3 Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce Recipes (Paleo, Whole30, AIP) (2024)

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By:Alison Marras

March 26, 2020

(updated February 18, 2022)

4.51 from 79 votes

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What’s Inside: Looking for the best dairy-free cheese sauce? Here are three recipes to make on repeat. Plus, they’re Paleo, Whole30, and AIP!

3 Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce Recipes (Paleo, Whole30, AIP) (1)

The Best Cheese Sauce Is Dairy-Free!

When I first eliminated dairy from my diet many moons ago, I felt a lot of things. I felt way better, I saw less skin breakouts and irritations, and my digestion improved, to name a few. But, I also felt a dairy-shaped gaping hole in the depth of my soul. And so began the search for dairy-free substitutes to be able to enjoy the foods I missed most like mac and cheese, ice cream, and, of course, a good ol’ cheese board.

This post is all about the sauce, though, because cheese sauce can be used in so many different ways. Between pouring it on veggies, gluten-free pasta, veggie noodles, and using it in casseroles, it’s become quite a staple in my fridge because it’s easy to make and delicious!

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The three best dairy-free cheese sauces highlighted in this post are my go-to’s, and two of them are AIP-friendly, meaning they’re nut-free, vegan, and packed with veggies. This is also a great way to get kids or picky eaters to consume more veggies (in a sneaky way).

…Cue the evil laugh – muahaha!

3 Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce Recipes (Paleo, Whole30, AIP) (2)

What You Need To Make Dairy-Free Cheese

  • Nutritional Yeast: Different from bakers or brewer’s yeast, this is a pivotal ingredient in dairy-free cheese recipes. It provides a cheesy-like taste. This is the brand I use.
  • Lemon Juice or Vinegar: This helps with that little bite that cheese has and brings something acidic to your recipe.
  • Cauliflower, Nuts, Coconut, or Potato: Something that will be creamy in texture whether it be from fat (nuts, coconut) or starch (like potato or arrowroot starch).

3 Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce Recipes (Paleo, Whole30, AIP) (3)

Ways To Use Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce

  • Butternut Squash Lasagna
  • Spaghetti Squash Pastit*io (Baked Ziti)
  • Spaghetti Squash Alfredo
  • As a dip on a platter
  • Poured over tortilla chips as a vegan nacho cheese sauce
  • Use it on any pasta dish
  • Drizzle over broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a cheesy green veggie dish
  • 3 Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce Recipes (Paleo, Whole30, AIP) (4)
  • 3 Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce Recipes (Paleo, Whole30, AIP) (5)
  • 3 Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce Recipes (Paleo, Whole30, AIP) (6)
  • 3 Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce Recipes (Paleo, Whole30, AIP) (7)

The Top 3 Dairy-Free (and Vegan) Cheese Sauce Recipes

Creamy Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce from Cauliflower

4.26 from 78 votes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

3 Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce Recipes (Paleo, Whole30, AIP) (8)

This nut-free, AIP, and paleo-friendly vegan cheese sauce is so good! The extra creamy texture comes from a combination of steamed cauliflower and coconut cream. Best part? It only requires 10 minutes of prep and stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days!

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The Best & Easiest Paleo Cashew Cheese Sauce

4.46 from 51 votes

Total Time: 2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

3 Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce Recipes (Paleo, Whole30, AIP) (9)

This quick and easy Paleo cashew cheese sauce recipe is a staple in my fridge. Toss the ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth and thick. Lather it on pasta, nachos, tacos, and so much more – the options are endless for this versatile cashew cheese sauce. Whole30 friendly and vegan too!

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Dairy-Free Sweet Potato Cheese Sauce

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

3 Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce Recipes (Paleo, Whole30, AIP) (10)

This dairy-free sweet potato cheese sauce is a staple in my fridge. Made with sweet potatoes, nutritional yeast, and no tree nuts, this recipe is easy to make, and even easier to eat while remaining AIP – and Paleo-friendly!

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More Healthy, Dairy-free Recipe Collections

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  • Paleo BBQ Menu (Whole30 and AIP-friendly)
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  • Favorite Spa Water Flavors + How to Stay Hydrated
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3 Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce Recipes (Paleo, Whole30, AIP) (11)

Sweet Potato Cheese Sauce (+ more Dairy-free Cheese Sauce Recipes)

4.51 from 79 votes

This easy coconut-free sauce is so creamy and dreamy! It's AIP, Paleo, and Whole30.

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Author: Alison Marras

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Yield: 6

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked and cooled white sweet potato (skin peeled off)
  • 1 cup+ water
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
  • 1/2 juiced lemon or 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

  • Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until your sauce forms, add more water as needed to loosen and use in cooking or store for up to 5-days in the fridge.

Notes:

This Sweet Potato Cheese Sauce Recipe was adapted from Rachel’s delicious one @meatified!

Course: Sauce

-Alison Marras

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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3 Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce Recipes (Paleo, Whole30, AIP) (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat cheese on an AIP diet? ›

It involves removing certain foods that are known to trigger inflammation and immune reactions, such as grains, legumes, dairy, processed foods, and nightshades. Dairy is excluded from the AIP diet for several reasons. First, many people have lactose intolerance or sensitivity to dairy proteins like casein or whey.

Is nutritional yeast allowed on AIP? ›

Nutritional yeast is an AIP approved food that is commonly used to add a cheesy flavour to dishes. And in this recipe, it does just that as the parmesan substitute. It's also exceptionally high in B vitamins, which helps to boost those energy levels!

Is there a Paleo cheese? ›

Tapioca cheese is the perfect Paleo and AIP replacement for mozzarella, and has the texture and consistency of fresh mozzarella balls. It's also easy to make vegan to suit so many dietary needs.

Can you eat vegan cheese on Paleo diet? ›

Melted tapioca cheese - the best dairy-free Paleo AIP cheese! Easy to make vegan, too. Tapioca cheese looks, feels, and acts just like fresh mozzarella. It has a mild flavor that works both as a topping for pizza and other savory dishes, and even in some dessert recipes as well!

What cheese is not inflammatory? ›

In particular, goat cheese contains A2 casein, with an anti-inflammatory effect for the human body. Crumbled goat cheese can be added to salads, pizzas and eggs. In addition, whipped goat cheese can also be used to flavor fruit or vegetables.

What is the best diet to reverse autoimmune disease? ›

Get an adequate amount of protein, plus healthy fats and oils. Supplement your plant-rich diet with some protein. And don't shy away from healthy fats: nuts and seeds, avocados, coconut and extra virgin olive oils, and other non-refined oils. Sprinkle in some fermented foods.

What is the best milk alternative for autoimmune disease? ›

Coconut milk: Coconut milk offers a unique flavour and is a good source of healthy fats. It contains lauric acid, known for its antimicrobial properties, which might be beneficial for those with autoimmune conditions. Nevertheless, coconut milk is also high in saturated fats, so moderation is key.

Is almond milk ok for AIP? ›

AIP compliant dairy alternatives

Coconut milk is the best non-dairy milk alternative. It is AIP-friendly. Oat, hemp seed, almond, flaxseed, and cashew milks are not AIP-compliant because they come from nuts and seeds.

Why is coffee not allowed on AIP? ›

While you might be inclined to believe that it's caffeine that's eliminated here, it's actually the coffee bean itself! The name bean is misleading, however, because coffee is technically a seed of the Coffea plant. So, that means, like other seeds, coffee is eliminated in the temporary elimination phase of the AIP.

What cheese is naturally dairy-free? ›

Hard cheeses such as cheddar, colby, Swiss, mozzarella and Monterey Jack “are virtually lactose-free,” Cifelli explains. Additionally aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano are virtually lactose free. At less than 1 mg lactose per 100 grams even the Italian Ministry of Health allows it to be labeled as such.

What cheese is Whole30 approved? ›

Although traditional, dairy-derived cheese is a no-go during a Whole30, there's a world of dairy-free cheesy elements that's compatible. These include: Almond-based “ricotta” or “cream cheeses,” like select varieties from Kite Hill.

Can you drink coffee on paleo? ›

While we have said in the past that coffee is not Paleo, we have changed our position based on new research and now we believe that coffee is fine for most people. It boasts numerous health benefits, like longevity, mental performance, and a healthy gut, and it could be beneficial for many.

What fruits are paleo? ›

Fill up your cart with any and all vegetables; from broccoli, cauliflower, peppers and carrots to lettuce, kale, and avocado…the list goes on and on! Of course, any and all fruits are welcome on the paleo diet including apples, oranges, pears, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and more.

What dairy is OK on paleo? ›

Many people on a paleo diet today also include some sources of full-fat dairy, such as butter, cream, yogurt or whole milk. It's ideal if the dairy you eat or drink is from grass-fed cows. People who have dairy allergies or sensitivities don't need to include it in their diet.

Can I eat potatoes on paleo? ›

Generally, unprocessed potatoes of all types can be part of a paleo diet. Similarly to grains, which are off-limits on paleo, potatoes are starchy and rich in carbohydrates. However, potatoes are actually a type of starchy vegetable that grows underground, known as a tuber ( 2 , 3 ).

Is cheese OK for autoimmune disease? ›

Dairy: People with autoimmune diseases may want to stop drinking or eating any type of animal milk, such as cow's, sheep's, and goat's milk, and foods that derive from them, such as cheese, butter, cream, and dairy-based protein powders and supplements.

Is Cheddar cheese an anti inflammatory? ›

All dairy foods including milk, cheese, and yogurt, as well as dairy proteins, like whey and casein, were found in several systematic reviews to be anti-inflammatory or to have a neutral effect on inflammation. Learn more about dairy's role in fighting inflammation here.

Is dairy allowed on AIP? ›

Foods to avoid on Modified AIP are: Grains & Gluten (except Rice and Pseudo-grains) Dairy (except Ghee) Nightshades.

What foods should you avoid on the AIP diet? ›

An AIP diet avoids all processed foods, alcohol, additives, refined sugars, coffee, tea, oils, and certain medications. In the elimination phase, a person will also avoid foods such as grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, and nightshade vegetables, but they may reintroduce these later.

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