• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Natural Nurturer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Home
  • Info
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Recipes by Type
      • Breakfast
        • Muffins
        • Oatmeal
        • Pancakes & Waffles
      • Desserts
      • Dinner
      • Dips, Sauces & Spreads
      • How To
      • Salads
      • Side Dishes
      • Smoothies & Drinks
      • Snacks
      • Soups
    • Recipes by Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Grain Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Paleo
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
    • Recipes by Cooking Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Instant Pot
      • Meal Prep
      • No Cook
      • Roasted
      • Slow Cooker
    • Recipe Search
    • Recipe Index
    • Recipe Stories
  • Shop
    • Ebooks and Meal Plans
    • Recommended Products
  • Blog
    • Food For Thought
Home » Recipes » Dinner » Butternut Squash Vegan Cheese Sauce

Butternut Squash Vegan Cheese Sauce

By Taesha Butler January 21, 2020 (Updated January 13, 2023) 36 Comments

Servings4 servings
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Jump to Recipe
5 from 11 votes

A good, creamy cheese sauce makes pretty much everything better. And this Butternut Squash Vegan Cheese Sauce is pure magic! Drizzle it over veggies, baked potato or pasta. Use it to make a batch of healthy nachos or just dunk your favorite tortilla chips in it! However you use it, keep a batch on hand for adding a little vegan, cheese-y goodness to every meal.

a bowl of vegan cheese sauce with a hand dipping broccoli in it

I have been making this sauce for years. And years. And years.

It is actually the base of my silly, delicious Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese that was one of my first veggie-loaded recipes. However, many people shared with me that it is their favorite vegan cheese sauce recipe and use it for so many other dishes that it totally needed a post all its own, highlighting its cheesy wonderfulness.

How does that vegan cheese sauce taste cheesy without dairy?

Nutritional yeast! The nutritional yeast in this recipe gives the vegan cheese sauce that lovely, earthy taste that a traditional cheese sauce has. It is also high in B-12, which is something important to make sure to add to a vegan diet.

On top of being good for you, when you combine nutritional yeast with the natural sweetness of butternut squash, a little garlic and a few other real food ingredients, you have a next-to-the-real-deal vegan cheese sauce that will rock your socks and is so family friendly.

A pot of butternut squash and cashews with water being poured on it

Ways to enjoy this Butternut Squash Vegan Cheese Sauce

Cheese sauce is a classic comfort food staple for adding a little pizzazz to all kinds of foods. So use this vegan version in any way you love to use traditional cheese sauce. Some of my favorite ways are:

  • add to cooked pasta for an easy vegan mac and cheese
  • drizzle over roasted broccoli
  • drizzle over roasted cauliflower
  • as a dipping sauce for roasted Brussels sprouts
  • with my favorite tortilla chips
  • as part of homemade nachos
  • in tacos

Tips for making Butternut Squash Vegan Cheese Sauce

  • For a little extra punch of flavor, sub vegetable broth for the water.
  • Use a high-speed blender or food processor. If you love the smooth, creamy texture of regular cheese sauce, the high speed blender/food processor is a must. It really makes such a difference. If you don’t have a high-speed one, this sauce will still come out delicious but won’t be as smooth as it is pictured here.
  • Make it your own. We all have a different palate with different preferences. So as much as I love this sauce as is, I encourage you to make it magical for you. After you blend it up, taste and adjust the flavors as needed…blending again.

Other butternut squash recipes you are going to love…

  • Instant Pot Black Bean & Butternut Squash Soup
  • Sunrise Butternut Squash Smoothie
  • How to cook butternut squash (6 ways!)
  • Slow Cooker Butternut Squash + Apple Soup
Print Recipe
5 from 11 votes

Butternut Squash Vegan Cheese Sauce

A good, creamy cheese sauce makes pretty much everything better. And this Butternut Squash Vegan Cheese Sauce is pure magic! Drizzle it over veggies, baked potato or pasta. Use it to make a batch of healthy nachos or just dunk your favorite tortilla chips in it! However you use it, keep a batch on hand for adding a little vegan, cheese-y goodness to every meal.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dairy-free cheese sauce, healthy cheese sauce, Paleo cheese sauce, vegan cheese sauce
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 305kcal
Author: Taesha Butler

Equipment

  • High-speed blender or food processor

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup butternut squash peeled, seeded and cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 1 cup water or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 cup almond milk unsweetened and plain
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3/4 tsp sea salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp  paprika
  • 3 tbsp olive or avocado oil
  • 1 large clove garlic or to taste. Sub 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine butternut squash, cashews and water. Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and cook 10-15 minutes or until squash is for tender.
  • After the butternut squash and cashews are done cooking, scoop into a high-speed blender or food processor, reserving remaining cooking liquid. Add remaining ingredients to blender, too. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add some of the butternut squash/cashew cooking liquid to make for a thinner cheese sauce.
  • Store in an air-tight container in fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 305kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Sodium: 485mg | Potassium: 407mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3741IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 3mg

The nutritional information is provided as an estimate only and may vary based on the product type, servings and other factors. If you are following a diet, please consult with a professional nutritionist or your doctor. Stay healthy!

Sharing is caring!

1724 shares
  • Share228
  • Tweet

Filed Under: Dairy-Free, Dinner, Meal Prep, Paleo, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetarian Tagged With: squash

Previous Post: « 32 Vegetable Recipes For Kids
Next Post: Fudgy Beet Gluten Free Brownies (vegan) »

Reader Interactions

    Leave a comment & rate this recipe Cancel reply

    Did you make this recipe? So good, right? It would mean the world to me if you left a comment and star rating so that more people can see how delicious veggie-loading can be. Plus, it helps me to see what recipes you are all loving so I can make more like them.

    Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback.

    Recipe Rating




    Comments

  1. Jessie Root

    January 21, 2020 at 8:35 pm

    5 stars
    This. Stuff. Is. Bomb.

    I am not vegan and I most definitely AM a cheese lover, and I can’t get enough of this!! It may be the reason I’m stockpiling butternut squash like it’s cool.

    Plus it’s so easy and quick to make. 👍🏼

    Reply
    • Taesha

      January 21, 2020 at 8:46 pm

      Ha! I love that!

      Reply
  2. Rebecca Sullins

    January 21, 2020 at 8:38 pm

    So excited about this–Aldi had frozen butternut squash cubes and I got them because I knew I’d find some delicious vegan recipe on here to use them! Can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Taesha

      January 21, 2020 at 8:45 pm

      Yes! Using frozen butternut squash makes this recipe extra easy!

      Reply
  3. Anna

    January 21, 2020 at 9:36 pm

    5 stars
    OMG. I just made a batch and I’m licking it out of my blender. I can’t wait to have it tonight for dinner over everything! And I do mean everything!

    Reply
  4. Serina

    January 22, 2020 at 1:58 am

    5 stars
    I have made this twice nkw. SO GOOD!!

    Reply
  5. Tanu Shrivastava

    June 8, 2020 at 3:37 pm

    What can I replace nutritional Yeast with?

    Reply
    • Taesha

      June 8, 2020 at 4:35 pm

      Hmmm. Tricky question. I have never tried it with anything else and nutritional yeast is kind of a unique ingredient. You could do regular cheese instead of the cashews and the nutritional yeast if vegan/dairy-free isn’t needed or vegan cheese (though they all melt and behave a bit differently).

      Reply
  6. Lily

    July 28, 2020 at 1:52 pm

    Is there something I could sub the cashews for? My so has eoe and has to be top 8 allergen free.

    Reply
    • Taesha

      July 28, 2020 at 4:16 pm

      I haven’t tested it with anything different. I know a reader once made it with chickpeas and enjoyed it, but I haven’t tried that sub for myself.

      Reply
  7. Billie Haines

    January 17, 2021 at 10:45 pm

    What do you recommend for a cashew substitute? My daughter is highly allergic but this looks good!

    Reply
    • Taesha

      January 18, 2021 at 5:53 pm

      While I haven’t tried it with this recipe, I know some people with allergies find using cooked chickpeas instead of cashews in vegan “cheese” to be successful.

      Reply
  8. Claire

    January 31, 2021 at 12:42 am

    Soooperb sauce. I subbed in almonds instead of cashews and oat milk for almond milk.. Go raibh mile maith agat thank you in Irish gaeilge.

    Reply
    • Taesha

      February 1, 2021 at 12:42 am

      I am so glad, you liked it, Claire!

      Reply
    • Sibon

      April 5, 2021 at 8:57 pm

      I love oat milk. I will try that and use chickpeas instead of cashews or almonds. I am highly allergic to both

      Reply
  9. Karen

    June 9, 2021 at 1:14 pm

    Hi there! Has anyone tried freezing for quick reheating for a healthy lunch? Just wondering if anyone has tried

    Reply
    • Hannah

      December 3, 2021 at 4:51 pm

      I’m wondering the same, I will be attempting it and let you know.

      Reply
  10. Linda

    June 28, 2021 at 5:20 pm

    Could this be made with no oil by perhaps increasing the cashews?

    Reply
    • Taesha

      June 29, 2021 at 12:34 pm

      I haven’t tried it without oil but I bet it would be fine without it. Maybe add a little water or broth if the mixture is too thick

      Reply
  11. Pixie

    October 17, 2021 at 6:28 pm

    I would like to use this to top a lasagne. Does it brown well or is there too much liquid in it? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      October 18, 2021 at 1:47 pm

      It is tasty in baked recipes but doesn’t brown well.

      Reply
  12. Jennifer S

    December 28, 2021 at 10:10 pm

    5 stars
    I have tried a few vegan cheese recipes and I keep coming back to yours. I use oat milk when I make it since I think it’s a bit creamier. Thank you SO much!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      December 28, 2021 at 10:13 pm

      I’m so happy to hear that, Jennifer! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and review!

      Reply
  13. Kathy

    January 16, 2022 at 7:47 pm

    Is apple cider vinegar an ok substitute for lemon juice?

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      January 17, 2022 at 1:22 pm

      Yes. I like to use that as an acid sub in this and other recipes!

      Reply
  14. Margie

    March 1, 2022 at 9:31 pm

    5 stars
    I was skeptical… It is DELICIOUS! Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      March 1, 2022 at 9:49 pm

      I am so glad to hear that, Margie!

      Reply
  15. Melissa Walker

    March 28, 2022 at 3:40 pm

    Hi! Am I reading this right? It is over 1200 calories per serving? Seems kind of high, considering the ingredients. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      March 28, 2022 at 3:46 pm

      That is for the whole batch. I’ve updated the recipe with a serving size of 1/4 of a cup since that is probably how much someone would us over pasta or over veggies! Thanks for pointing that out.

      Reply
      • Melissa Walker

        March 28, 2022 at 4:21 pm

        Thanks for the update! This looks delish and I can’t wait to try it. I’m a big, big fan of both butternut squash and nutritional yeast. As a vegan, cheese sauce that leans toward healthy is hard to find pre-made….they tend to rely heavily on fat (at least what I can find). This is going to rock!!

        Reply
  16. Diane

    November 6, 2022 at 10:43 pm

    5 stars
    Found this recipe to be tasty enough that I am ready to make it a second time. I added a little more garlic for my taste buds.

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      November 7, 2022 at 7:02 am

      So glad you enjoyed it, Diane!

      Reply
  17. Kathie Ingram

    December 18, 2022 at 11:18 am

    5 stars
    I only used half a cup of cashew because they’re expensive and this still turned out great! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      December 19, 2022 at 7:02 am

      I’m so glad to hear that, Kathie! I agree, they are expensive and so that is a great tip that I’m sure others will appreciate knowing. Thanks for taking the time to share.

      Reply
  18. Kelsey B

    February 15, 2023 at 5:00 pm

    5 stars
    This is delish. I’m not usually a fan of Nutritional Yeast but this recipe was easy and delicious. I ended up putting it over steamed broccoli. 10/10 would make again.

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      February 16, 2023 at 12:32 pm

      I hear you, Kelsey! It is not my favorite either but when done right, it can be so good! So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I'm Taesha! I help busy people fall in love with healthy eating with my simple, family-friendly, veggie-loaded recipes. I believe vegetables can and SHOULD be delicious. Here, let me show you how!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Categories

Newsletter

Subscribe to our email list.

Never miss a new veggie-loaded recipe or natural living rambling.

Once you have subscribed, you will receive an email asking you to confirm. Please click "yes" and you'll be added to my list. And just my list. Your privacy is important and I totally respect it. I won't be sharing your email with anyone else....no matter how nicely they ask.

Footer

As seen in…

As seen in brand wall collage

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

© 2023 The Natural Nurturer - Privacy Policy - Accessibility Policy - Support by Foodie Digital

  • 228