Vegan Chacho Nacho Cheese
Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce
Looking for a plant-based cheese alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This Vegan Nacho Cheese is a game-changer. Made with a base of creamy baked sweet potato, it delivers a rich texture and vibrant orange hue that mimics traditional nacho cheese—without the dairy. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato pairs perfectly with bold, umami-packed ingredients like red miso paste and tamari, while full-fat coconut milk adds a silky smooth richness. A generous splash of Chacho hot sauce brings just the right kick, balanced by smoky paprika and savory garlic and onion powders. The result is a velvety, crave-worthy sauce that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
This recipe is quick to pull together once your sweet potato is baked—just blend everything until smooth and gently heat on the stovetop. It’s incredibly versatile: serve it as a dip for tortilla chips, drizzle it over fully loaded nachos, or spoon it onto burrito bowls, tacos, or roasted veggies. Whether you're vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking to shake up your snack game, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Bonus: it's totally customizable based on your spice tolerance and pantry staples. Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 15 mins
Makes: ~2 cups
Vegan Nacho Cheese Ingredients:
1 medium sweet potato (baked and skin removed)
1 cup water
½ cup full-fat coconut milk
2 tbsp red miso paste
4 tbsp Chacho hot sauce
1 tbsp tamari
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Vegan Nacho Cheese Instructions:
Cook the sweet potato:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Use a fork to poke a few holes all over the sweet potato (this helps steam escape).
Place on a baking sheet (line with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup).
Bake for 45 to 60 minutes
Blend ingredients:
In a blender, combine cooked sweet potato, water, coconut milk, miso paste, Chacho hot sauce, tamari, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika
Blend until completely smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
Warm
Transfer to a saucepan and heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently.
Enjoy!
Serve immediately as a dip for tortilla chips, drizzle over nachos, or use as a sauce for burrito bowls.
Storage:
Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of water to thin if needed.
Health and Wellness Benefits of Vegan Nacho Cheese
This Vegan Nacho Cheese recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that offer a variety of health and wellness benefits. Whether you're following a plant-based lifestyle or simply looking for wholesome alternatives to traditional comfort foods, this recipe checks all the boxes. Here’s a closer look at why every ingredient works in your favor.
Sweet Potato: A Nutrient Powerhouse
The base of this cheese sauce is baked sweet potato, a fiber-rich root vegetable known for its impressive nutrient profile. Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that your body converts into vitamin A, essential for healthy skin, vision, and immune function. They’re also a great source of potassium and vitamin C, both of which support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. Thanks to their natural sweetness and creamy texture, sweet potatoes make this sauce feel indulgent while keeping it nutritious.
Coconut Milk: Plant-Based Creaminess with Healthy Fats
Full-fat coconut milk adds a velvety texture and a dose of healthy saturated fats known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are more easily metabolized by the body and can provide a quick energy source. Coconut milk is also naturally lactose-free and rich in lauric acid, which may support immune health and promote good cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation.
Miso Paste: Gut Health and Umami Flavor
Red miso paste is a fermented ingredient that introduces a savory, umami depth to the recipe while contributing to gut health. Fermented foods like miso contain probiotics that may support a balanced microbiome, which is essential for digestion, immune function, and even mental clarity. Miso also offers small amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals like manganese, zinc, and copper.
Chacho Hot Sauce: Spice and Circulation Boost
Hot sauce, especially one like Chacho that’s made with quality chili peppers, adds more than just heat. Capsaicin, the active compound in hot peppers, has been shown to boost metabolism, reduce appetite, and promote circulation. It may also have anti-inflammatory properties that support overall cardiovascular and joint health. Plus, a little heat can elevate mood by triggering endorphin release.
Tamari: Gluten-Free Umami and Amino Acids
Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative that brings a savory depth to the cheese sauce while providing amino acids and trace minerals. Unlike conventional soy sauce, tamari is often less salty and has a richer flavor. It enhances the overall umami profile of the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.
Spices: Flavor and Function
The blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika not only adds complexity to the flavor but also supports wellness. Garlic and onion powders contain allicin and sulfur compounds known for immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits. Smoked paprika offers antioxidants like vitamin E and carotenoids, which support skin health and reduce oxidative stress.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Nacho Cheese recipe is more than a delicious alternative to dairy—it’s a feel-good, functional food that supports your wellness goals. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and free of artificial additives. Every ingredient plays a role in nourishing your body while satisfying your cravings. Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or spooning, you can feel great about what you’re eating.
Let food be your fuel—and your joy.
