Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese Sauce
I am really excited to share with you today an amazing Dairy-Free Cookbook and Guidebook, Go Dairy Free, by Alisa Fleming! The fantastic nacho sauce recipe below comes from this book. I am also giving away a copy of the book, which will be sent to you directly from the author. Details at the bottom of the post.
This book is perfect for those of you looking for natural alternatives to your favorite dairy products, such as cheese, ice cream, milk, sour cream, and more. Go Dairy Free contains different recipes for each of those foods plus simple substitution ideas for practically all dairy products imaginable. From "Dairy-Free Fetta-ish to "Sunflower Seed Cheese to "Cashew Yogurt" to "Whipped Coconut Buttery Spread" to "Cashew Chai Frosting" this book has it all!
The book is about half recipes and half information on dairy. It starts out with "What is Dairy?" then moves into pasteurization and homogenization and the potential risks of these practices, and then on to evidence-based connections with dairy consumption and health issues which range from acne to cancer. Finally, if you are asking the question: "Where am I to get my calcium?" Alisa delves into non-dairy calcium-rich foods and other surprising secrets to strong bones. There are also chapters dedicated to dairy addiction, infants and food allergies, dining out, and reading food labels.
Go Dairy Free is a wonderful cookbook with so many great recipes. Most of the baking recipes contain gluten but the cheese alternatives are all gluten-free. I made macaroni and cheese today using the Orange Cheesy Sauce recipe from the book and Tinkyada rice noodles. My kids devoured it! Glad I got a photo before it was all gone!
The Five-Minute Nachos were equally delicious though my kids were not as fond of them. They did eat some though. Nachos are a funny thing for me because I have had them maybe only a handful of times during the course of my life. I just wasn't raised on highly processed foods. I was so happy to find this recipe in Alisa's book because it is made from healthy ingredients, all of which I had on hand. Well, except for roasted red bell peppers. I did have a few fresh ones in the fridge I so quickly roasted one in the oven. This ingredient is key! I initially made the sauce without it and it was so awful I had to compost it. Then I remade the sauce, added my freshly roasted pepper (after removing the skin), and voila - absolutely amazing dairy-free cheese sauce! Seriously, this sauce is addicting in a good way. My advice: follow her recipes exactly!
Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese Sauce
You'll love this nutritious "cheese" sauce recipe! It is very quick to prepare and can be made into a meal when topped with black beans or shredded chicken, chopped cabbage, and sautéed vegetables. The tortilla chips in these photos are homemade. I use sprouted corn tortillas and slice them into quarters using a pizza cutter then toss them in avocado oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Herbamare. I spread them into one layer on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. You'll want to turn them with a spatula one or two times during baking. Let them cool completely before using. The sauce can also be used to top gluten-free noodles for dairy-free mac and cheese (my children love this).
To roast red bell peppers: Place them into a baking dish or onto a cookie sheet. Roast in a preheated oven on "broil" until the skin is charred, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and place into a bowl, cover with a plate, and let cool. Once cooled, the skin slides off easily and you can cut them in half and remove the seeds and stem. One very small pepper is about 2 ounces, which is what is needed for this recipe.
- Place all ingredients into a high-powered blender. Blend until super creamy. Pour into a small saucepan and whisk over medium heat until thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools. You could also stir into the sauce a can of diced green chiles if desired.
- To make dairy-free nachos, spread a layer of organic corn tortilla chips onto a large platter. Pour the sauce over the chips and add any of the following toppings: Sliced black olives, salsa, diced avocado, cooked black beans, chopped cabbage, and chopped cilantro!
Use this recipe in our Meal Planner
About the Author
Ali Segersten
Alissa Segersten holds a Bachelor's of Science in Nutrition from Bastyr University and a Master’s of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States. She is a Functional Nutritionist, the mother of five children, a whole foods cooking instructor, professional recipe developer, and cookbook author. She is passionate about helping others find a diet that will truly nourish them. Alissa is the author of two very popular gluten-free, whole foods cookbooks and guidebooks: The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook and Nourishing Meals. She is also the co-author of The Elimination Diet book. Alissa is the founder and owner of Nourishing Meals®.Nourishing Meals Newsletter
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I have heard many things about Go Dairy Free, sounds like a great book and resource!
-K
The mac and cheese looks great.
Love this blog and the fantastic info. shared on it. So glad my friend introduced me to it. I'm waiting for my supplies to come in so I can start the Elimination Diet.
I really want to try these nachos. We really miss cheese the most around here of all the things we've had to give up for allergies (gluten, dairy, eggs, chocolate) but I'm epileptic and I'm concerned about the nutritional yeast.
Any idea how it relates to autolyzed yeast, yeast extract, etc. which contain glutmates?
birdsflysouth - Alisa says you can use pimentos or roasted red bell peppers in her recipe. Hope this helps! :)
Ellen - Yes, you can print recipes by clicking on the little green Print Friendly button on the very bottom of each post. Once you are there you can "click to delete" whatever part of the post you don't want - it is very easy. You can even keep a photo or two if you would like, or delete them all. :)
I found your lovely blog by way of One Frugal Foodie. Of course, I'd like to be entered in the drawing to win Alisa's book. (Am embarrassed that I don't already have it on my overcrowded cookbook shelf!)
In answer to Margaret who commented on missing ice cream, the new coconut milk frozen deserts are incredibly good, far better than the soy aftertaste and nasty rice ones!
I would Love, love, love to win this cookbook!! Thanks for an awesome giveaway and wonderful recipe. My kids would love the nachos, I think. We are dairy free at our house, due to one child having a dairy allergy.
cropwithme at cox dot net
I would love to try this recipe, but I wish I knew how to print the recipe without the rest of the blog page. Ellen W
I've been vegan for 20 years and would love another good resource. I'm hesitant to buy most of the processed dairy-free products available in the market and would like to know how to make my on dairy free options in a healthier way. Thank you!
Looks so great! Thanks for all your hard work and YUMMY recipes! Our family and neighborhood all love them. This book looks wonderful.
Jennifer D
The nachos look amazing. I am so much happier being gluten/dairy free but there are those moments when I am just at a loss on how to accomodate "the need for cheese" or whatever. Cannot wait to check out this book. Thanks for the info - and for this blog - I pretty much cook right along with you!
thanks!!
Misha
I am so excited to try these recipes! We are trying to go dairy free with two little ones and I would love to win the cookbook!
Oh I'd love this book! We are dairy free (and gf) so I'm always looking for new cookbooks. Can't wait to try the nachos out!
AndreaC
this is the new cheez wiz!
I'm excited to try the mac n cheese. I was dairy and gluten free for years and felt much better. I'm struggling to get "back on track"--this cookbook along with your blog and cookbook are going to be helpful. Thank you for sharing!
Shell
I am really enjoying your blog and have been thrilled with many of your recipes and guidance. I'd LOVE to win a copy of this book.
We are moving all the time towards dairy elimination but struggling with it like many people I know.
Thanks!
Appreciate your recipes and ideas here... not just dairy free but healthy dairy free! Always looking for new ideas to liven up our dairy free diet. Thanks!
Ali,
We have homemade nachos a lot at our house--no nasty stuff in them--but I am looking forward to "Cheesing them up" for my vegan husband! Enter me for the book!
Barb (BJB)
I was so excited to see this book that I sat at the bookseller for more than an hour writing down recipes (limited income). My grandson loves ice cream; it is difficult for both of us when I take him to dairy queen. Your cookbook is wonderfully helpful and I'm waiting for the new one. I love the generous way you share recipes and resources.
I am finding Dairy Free harder to do than Gluten Free will have to check the book out more...if I don't win.
Thanks again Allie for your great site. Karen K
Thanks for the great recipe! I just made it and it tastes just like nacho cheese! Yummy.
Steve P
I have too many health problems and I know what you share here is so very important for my health to get better.Thank you and God Bless
Nachos look great! I went dairy free 9 months ago and I love it. I feel so much better!I would love a copy of the book. Thanks!
Christina
dalechris04@yahoo.com
Is there any other ingredient I could use besides roasted bell pepper? for some reason, my reflux makes it impossible for me to digest them :(
I posted this on facebook too ;-)
I have re-tweeted and rep-posted on FaceBook!
I cannot wait to try the Nacho recipe and as many are saying the Mac N Cheese looks great!
I grew up on Hot Dogs and Mac N Cheese. It has been a struggle to find Vegan version of both. I look forward to trying your recipes!
Soon I hope to move from "Mostly Vegan Mama" to Vegan Mama!
Good luck to all!
Theresa AKA MostlyVeganMama & SleeplessInSimi (TAR)
I have posted this to my FB page! Two of my three children are allergic to Dairy. I am having a rough time trying to make food that tastes good and is something they can eat. I would love to win or buy this cookbook! The cheese sauce looks tasty! Thank you!
I am dairy and gluten free.
I'm looking for healthy recipes that I will enjoy eating.
As a college student, I'm into trying new foods.
I'd like to win since I have a hard time with food cravings.
JMB-Chicago,IL
I enjoy your blog and cookbook. Thanks for everything; I've learned so much! I'm hoping to win the cookbook!
RTW480
About a year ago, I decided to reduce dairy from my diet. I lost 10 pounds and have kept it off! I haven't found a good substitute for cheese, however. I love trying new recipes, and this one looks simple and fantastic! Thank you for sharing it!
Heather Gerard
I just tweeted this recipe and giveaway! Okay, third time's the charm, right? xoxo Kim | www.affairsofliving.com
I just posted this link to my blog's Facebook fan page! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Affairs-of-Living-Gluten-Free-Allergy-Friendly-Whole-Foods-Recipes/101159568149 I want to win! :)
Kim | www.affairsofliving.com
This sauce looks wonderful! I have admired Go Dairy Free for a long time, so I'd love the cookbook! I rarely crave Nacho Style Cheese, but this pushed me over the edge :) I hope I win! Kim | www.affairsofliving.com
Would love to have this cookbook! I've got a copy of your cookbook Ali, and the cover is falling off and the pages are all covered in food splatters - I use it A LOT! -winterweed
After reading all the other peoples posts, I would guilty if I won the Dairy Free Cookbook, but, WOW, I want it too. My husband LOVES dairy. My son (29) and I are vegan and it can get difficult when my husband puts a dairy item on when either my son or I have made for dinner. It's like my hubby doesn't feel a meal is complete with out the creamy texture dairy can provide. I make you healing cabbage soup routinely, and sure enough, he adds sour cream. If I had substitute recipes that he liked his belly would not hurt as much. My GF mac and "cheese" got too thick and he didn't like it. Bummer, I could use that cook book, thanks for offering it. As always, thank you for all you provide for us. Can't wait for your new cook book.
Also posted all about th lecture I attended and the cookbook and my efforts to convert my kitchen on my LiveJournal. ~Blessings, JHM... the one and only MagickalMom
Can you tell I really want to win! *smiles*
Posted about the cookbook, the website, and the recipe I tried tonight on my Facebook! ~Blessings, JHM... the one and only MagickalMom
Tonight I made my family the Smashed Yams and Black Bean Quesadillas with a single addition... since our family does not have to be gluten free we added half a package of soy "meat" crumbles to the beans for some added protein for our growing 'tween son. Typically he eats 2 servings of everything, not tonight... one was filling enough! YEAH! Thanks for a wonderful cookbook! ~Blessings, JHM... the one and only MagickalMom
Wow, this sounds like an awesome cookbook! I haven't had mac and cheese for years, and I'm happy to know that there is a good gluten-free, dairy-free recipe out there!
As an aside, your blog has essentially taught me how to cook (I came across it a year ago as a junior in college). I am so grateful for your delicious, healthy recipes and sound nutritional advice!
Jenna- Baltimore, MD
Entering to win - yay :) This book is on my "to-buy" list! PS A vitamix is requested for Mother's Day - I just love your green smoothies & made one in the blender yesterday w/ kale, coconut milk, banana & mango - 4 year old LOVED it, so did this momma!
Erika - Camas, WA
Christin - That's right, everybody's system is different. Some do quite well on nutritious dairy products like the ones you mentioned. What I like about this book is the fact that the author doesn't hate dairy or the dairy industry so there isn't any negative energy in that direction. She offers a comprehensive resource for those who do not feel well consuming it. Cashews can definitely be very problematic for some folks. It is great that you have found a diet that works for you. I, myself, can tolerate a small amount of raw dairy products every so often. Though they aren't a regular part of my diet. :)
Nuts, like raw cashew nuts, absolutely tear my stomach up...
I feel amazing off of grass fed, organic milk... and yogurt products. What is the reliability of this authors claims? Every body is different!
This REALLY looks like nachos with real cheese sauce! I am quite curious on how it will taste -growing up in Detroit, we were close to Mexican Village and many restaurants with super nachos etc -can't wait to try this recipe!
Being Vegan I'm on board, my wife has a serious intolerance and will be excited about the cookbook.. and thanks for the give away opportunity.
This cookbook sounds like it has some great options for dairy items that are hard to replace--sour cream, etc. I'd love to have this cookbook. I've been dairy free for a year now.
Have a daughter who is allergic to dairy. Would love to view this cookbook. Love your website and the recipes you highlight!
ctbrini@earthink.net
I am so excited about the cookbook! GF, DF, SF and grain-free this is my goal. It's not too often that I achieve it all at the same time but I'm working on it. I do not consume dairy but have been wanting dairy-like foods lately. Thank you for your wonderful recipes and food philosophy!
My cholesterol is higher than it should be-- so this would be a perfect book for me! Your book is gluten-free.. and now I could use DAIRY-free! something for a cheeselover who needs to cut back...
Thanks wln!
smiling..
Laura
This looks interesting. I'm interested in going dairy free, or close to it. I went off dairy for a week and felt great!!
thanks for all the fun and interesting recipes.
Thank you Ali. This looks great. Two of my teenagers and I are lactose intolerant and we all love nachos so we will try this recipe this weekend. Thank you for your work and please enter me into the free cookbook drawing.
SB