Chili Cheese Dip

Sometimes a recipe speaks to you. This is one of those recipes! Just the name chili cheese dip gets my mouth watering. Vegan and made with cashews, you’ll never guess that this dip is plant-based! Perfect for parties.

You-Won’t-Believe-it’s-Vegan Cheese Dip

While I didn’t grow up eating chili cheese dip, I was instantly blown away the first time I tried this vegan version. Made with cashews instead of milk, it’s creamy, lush, and perfect for dipping. I was out of corn tortillas the first time I went to make this vegan cheese dip recipe, but it didn’t matter to me — you can also pair it with fresh vegetables!

As a note — the cashews in this recipe add creaminess, but I know that some of you may be avoiding added fats. If that’s the case, try substituting 1 can of drained cannellini beans for the cashews. That said, cashews are one of many “healthy fats” that our bodies need, and in moderation, the benefits far outweigh the cons. Dr. Weil has a great read about how to portion a healthy balance of nuts into your diet without increasing your caloric intake.

This dip has a spicy tang from the salsa, and the satisfying addition of black beans balances out the other flavors and adds the heartiness any good bean dip or cheese and chili dip should have!

How to Make This Chili Cheese Dip Recipe

Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities and instructions on how to make this vegan cheese dip recipe. Before you get started, here’s what you can expect.

Step 1: Blend the Ingredients

Before you get started, make sure to soak the cashews in hot water for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).

After the cashews have soaked, drain them and place them in a blender with the almond milk, nutritional yeast, bell pepper, chili powder, lemon juice, mustard, and salt. Blend until smooth.

Step 2: Sauté the Other Ingredients

Sauté the onion in a frying pan with water to soften. Drain and rinse the black beans, then add them to the pan with the salsa and taco seasonings. Heat over medium for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Vegan Chili Cheese Dip

Pour the “cheese” mixture into the frying pan with the onions, beans, salsa, and seasonings. Stir to combine and heat through.

Step 4: Make Your Homemade Chips

This step is optional, but I love making homemade tortilla chips to serve with my cheese and chili dip. It’s really easy!

Cut a package of 12 corn tortillas into even slices (you should end up with 72 chips), then place them on a prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with some water and salt, and bake for 8-10 minutes at 390 degrees F.

You can also serve this vegan cheese dip with my oil-free potato, yam, or tortilla chips recipe!

What is a Chili Dip?

Traditional chili dip combines cheese (plant-based for my vegan chili cheese dip recipe, of course!), salsa, chili seasoning, and a handful of other ingredients. You’ve probably enjoyed it at a party without even realizing it.

What is Vegan Cheese Dip Made Of?

All vegan cheese and chili dip recipes are different. Some rely on pre-packaged vegan cheese, while others (like mine!) achieve that creamy and cheesy texture and taste another way. The combination of cashews and nutritional yeast will yield very creamy results — it’s hard to believe it’s actually vegan, but it is!

How do You Thicken Cheese and Chili Dip?

If your cheese and chili dip isn’t as thick as you would like, I recommend adding a bit of flour or creating a cornstarch slurry out of cornstarch and a bit of water. Incorporate your thickening agent of choice one tablespoon at a time until you get the consistency you’re after.

I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below for this Vegan Chili Cheese Dip! If you have a photo, post it on my Facebook page, tag me using the hashtag #plantbasedcooking in your caption, and I won’t miss it!

Want more healthy and savory plant-based recipes? Here are a few more to try:

• Cashew Cheese Sauce
• Roasted Red Pepper Dip
• Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Chili-Topped Potatoes with Corn Salsa
• Enchilada Casserole

This recipe is Plantricious Friendly because it meets the following guidelines.

The Trusted Seal for
Plant-Based Nutrition

• Must be whole food plant-based, contains no animal products
• May be minimally processed
• No added oil
• No added sugars
• No artificial additives or preservatives
• *Plantricious Friendly foods may include but are not limited to condiments, fermented foods, soups, sauces, beverages, dressings, marinades, etc.

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4.21 from 43 votes

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Chili Cheese Dip

This hearty dip is loaded with creaminess and a kick that will satisfy the strongest of cravings. It's a well-rounded party staple that will be a hit with guests. This tangy dip feels as good as a warm blanket on a cold winter’s day.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

1/21x2x3x

Equipment

• High-Speed Blender
• Non-stick pan
• Silicone Cooking Utensil Set
• Baking Sheet or
• Microwave Chip Maker

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews (or substitute 1 can drained cannellini beans)
• 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (or 1 cup homemade)
• 2 tsp chili powder
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 whole orange bell pepper (or red) roasted or unroasted, seeded and rough chopped
• 1 lemon juiced
• 2 tsp yellow mustard
• ¼ cup yellow onion minced
• 1 (15-oz.) can no salt black beans drained and rinsed (or 1 1/2 cups homemade )
• 1 cup fresh salsa (low-sodium)
• 2 tbsp salt-free taco seasoning (or make your own)
• 1 Package Tortilla chips or make your own. See homemade method below.

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

• Soak the raw cashews for at least 1 hour or longer up to 24 hours.
• Place the soaked, drained cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, bell pepper, chili powder, lemon juice, mustard, and salt in a blender and blend for a few minutes until smooth. Set aside.
• Water sauté the onions in a large frying pan for a few minutes, stirring so they don’t stick.
• Add the drained and rinsed beans, salsa, and taco seasonings and heat for about 5 minutes to combine flavors.
• Pour in the “cheese” sauce into the bean mixture and stir to combine.
• Heat through.
• Serve with crackers or baked tortillas.

Baked Tortilla Chips

• Makes 72 chips
• Corn tortillas, 12 count, cut into 6 triangles each
• Preheat over to 390 degrees
• Place in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Sprinkle or spray a small amount of water over the chips and lightly salt.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch them carefully as they’re easy to overcook.

Microwave:

• Place in a single layer on a plate. Microwave in batches for about 4 minutes or until crisp.

Notes

Chips not included

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Chili Cheese Dip

Serving Size

 

0.5 cups

Amount per Serving

Calories

221

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

12.3

g

19

%

Saturated Fat

 

1.9

g

12

%

Cholesterol

 

0

mg

0

%

Sodium

 

256.6

mg

11

%

Carbohydrates

 

20.8

g

7

%

Fiber

 

4.7

g

20

%

Sugar

 

3.8

g

4

%

Protein

 

8.7

g

17

%

Vitamin A

 

700

IU

14

%

Vitamin C

 

31.4

mg

38

%

Calcium

 

30

mg

3

%

Iron

 

2.9

mg

16

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The nutrition information is a rough estimate. Values will vary based on variables like specific brand or type of product used. To obtain the most accurate representation, it’s recommended that you calculate your own with the actual amount and type of ingredient used.

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