Once it's been warmed up, you can serve it. If you need to keep it warm, do so in a small, dip-size slow cooker.
Notes
Nutrition
