• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
This Healthy Kitchen
  • RECIPES
  • SPRING
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • JOIN/LOGIN
  • ACCOUNT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • RECIPES
  • SPRING
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • JOIN/LOGIN
  • ACCOUNT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • RECIPES
    • SPRING
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • JOIN/LOGIN
    • ACCOUNT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Dips, Sauces & Spreads

    Healthy Vegan Cauliflower Cheese Sauce [SPICY]

    Published: Sep 16, 2020 · Modified: Jul 12, 2022 by Rosa · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

    957 shares
    JUMP TO RECIPE
    cauliflower cheese dip PIN image with text overlay.
    cauliflower cheese dip PIN image with text overlay.
    cauliflower cheese dip PIN image with text overlay.
    cauliflower cheese dip PIN image with text overlay.
    cauliflower cheese dip PIN image with text overlay.

    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.

    Hand dipping cracker into bowl of vegan cauliflower cheese sauce.

    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.

    Platter of chips, crackers and veggies with bowl of vegan cauliflower dip in the middle.

    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!
    Tortilla chip dunked into cheese dip resting in white bowl with veggies and chips around the bowl.

    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.

    Ingredients to make vegan cauliflower cheese sauce scattered across grey deck.

    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)

    Cauliflower florets, jalapenos, garlic and onion on baking tray before and after roasting.

    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.

    Roasted veggies and seasoning in blender, before and after blending into vegan cheese dip.

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

    Platter with carrots, peppers, celery, chips and crackers and dip in the middle.

    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

    If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

    Buon appetito

    Rosa

    Hand dipping cracker into bowl of vegan cauliflower cheese sauce.

    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!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Course: Appetizer, Dip, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Canadian
    Servings: 6 Servings
    Calories: 44kcal
    Author: Rosa

    Equipment

    Picture of blender on white background.
    Vitamix Blender

    Ingredients

    • 4.5 cups cauliflower florets from approx. 1 small cauliflower or half large
    • 2-3 jalapenos
    • 1 yellow onion quartered
    • 2-3 cloves garlic unpeeled
    • ¾-1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
    • â…“ cup nutritional yeast
    • 2 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce if not avoiding gluten
    • 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • salt to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F convection bake and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Then, arrange your cauliflower florets, quartered onion, jalapeno and garlic in a single layer.
    • Bake for 15-20 minutes, until edges are golden brown and cauliflower is fork tender.
    • Then transfer your roasted veggies (remove the peel from the garlic first) along with all remaining ingredients to a blender. Process until smooth and then taste and add more salt if needed or more broth to thin as desired. Serve with veggies, crackers, chips or pitas.

    Notes

    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, if 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.
    Leftovers keep refrigerated for 3-4 days in an airtight container, or freeze (but completely cool first) airtight for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 44kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 398mg | Potassium: 343mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 379IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg
    DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?Mention @this.healthy.kitchen on IG and tag #thishealthykitchen!
    *Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.
    957 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Comment & Star Rating Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Laurie

      February 23, 2023 at 8:26 am

      Do you think this would taste good without any jalapenos? I really don’t like spicy, but the rest of the dip ingredients sound pretty tasty.

      Reply
      • Rosa

        February 23, 2023 at 12:08 pm

        Hi Laurie, I think it will taste good but might need a little something for flavour to make up for the missing spice. Maybe some additional nutritional yeast, and/or smoked paprika. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Jenn

      December 27, 2020 at 8:39 pm

      Curious weight of cauliflower? Buy rice cauliflower so hard to calculate.

      Reply
      • Rosa

        December 28, 2020 at 9:41 am

        Hi Jenn, use approx. 300g of your cauliflower rice and start with the lesser amount of broth.

        Reply
    3. Carol

      August 21, 2019 at 9:43 pm

      5 stars
      Made this tonight and poured it over broccoli, so so good! Thanks for the great recipe Rosa!

      Reply
      • rosa

        August 22, 2019 at 9:17 am

        Great idea using with broccoli! Love it.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    About Me Pic

    Hi, I'm Rosa! Welcome to This Healthy Kitchen where you'll find tasty and nutritious, plant-based recipes. I'm an avid home cook who believes food is medicine. Each recipe is made using wholesome ingredients, and under 400 calories per serving with several gluten-free and oil-free options! Occasional cheat days included. 😉

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Roasted pineapple slices on white plate.
      Air Fryer Pineapple (Tastes Like Grilled)
    • close up of cooked spaghetti squash sliced in half with parmesan cheese and parsley garnish on top.
      Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash [Healthy+Low Cal]
    • Tray of buffalo cauliflower bites with bowl of ranch dip in the middle.
      Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings – Oven or Air Fryer
    • plate with large hash browns and fruit scattered around the dish
      Air Fryer Hash Browns From Scratch [Oil Free Option]
    • Oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips on cooling rack.
      Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies
    • White bowl filled with cooked chickpeas and blue towel beside it.
      Instant Pot Chickpeas No Soak!
    • stack of vegan pancakes with banana slices on top and syrup dripping down.
      The Fluffiest Vegan Pancakes Ever [and SO easy!]
    • Close up of baked apples in white serving dish.
      Air Fryer Baked Apples [Tastes like apple pie!]

    list of websites where This Healthy Kitchen has been featured

    Spring is in the air!

    • Risotto with asparagus in round bowl with lemon on the side.
      Asparagus Lemon Risotto [Instant Pot or Stove Top]
    • Lemon pie with lemon slices and blueberries on top.
      Healthier Vegan Lemon Pie [Oil Free]
    • Green dip in glass jar with raw veggies surrounding it.
      Avocado Green Goddess Dressing [Oil Free]
    • Baked zucchini tater tots in white, oval serving dish.
      Baked Zucchini Tater Tots [Oil Free]
    • White bowl of salad with rows of avocado, grape tomato, mushrooms, corn and red onion with dressing on top.
      Vegan Cobb Salad with Tangy White Bean Dressing [Oil Free]
    • Cast iron pan with rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes and spinach in a white sauce.
      Easy Tofu Pasta Sauce [Oil Free]
    • Roasted potatoes in white tray with lemon wedges and parsley garnish.
      Roasted Greek Lemon Potatoes
    • Carrot muffin sliced in half with more muffins below it.
      Healthy Banana Carrot Muffins [Oil Free]

    Privacy Policy
    Terms & Conditions

    5 SECRETS TO VEGAN COOKING!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimers
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on our site are affiliate links. If you purchase using these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only promote products we use and love. Thanks for your support!

    Copyright © 2023 ThisHealthyKitchen

    957 shares