Dessert

Spicy Smoky Vegan Cheese Dip Recipe

Name: Spicy Smoky Vegan Cheese Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: ¾ cup peeled and diced Yukon Gold potato; ¾ cup peeled and diced sweet potato; 2 garlic cloves; ¼ cup raw cashews; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus more for cooking the potatoes); ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; ¼ cup water; ½ to 1 chipotle pepper from a can of chipotles in adobo sauce (optional for spicy flavor); 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeños (optional for spicy flavor); ¼ to ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)

ByElena Hart November 16, 2025November 16, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This creamy vegan cheese is a delicious, dairy-free alternative that’s perfect for dipping or adding to your favorite dishes. Made from simple ingredients like potatoes, cashews, and nutritional yeast, it’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to whip up in no time.

The image shows a clear glass bowl placed on a white marbled surface. A thick, smooth, bright yellow sauce is being poured in a spiral shape from a clear blender jar into the bowl below. To the left, there are several golden-yellow, triangular tortilla chips scattered on the marble surface. Next to the bowl on the right, a folded blue and white striped cloth napkin lies flat. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing the pouring motion and the bowl's contents. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¾ cup peeled and diced Yukon Gold potato
¾ cup peeled and diced sweet potato

2 garlic cloves
¼ cup raw cashews

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon sea salt (plus more for cooking the potatoes)
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

¼ cup water
½ to 1 chipotle pepper from a can of chipotles in adobo sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon pickled jalapeños (optional)

¼ to ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes in a saucepan and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Add a few pinches of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 8 to 12 minutes.
Step 2: Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a high-speed blender along with the garlic, cashews, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, onion powder, salt, olive oil, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: For a spicy kick, add the chipotle pepper or pickled jalapeños to the blender. To add smoky flavor, blend in the smoked paprika. Adjust quantities to taste.
Step 4: Serve the vegan cheese warm as a dip with tortilla chips or use it as a sauce over pasta to create a comforting vegan mac & cheese.

Tips & Variations

Soak the cashews in hot water for 15 minutes beforehand for an even creamier texture.

Swap chipotle peppers for smoked chipotle powder if you prefer less moisture.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness if apple cider vinegar is too tangy.
For a thicker cheese, reduce the water slightly or add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast.

Storage

Store vegan cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring to maintain smoothness. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen the texture before serving.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl is filled halfway with smooth, thick, golden-yellow cheese sauce, with more of the sauce pouring into it from a clear blender jar held at an angle above it, creating a flowing, creamy stream. The cheese sauce has a shiny, velvety texture with a warm yellow color. To the left of the bowl, several crispy, triangular tortilla chips are slightly visible, and to the right, part of a blue and white striped cloth is placed. All items rest on a white marbled surface with a soft focus neutral background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes instead of Yukon Gold and sweet potato?

Yes, you can substitute with other waxy potatoes like red potatoes for a similar texture. Avoid starchy potatoes like russets as they may result in a grainier cheese.

Is this recipe nut-free?

This recipe uses cashews for creaminess, but you can try substituting sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds soaked beforehand if you need a nut-free option, though the texture may vary slightly.