Homemade Vegan ‘Cheese’ Sauce with Grain-Free Gnocchi

If you're craving something cozy, creamy, and a little indulgent—but still nourishing—this one’s for you. I’ve been feeling extra creative in the kitchen lately and wanted to experiment with a vegan “cheese” sauce made from real-food ingredients that leave you feeling good after you eat.

The base is simple: sweet potato, carrot, and coconut milk, blended with warming spices and nutritional yeast for that “cheesy” flavor. Paired with grain-free gnocchi (I love Cappello’s), it’s one of those meals that tastes like comfort food but still supports your gut, your energy, and your goals.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes

• 1 large carrot

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk

• 4–6 tbsp nutritional yeast (adjust to taste)

• 2 garlic cloves

• 2 tsp turmeric

• ½ tsp thyme

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 2 boxes Cappello’s Gnocchi (or your favorite grain-free version)

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Directions:

1. Bake the sweet potatoes whole at 400°F for 45–50 minutes or until soft.

2. Add the carrot (drizzled with olive or coconut oil) to the baking sheet after about 20 minutes of roasting.

3. Boil water for the gnocchi and prep according to package instructions.

4. Once the potatoes and carrot are done, let them cool for about 10 minutes. Peel the sweet potatoes and transfer both veggies to a blender.

5. Add coconut milk a little at a time and blend to your desired consistency.

6. Add garlic, nutritional yeast, turmeric, thyme, salt, and pepper. Blend again until smooth and creamy.

7. Drain gnocchi, place in a bowl, and top generously with the vegan cheese sauce.

8. Sprinkle with extra thyme and cracked pepper before serving!

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💡 Mandy’s Tips:

• Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.

• Store extra sauce in the fridge for 3–4 days—it’s great over roasted veggies or mixed into quinoa bowls.

• This sauce is also great for picky eaters who love mac-and-cheese vibes but need a dairy-free option.

Love This Kind of Recipe?

This is exactly the kind of real-food, comfort-meets-nutrition support I share in Nutrition Coaching. If you’re looking for ideas that fit your lifestyle and taste buds (and don’t require a total overhaul), let’s talk.

👉 Learn more about Nutrition Coaching here and get inspired with simple, doable recipes that fuel your body and honor your cravings.