Creamy Cauliflower "Cheese" Sauce

Can't do dairy? I've got your back. This Creamy Cauliflower "Cheese" Sauce is completely dairy free but has that familiar tang of cheese.

Sneaky bonus: the base is cauliflower, so you're noshing on veggies and savoring a cheesy kick.

January is a big Whole30 month with the new year and all, and I had every intention of spending my time on Whole30 recipes. Originally, I thought this would easily classify as a Whole30 recipe. But after consulting my Instagram followers about it, I can't confidently label this Whole30 anymore. While it contains all Whole30-approved ingredients, it's still a "cheese" sauce-a recreation of a non-compliant food that for some would constitute food-with-no-brakes. That's a no-no on Whole30.

Normally I would just post a different recipe to keep with the Whole30 theme. But this week, that's not going to happen. Last weekend my family was in town for a late Christmas celebration, and I was the host. Obviously, I had no time (and no space!) to cook up and photograph a different recipe.

Despite that, this cauliflower "cheese" sauce is still worth sharing! It's fairly quick and simple. You can use it to smother your favorite veggies or as a dip. I mixed about ¼ cup of the sauce with some Primal Kitchen ranch dressing and leftover shredded chicken for an easy lunch one day (highly recommended).

And the one thing I haven't mentioned? I'm really digging these pictures. Now that I'm spending a little more time with my camera and devoting more free time to learning and practice, I feel like I'm finally beginning to touch on my style.

Anyway, I hope you love this recipe! I'll be posting a casserole that uses this sauce soon. If you make and use this sauce, please leave me a comment or tag me on social media so I can see your creative combinations!

Gluten free & high protein sides and snacks

Did you try this Cauliflower Cheese Sauce recipe? I'd love to hear what you think! Please leave a comment and rating or tag me on Instagram - I appreciate your feedback.

📖 Recipe

Creamy Cauliflower "Cheese" Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Chelsea Joy
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2-3 cups sauce 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Dairy-Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Email me this recipe

Enter your email and I'll send it right to you, plus get new recipes from me regularly!

Send

Send me new recipe updates.

Recipe saved! Please check your email for your saved recipe.

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil
• 2-3 cups cauliflower florets, broken into chunks
• 1-2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon tapioca flour
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Fill a pot ¼ of the way full with water. Set a metal colander or steaming basket over the water (being sure the colander is not submerged in water) and add the cauliflower florets. Bring the water to a boil. If using a colander, cover the cauliflower with the pot lid (it doesn't have to perfectly fit, but it helps to hold the steam in!). Steam for 10-15 minutes or until fork tender.
2. Meanwhile, melt the ghee in a small skillet over low heat. Add garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Add steamed cauliflower, sautéed garlic, 1 cup broth, and the rest of the ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more broth until desired consistency is reached. Alternatively, you can add all ingredients to a deep pot and use an immersion blender to blend.

---

Notes

Inspired by Pinch of Yum's Creamy Cauliflower Sauce