This Chipotle Vegan Queso is a smoky, creamy, and spicy dairy-free dip that’s perfect for nachos, tacos, or as a bold party appetizer. Made with cashews or plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, it delivers a rich, cheesy flavor with a subtle kick. Velvety smooth and packed with umami, this queso is completely plant-based, gluten-free, and irresistibly dippable. Whether served warm with tortilla chips or drizzled over your favorite dishes, it’s a must-have for any vegan comfort food lover.
Ingredients
- 2 c. raw cashews (10 oz.)
- 3 1/2 tsp. chile powder, divided
- 4 tsp. chipotle en adobo sauce, divided
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tsp. nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 1/2 c. boiling water, plus more as needed
- Kosher salt
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 c. fresh or frozen corn (thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 jalapeno, thinly sliced
- Cilantro leaves, for garrnish
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
Steps:
- Combine cashews, 2½ teaspoons of chile powder, 1 tablespoon of the chipotle sauce, garlic,
nutritional yeast, onion powder, turmeric, garlic powder, and cumin in a blender. Carefully pour the
boiling water into the carafe. Cover and blend on high until smooth, about 1 minute. Season with salt,
adding extra water a tablespoon at a time as needed to thin to a thick, queso-like consistency, blending
after each addition. Transfer the queso to a serving bowl. - Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Add corn and cook, stirring, until lightly charred, 1 to 2
minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining teaspoon of chile powder and the remaining
teaspoon of chipotle sauce. Spoon the corn over the queso, top with jalapeño and cilantro, and serve
with tortilla chips.
