Best Ever Vegan Queso Recipe - Veggies Don't Bite (2024)

Last modified: . Originally posted: By Sophia DeSantis

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This vegan queso recipe is hands down the best dairy free version of queso ever. It's so easy to make and loved everyone!

This queso recipe reminds me of the one I get at Mexican restaurants, except it's made without the dairy so doesn't leave me feeling bloated and yuck! It uses 9 simple easy to find ingredients and a much healthier version.

Best Ever Vegan Queso Recipe - Veggies Don't Bite (1)
Best Ever Vegan Queso Recipe - Veggies Don't Bite (2)

This recipe was originally published on May 2, 2016.

If you love Mexican cheese dip you will absolutely love this vegan queso! It's a white queso easily made in a blender. If you prefer an orange Mexican cheese then try out my vegan nacho cheese sauce!

Ingredients

I brought this vegan queso blanco to a party, slipped it on the table and watched as it was devoured. No one knew it was vegan. Everyone stuffed their face and it was glorious.

With the right blend of foods, you can create the most amazingly smooth queso dip, without any cheese! My dirty little secret is the pickled jalapeño juice, it gives it that truewhite queso dip flavor:creamy, cheesy, with the jalapeño tang! Here's what you need:

  • Cooked potato
  • Roasted garlic
  • Raw cashews
  • Veggie broth
  • Unsweetened cashew milk
  • Mild chiles
  • Mild pickled jalapeños
  • Pickled jalapeño juice
  • Seasonings
Best Ever Vegan Queso Recipe - Veggies Don't Bite (3)

How to Make Vegan Queso

This queso blanco dip is incredibly easy to make. Throw it all in a blender and BOOM. Bathe worthy dip at your tongue tip.

  1. Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pulse in the extra pickled jalapeño slices for some texture .
  2. Pour into a pot and heat until thick.
  3. Serve with everything!
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Best Ever Vegan Queso Recipe - Veggies Don't Bite (5)
Best Ever Vegan Queso Recipe - Veggies Don't Bite (6)

What to Serve With Queso Blanco

As much as I'd love to eat this Mexican white cheese dip like a soup, I usually try to use some self control and pair it with other tasty foods either as a dip or topping. Here's some of my favorites:

  • Homemade Oil Free Tortilla Chips
  • Crisp veggies like celery, carrots, peppers, or jicama
  • Vegan Nachos
  • Vegan Taquitos
  • Mexican Rice
  • Pinto Beans
  • Breakfast Burritos
  • Loaded Vegan Burritos
  • Refried Bean Burrito
  • Crispy Potato Tacos
  • Soft pretzels or pretzel chips
  • Oven Baked French Fries
  • Crusty bread
  • Baked Potato
  • Vegan Scrambled Eggs
  • Mix with pasta

Preparation Tips

When making this vegan queso dip recipe over and over and over again (because you will!) make sure to keep these suggestions in mind:

  • Add in some extra flavor by mixing in some vegan chorizo, Mexican salsa, or tomatillo salsa verde.
  • If you are not using a high speed blender, you can soak the cashews overnight, boil them for 30 minutes or grind the dry cashews into a fine powder using a coffee grinder in order to help get them smooth.
  • You can boil, microwave or bake the potato but keep in mind if you boil it there will be more moisture in the potato so you will need to let the dip cook longer to thicken.
  • I used red potatoes but any starchy potato will work, just don’t use sweet ones.
  • I used a veggie broth without tomato in the base. You can sub water for the broth but the flavor will change a bit and you may need more salt.
  • This dip is best enjoyed hot, serve it in a slow cooker on low. (High will likely burn it.)

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

  • To prepare this dip ahead of time, roast the garlic, cook the potato, and soak the cashews (if needed) up to 3 days in advance.
  • This vegan queso blanco dip will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • You can also freeze for up to 3 months!
  • To reheat, take out of the freezer the night before and slowly defrost to room temp. Then heat in the microwave or stove top on low heat whisking well until the smooth creamy texture returns.
    • Sometimes freezing can change the texture, simply give it another blend in the blender and you're good to go!

Common Questions

What is vegan queso made of?

This vegan queso recipe is made from all whole food, amazing ingredients! The creaminess is a combo of potato, cashews and cashew milk, with flavor coming in from all of the other ingredients including jalapeños and jalapeño juice.

Is vegan queso healthy?

Because this dip is made from simple whole food ingredients, it is much healthier than traditional queso dip.

How do you store vegan queso?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, whisking often to get to that creamy texture.

What cheese is queso made from?

Most queso dip is made with white American cheese, but sometimes cheddar, mozzarella, or cream cheese is used as well. This queso blanco recipe avoids all of that for a healthier version!

More Vegan Mexican Recipes

If you're like our family and need Mexican food on a regular basis, you need a variety of recipes to choose from!

All of these plant based dishes are made from only whole food ingredients making them a healthy choice for your family (to learn more about how to figure out what is in those store bought varieties check out this guide on reading food labels):

  • Healthy Crunchy Taco Cups
  • Vegan Mexican Chili Cheese Dip
  • Mexican Tequila Lime Chickpea Soup
  • Vegan Enchilada Casserole
  • Cinco De Mayo Roundup

Also check out these other vegan cheese recipes:

  • 4 Ingredient Cotija Cheese
  • The Best Nacho Cheese Sauce
Best Ever Vegan Queso Recipe - Veggies Don't Bite (7)

Best Ever Vegan Queso Recipe - Veggies Don't Bite (8)

The Best Cream Vegan Queso

Sophia DeSantis

The best vegan queso recipe made with dairy free ingredients for that perfect creamy cheesy tangy flavor. It's so easy to make and loved by everyone!

4.89 from 17 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Shop Ingredients

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Calories 114 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked potato , about 1 medium sized potato (see note)
  • 4 cloves garlic , roasted (add up to 4 more for extra garlic flavor)
  • ¾ cup raw cashews , see note
  • 1 ½ cups veggie broth (use low sodium to keep the salt low)
  • 1 cup unsweetened cashew milk (almond would work too)
  • 4 ounces chopped mild chiles (one small can)
  • ½ cup jarred mild pickled jalapenos , divided
  • 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeno juice (juice from slices above)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (see note)

Shop Ingredients on Jupiter

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except for ¼ cup pickled jalapenos into a blender and blend until smooth.

  • Add last ¼ cup jalapenos and pulse until chopped. You can also just add them at the beginning but I liked the flavor of some chopped jalapenos in the dip.

  • Pour the liquid into a pot and heat over medium low heat on stove until it reduces and gets nice and thick and gooey. Depending on your stove, you may need to up the heat to get it to thicken nicely, even bring it to a boil then reduce the heat.

  • Stir frequently to prevent sticking. It took about 10 minutes for me to get the right consistency but you can make it however you prefer it. Serve hot!

  • Serve with everything!

Notes

  • Makes 3 cups. Serving is ½ cup per person
  • If you are not using a high speed blender, you can soak the cashews overnight, boil them for 30 minutes or grind the dry cashews into a fine powder using a coffee grinder (do not boil them for this method).
  • You can boil, microwave or bake the potato but keep in mind if you boil it there will be more moisture in the potato so you will need to let the dip cook longer to thicken.
  • I used red potatoes but any starchy potato will work, just don’t use sweet. It also won't work to substitute with something that is not an actual potato (such as another root vegetable).
  • I used a veggie broth without tomato in the base. You can sub water for the broth but the flavor will change a bit and you may need more salt.
  • The amount of salt needed may vary depending on the sodium in your broth.
  • If you freeze this, and you can, take out of the freezer the night before and slowly defrost to room temp. Then heat in the microwave or stove top on low heat whisking well until the smooth creamy texture returns.

Tips to prep ahead: Soak cashews if needed. Roast garlic. Boil potato.

Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 489mgPotassium: 199mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 24IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.

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Best Ever Vegan Queso Recipe - Veggies Don't Bite (9)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Janke

    Hi, I just discovered your site and I was pleasantly surprised. Didn't make anything just yet so I cannot rate your recipes –yet I can tell you that I think it looks promising!
    The only thing I scratched my head about was the 'I slipped it on the table' part in the story about the vegan queso blanco. Since we have got some severe food allergies in our household, 'slipping in' or 'slipping between' is always scary. But it might be more of a me-problem than something that you should care about. Might be good to keep in mind though.
    I guess today I'll make the Mexican coleslaw, the pic and the recipe made my mouth water already, and I haven't even begun yet. Can't wait!

    Reply

    • Sophia DeSantis

      Hi Janke! Glad to have you here! Hope you find things you love!

      Reply

  2. Jeanna

    My husbands on a business trip so I'm not motivated to cook much so I decided to make this tonight for myself and my goodness this is delicious! It has a great flavor and it's not spicy!
    I love cheese and use to have it with every meal and as a snack. I'm so happy that I can enjoy queso again and quench my dairy fix. #nomnom

    Reply

    • Sophia DeSantis

      I am so happy you liked it Jeanna! I totally get what you mean about cooking when it's just you, but I can totally take this down myself too!

      Reply

  3. Vicky

    I’ve only known things to reduce by bringing it to boil first and then turning it lower. Is this what you do?
    Thanks! Sounds yummy!

    Reply

    • veggiesdontbite

      Hi Vicky! In the directions I say that it depends on your stove. I did not need to boil it to reduce, I kept it on medium low heat and it slowly thickened. But you can also bring to a boil to thicken it. I'd caution you with this and make sure you are stirring it constantly so it doesn't stick. Hope you like it!

      Reply

  4. Hina

    Hi! I tried this queso recipe without adding potato. It was so good ,totally enjoyed in a burrito bowl & snacking with tortilla chips. Thank you ! 🙋💙

    Reply

    • veggiesdontbite

      I am so happy your liked it as you made it!!

      Reply

  5. Sarah

    This is absolutely unbelievable! So creamy and perfect, you'd never know it's vegan!

    Reply

    • veggiesdontbite

      Thanks Sarah!

      Reply

  6. Hailey

    LOVED IT!!!! is it actually an estimated 118 calories per serving? that's amazing

    Reply

    • veggiesdontbite

      SO happy you liked it Hailey! I just updated the calculation with the newest info on my plugin and it's actually 114 per serving, LOL. It has a veggie base!

      Reply

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Best Ever Vegan Queso Recipe - Veggies Don't Bite (2024)

FAQs

What can I use to thin out queso dip? ›

If you find it's getting too thick, whisk in a couple of tablespoons of whole milk to thin it. Serve it straight from the pan kept over low heat on your stove or transfer the queso to a slow cooker set on warm. Stir the queso frequently to prevent a skin from forming on the surface of the dip.

How do you thicken queso? ›

Making a slurry with cornstarch and cold milk is how you will thicken your queso. A traditional slurry is a 1:1 liquid to cornstarch ratio, but for our queso purposes I used 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of milk.

What makes queso less thick? ›

If you're into a thinner dip, add the 1 1/2 cups to start out with, and after all the cheese is incorporated, if it's still too thick for you, slowly stir in another 1/4 cup (or more) of cream until it's thin enough for you.

What is queso cheese? ›

Literally Spanish for “cheese,” as in, a quesadilla—queso typically refers to a hot cheese dip that is frequently eaten with tortilla chips. Mexican and Tex Mex restaurants often feature it on their appetizer menu, having figured out that many people enjoy eating straight cheese before, during, and after a meal.

Can you add milk to queso to make it thinner? ›

To make a thinner cheese dip, you can add more milk a little bit at a time until you reach the desired consistency. This is great scooped up with some tortilla chips, but it is also great for making nachos or burritos!

Can you add milk to queso to thin it out? ›

After making queso blanco on the stovetop, pour it into a slow cooker, and set it to WARM. This will keep it hot, smooth, and creamy through the whole party. Otherwise, just warm it up in the microwave for 30 seconds and stir generously once it starts to get cold. If need be, add some milk to thin as you heat.

What does cornstarch do to queso? ›

Cornstarch — this helps thicken the homemade queso, making it perfect for dipping! Evaporated milk — make sure to buy evaporated milk and not sweetened condensed milk. The two cans look similar but are different.

Does milk make queso thicker? ›

Adjust the consistency: When first prepared, the sauce will be slightly thin. This is to allow the queso to thicken properly as it cools. If you find your queso is too thick, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

What can I add to queso to make it more liquidy? ›

If the dip is too thick, add more milk; if it's too thin, add more cheese.

How do you thicken queso without cornstarch? ›

Use Flour and Water

Combine 2 tablespoons flour with every 1/4 cup cold water and whisk until smooth. Add the mixture to your sauce over medium heat, and continue to stir and cook until you've reached your desired consistency. Test with a spoon.

How do you keep cheese dip creamy? ›

That said, for the meltiest, creamiest queso, use some American cheese. Why? American cheese has emulsifiers added that makes sure that as it melts (or is reheated), it stays creamy and melty. You can use the slices or go to the deli counter and ask for a slab off of the big block of American cheese.

Why is my queso rubbery? ›

If you melt the cheese any longer than is necessary, it can result in a rubbery consistency and negatively impact the flavor. Cheese sauces are phenomenal for a variety of purposes, including pouring over nachos, using as a dip for crackers and fresh veggies and as a topping on pasta or chicken.

What do Mexicans call queso? ›

Queso is a Spanish word that translates to “cheese” in English. However, when people refer to “queso” in the context of food, they are usually talking about a type of melted cheese dip that is commonly enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, particularly in Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisines.

What is Mexican restaurant queso made of? ›

White melting cheese, such as white American cheese, Monterey Jack, or Asadero. Milk or heavy cream. Diced green chilies or jalapeños (optional) Onions, garlic, or other seasonings (optional)

Is Velveeta queso Real cheese? ›

Velveeta may look like cheese, smell like cheese, and even taste like cheese, but it is technically classified as a “pasteurized process cheese product.” Though Velveeta was originally made from real cheese (sure it was runoff, but still), it is now mainly whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, milk, fat, ...

How do you make queso dip more liquidy? ›

For a runnier dip, add up to ½ cup water with the cheese and milk. For a thicker and creamier dip, use 1 cup half and half instead of the milk and water. If after 5 minutes in the microwave your cheese is not all melted, give it an additional 30 seconds and stir again. Repeat until melted, up to 1 additional minute.

How do you keep queso runny? ›

Cheese sauce can be kept from congealing by applying enough heat to keep it semi-liquid but not enough to scorch it or dry it out. A candle or an electric heat source can be used for this. A fondue pot is one type of vessel commonly used for the process.

Can you use water to thin cheese dip? ›

In a medium size pan or pot, add the cubed cheese, Rotel (do not drain), chili powder, cayenne, and a little salt and pepper. Melt on low heat, stirring occasionally. Once melted, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to thin slightly.

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