It’s perfectly possible to make a smooth, creamy cheese sauce with natural ingredients and without dairy. A strong statement, I know… but I speak the truth.
In addition to veggies, it’s also great to stir into zucchini noodle pasta, sprouted quinoa, rice, or even pour directly over crunchy tortilla chips for a little homemade nacho action!
The nutritional yeast is the key ingredient here to give it that cheesy flavor. So my recommendation is to get a really good quality nutritional yeast.
I prefer Red Star brand and trust me, I have tried several other brands, and the flavor just doesn’t measure up. Nutritional yeast is rich in vitamins, especially the B-complex vitamins.
I made this “cheese” sauce today, and my husband was moaning with each bite. (happy moans, I should clarify hehe). He stood at the counter and scooped up the cheese dip with some Chili Corn Crackers that I had just pulled out of the dehydrator. Perfect combo.
If you don’t care for heat in your foods, you can easily omit the crushed dried pepper, and it will still taste amazing. I have made this recipe countless times, and one thing I noticed was that you could alter the color of the sauce depending on what color of bell pepper you use. In the photo posted here, I used an orange bell pepper because that was all I had but to a more orange color, you will need to use a red bell pepper. The color really doesn’t alter the flavor.
I call this Touchdown Spicy Cheese Dip because it reminds me of the perfect cheese dip to serve during the Superbowl and the other 364 days in between. I do hope you give this simple recipe a try and please comment below if you do. Have a blessed day, amie sue.
How long will the dip keep?
Hayden, safely, about 3-5 days. Keep it in a sealed container.
Can xanthan gum be used instead of Irish moss?
Debbie,
I haven’t tried myself, so I can promise the outcome… it should work but it will an experiment. This is how it is recommended to be used:
Mix 1/8 tsp xanthan gum for each cup of liquid in your recipe. First, dissolve the xanthan gum in a little bit of water (or other liquid if your recipe does not call for water) and then mix it in with the larger batch. Do not try to mix it by hand, as it will “gum” almost instantly and form clumps. It must be in motion from the moment it is incorporated into the liquid.
If it were me, I would use ground chia seeds to stay more natural and healthier. I would grind about 2 Tbsp worth nice and fine and add it to the cheese sauce. Good luck and let me know if you try any of these. amie sue
Where does the recipe call for Irish moss?
I don’t know what you are talking about Robin. amie sue
Irish Moss?
Please clarify Maureen, I don’t know what you are asking. amie sue
Thank you!
Hello again,
Matter of fact I love your blog.. It is possible to use tofu instead of one cup raw cashews for touchdown spicy cheese dip?
I would think so Elzbiea. I don’t every use tofu since I have to stay away from soy so I am not really familiar with working with it. Worth a try though. amie sue
I saw a recipe once using butternut squash as a base for a cheese dip but the butternut squash with baked I think butternut squash would be a good replacement for tofu if one was eating this recipe cooked
Oh yes Hollie, butternut squash has a nice creamy texture when blended… would be a great alternative. Thanks for sharing. Blessings, amie sue
I just had to say how spectacular your site is! My goodness! I’m raving about it to my husband! =D I’ve been eating completely raw for the month of February. I was searching for some fresh and delicious ideas when I came across your beautiful site. Thank yo so much for sharing such remarkable recipes and information!
Oh thank you Jennifer… I appreciate your kind words! I hope that you find great encouragement through my site. If you have any questions, never hesitate to ask. I do my best to respond as soon as I can. Many blessing on your journey… amie sue
Hello Amie-Sue! thank you SO much for all of your delicious recipes… absolutely LOVE :) this spicy cheese dip – quite simply, incredibly delicious!! I made this exactly per your recipe and it turned out *purrrfect*.
Just FYI, I served it on my “Almost Raw Tacos”: Canned Trader Joe’s non-fat refried beans (had these hanging around for emergency provisions, but normally I make my own from scratch – great in a pinch when inspiration hits!); a lettuce/greens mix of romaine, kale, and arugula; folded within a corn tortilla brushed with olive oil and gently warmed in the oven until nicely pliable (I used Trader Joe’s Corn Tortillas as they are white corn and do not have any additives). Then I added slices of avocado, some sliced black olives, and my own fresh/raw salsa. THEN, to top it all off: your awesome spicy cheese dip & voila! a quick and scrumptious meal!
Well darn you Adaria! You got my stomach grumbling! haha That sounds deeeeliiiicious! Thank you for sharing… now I have to go to bed hungry hehe. Many blessings, amie sue
I had this dip at a branding meeting yesterday for Mrs. Green’s World. It blew me away. So spicy and wonderful. I’ve been struggling with fun, healthy snack items to compliment my nutritarian diet. This was absolutely perfect! And the crackers were AMAZING
I had this dip yesterday at a branding meeting for Mrs. Green’s World. It was absolutely fantastic! Great compliment to my sometimes uneventful nutritarian diet. Thanks, Amie Sue! And the crackers were divine!
Thank you Bonnie…. so glad that you enjoyed it!! It was such an honor and blessing to make some raw treats for you all. Have a blessed day, amie sue
Oh my… wow! This recipe is to die for!! Thanks!! :-)
Awesome Misty! Thanks for sharing this with me. Enjoy! :)
I have made that several times and for Super Bowl. It is yummy!
BJ
I was told to bottle and sell it a few nights ago when I made it again. It is always a crowd pleasure, I just need to remember to make it more often. :) So nice to hear from you BJ, I hope all is well. Have a blessed and relaxing evening, amie sue
This sounds soooo yummy! My husband can’t wait to try it! And we like your site sooo much. It’s awsome! May God bless you :) Many greetings from Croatia (see: Adriatic sea, Europe)!
This cheese is always a hit when I make it. Can’t wait to hear what you two think of it. It always amazes me how we can all connect from all corners of the world! Thanks for commenting and keep in touch, amie sue
Hey, it’s absolutely great! My husband can not wait for another time :) And our two-years-old son likes it,too!
That is wonderful Bambina. Thank you so much for sharing this with me. Many blessings, amie sue
This was indeed a delicious cheese sauce! I agree with many of the comments above. Your website and recipes are just a cut above the rest. Its so obvious how much time you put into this! Blessings.
Thank you Candace, I really appreciate that you shared that with me. :) So happy that you enjoyed the cheese sauce. Have a glorious weekend! amie sue
Hi, i was wondering if the soaked cashews (and flour) and almonds could be substituted in all of your recipes. I cant use nuts or seeds. Thanks :)
Hello Kellie,
It all depends on the recipes. Different substituions would require some experimentation as they will offer different flavors and textures to a recipe. Have a great weekend, amie sue
Touchdown! She’s a winner! From now on I’m listening up when there’s a comment that Bob likes one of the recipes!
So versatile, and I also love that it looks different depending on whether I use red, yellow or orange peppers. Soon I will need to work on those crackers that match well with it. It is satisfying to have this easy to make recipe under my belt, and if I make it for guests it will keep people guessing as to what’s in it (unless they are already familiar with the cheezy kale chips).
lol Judy… all my recipes have to pass Bob’s taste testing… as well as a few others. :) But so glad that you love this cheese dip. It is a keeper in our household too. I always make when we have gatherings at the house. It blows the minds of those who swear they can’t live without dairy. hehe
Enjoy and eat up. Blessings, amie sue
P.S. thanks for sharing, I love hearing from those who visit the site and specially when recipes are tried.
TOUCHDOWN for sure! I don’t miss the dairy cheese at all. I made this a few days ago and just enjoyed eating some more. This was so easy to make too. Thanks Amie Sue
lol Newu, I love this cheese sauce too. I always make this for any gathering. Whether my attendees are raw or not, everyone always loves it. Thanks for the feedback. Have a wonderful day, amie sue
Hi Amie Sue, do you have any ideas for substituting the Nutritional Yeast in recipes? Thanks
Good morning Opalwave, there really isn’t anything in the raw vegan world. It offers up that “cheesy flavor” that we are looking for. Are you allergic to it?
A few other options would use a little garlic, lemon, and even some spring onion to make up a slightly different but enjoyable flavor. Miso can give a recipe a little tang as well. Again the flavors will differ but can add that slight “cheesy tang” you are seeking.
blessings, amie sue
Thanks Amie Sue, those ideas sound great :-)
Oh, and we avoid nutritional yeast for health reasons.
You bet Opalwave. Let me know which route you go and how it turned out for you. blessings, amie sue
I made this sauce! Oh my goodness! It was so incredibly delicious that I just wanted to eat all of the sauce as “soup,” in one gulp. I had to stop myself from devouring it all immediately so I could have it with the rest of the nachos ra-chos ingredients. Thank you so much!
Good morning Azna,
I can totally relate. haha We LOVE this “cheese” dip as well. You can use it in so many delicious ways. Thank you for leaving a comment, sharing your experience. It means a lot. Have a blessed day, amie sue
Hi Amie-Sue, I hope you and your lovely family are well. Missing seeing you and your posts on Facebook :(
I have a favour to ask. I know we’ve had this conversation before in the past about some of your recipes, but I don’t like to take liberties and assume that covers all, so here’s my request: I’m just editing our latest Herbal journal for my Herbal Association and wondered if I could add your recipe for the Touchdown Spicy Cheese Dip? Obviously you would be credited and your website would be shown. I’m looking for quick and simple summer recipes, ideal for entertaining, and this one looks perfect. Thank you (hopefully!)
Hello Kelly,
Sooooo wonderful to hear from you! If you are still on FB, look me up – https://www.facebook.com/amie.oldfather. I would love to stay in contact. :)
And to answer your question, the answer is YES :) You are more than welcome to share it. Thank you for thinking of me. I hope all is well on your side of the pond. Many blessings, amie sue