Place the potatoes (yukon & sweet) in a saucepan and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Add a few pinches of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until fork-tender, 8 to 12 minutes.
Drain and transfer to a high-speed blender with the garlic, cashews, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, onion powder, salt, olive oil, and water. Blend until smooth.
For spicy vegan cheese, add the chipotle pepper or pickled jalapenos. If you'd like a smoky flavor, and the smoked paprika.
Sere with tortilla chips for dipping or over pasta to make vegan mac & cheese.
Notes
Note: if you're using a high powered blender, like a Vitamix, there's no need to soak the cashews. If you're using a less powerful blender, you can soak them for 2 hours. Drain before adding to the recipe.