Description
This Charred Jalapeño Green Chile Cashew Queso is a creamy, dairy-free queso dip with a smoky, spicy kick from charred jalapeños and mild green chiles. Made with soaked cashews and flavorful spices, it’s a vegan-friendly alternative perfect for dipping chips or adding a flavorful touch to taco salads and burrito bowls.
Ingredients
Scale
Queso Ingredients
- 1 medium-large jalapeño
- 1 cup cashews, soaked for 4 hours or up to overnight
- 1 (4 ounce) can mild diced green chiles
- 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Char the Jalapeño: Preheat your broiler to high and place the oven rack in the upper third. Lay the jalapeño on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes until blackened and thoroughly charred on all sides.
- Steam and Peel Jalapeño: Place the charred jalapeño in a sealed plastic bag and let it steam for 10 minutes. Remove the jalapeño, peel off the blackened skin under cold running water, then remove and discard the seeds and stem.
- Blend the Queso: In a high-powered blender, combine the peeled jalapeño, soaked cashews, diced green chiles, nutritional yeast, salt, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and water. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the queso and add additional salt if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature with chips, or use it as a sauce on taco salads or burrito bowls.
Notes
- Soaking cashews softens them for a creamy blend; soak for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.
- Using a plastic bag to steam the jalapeño after charring helps loosen the skin for easy removal.
- If you prefer less heat, remove all seeds from the jalapeño carefully, or use fewer jalapeños.
- This queso can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (including soaking time excluded)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Keywords: vegan queso, cashew queso, jalapeño queso, dairy-free dip, green chile dip, vegan appetizer
