Healthy Vegan Cauliflower Cheese Sauce [SPICY]

A spicy, cheesy dip, made using, the ever so healthy and versatile cauliflower! Serve it over steamed broccoli, dunk with chips, crackers or even raw veggies! Simple to make, and easy to devour.

This recipe was originally published in August 2019. It has been updated for content and photos.

Cauliflower is great for FAR more than just steamed. Like my Buffalo “wings” or this incredible Bolognese, this vegan cauliflower cheese sauce transforms your favourite big white veggie into something truly incredible!

It’s perfect for movie night, game day, or any time you’re feeling snacky.

PS. Check out this collection for more snack-y, perfect for game day appetizers.

Here’s why you’ll love this dip!

• It’s HEALTHY – like most recipes you’ll find here, on the blog. But this one is not only filled with nutrient dense ingredients, but it’s oil free, low in calories and virtually fat free, making it diet friendly! (Just be sure to choose diet friendly dippers too!)
• Simple to prepare and can be made in advance. You can make this dip up to 3 days ahead and reheat when ready to serve.
• Customizable to your heat preference. I like 1-2 jalapeno’s, but Nick, AKA Mr. Healthy Kitchen is happier with 3-4. Use as few or as many as you’d like.
• It’s a crowd pleaser! Who doesn’t love dip? Especially a spicy, cheesy dip that’s perfect with so many things!

Is it allergen friendly?

Yes! This dip is super allergen friendly!

Unlike many dairy free cheese dips that are cashew based, this vegan cauliflower cheese sauce is 100% nut free.

As an added bonus, it’s gluten free and a simple swap makes it soy free too, if needed.

How to make it

(This is a summary with step-by-step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

To make your cauliflower cheese sauce, AKA ‘jalapeno popper dip’, gather your ingredients. Then halve or quarter your onion and break your cauliflower into florets.

Arrange the cauliflower florets, garlic (with the peel on so it doesn’t burn), quartered onion and jalapeno in a single layer on a baking tray. (photo 1)

Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and cauliflower is fork tender. (photo 2)

Transfer the cooked veggies to a blender, and add all the remaining ingredients. (photo 3-4)

Blend everything until smooth and desired consistency is reached. (photo 5)

NOTE: At this point, taste for salt and add more if needed. You may also add a little more broth if needed to thin out your dip.

Serve your vegan cauliflower cheese warm with raw veggies, chips, crackers, pitas, or anything else you’d like!

How long does it keep?

If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in your fridge for 3-4 days.

You may reheat on stove top or in your microwave before serving. Although you may also enjoy this dip cold, warm tastes best.

Alternatively, you may make this dish, well in advance and freeze air tight for up to 3 months. Make sure to let the dip cool completely before freezing.

Substitutions & Variations

For the spice level. If you want a more subtle heat, use just 1 jalapeno, and remove the seeds for even less spice.

If you don’t have any jalapenos, use 1-2 teaspoons of your favourite hot sauce instead.

For soy free, you may sub the tamari or soy sauce for coconut aminos. Alternatively, you may skip it and add a little more salt to taste.

What if I don’t like nutritional yeast?

If you don’t have or don’t like nutritional yeast, you may skip it or use less, but keep in mind, you’ll also be losing out on its naturally cheesy flavour.

To make up for it, you may sub the nutritional yeast for additional spices, like onion or garlic powder, ground dried mushrooms or bouillon powder.

Some miso paste or tahini would also add great flavour here.

Expert Tips

• Adjust the amount of broth to a consistency of your liking. I found one cup to give the perfect consistency, but start with ¾ cup if you want a thicker dip and add more, as needed.
• If you have a powerful blender, like a Vitamix, run it a little longer to make sure your cauliflower cheese sauce is nice and hot before serving.
• Make it ahead to save time. You can easily reheat the dip before serving (or serve cold). It tastes great both ways, but I do prefer this one warm.
• Use your vegan cauliflower cheese in a variety of ways. Use it as a dip with veggies for a light snack, with chips or crackers for a treat, or pour it over your broccoli, asparagus or any of your favourite steamed veggies.

More delicious dips and sauces

• Sweet & Spicy Mango Salsa
• Dill Pickle White Bean Dip
• Vegan Onion Gravy
• Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Vegan Buffalo Sauce [No Butter or Oil]
• Oil Free Cowboy Caviar Dip

📖 Recipe