If you’ve ever savored the creamy, indulgent delight of traditional burrata cheese, you know how special it is. But for those following a vegan lifestyle or simply looking to reduce dairy, finding a good alternative can be a challenge.
That’s where this vegan burrata recipe comes in! Crafted from wholesome plant-based ingredients, this vegan version replicates the rich, creamy center and delicate outer shell of classic burrata, making it perfect for salads, appetizers, or even as a luxurious snack.
With simple ingredients like cashews and coconut cream, you can whip up this cheese in your own kitchen and impress your friends with a dairy-free masterpiece.
Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just curious about plant-based cheeses, this recipe will open new doors for your culinary creativity. Plus, it pairs beautifully with fresh tomatoes, crusty bread, or your favorite Mediterranean dishes.
Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan burrata is a game changer for anyone who misses the luscious texture and mild flavor of traditional burrata without the dairy. It’s:
- Rich and creamy: The combination of soaked cashews and coconut cream creates a smooth, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
- Simple and natural: No artificial thickeners or preservatives—just wholesome, plant-based ingredients.
- Versatile: Use it in salads, on bruschetta, or as a dip; it’s a perfect dairy-free alternative for many dishes.
- Customizable: You can adjust the tanginess and seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Impressively authentic: Once you taste it, you’ll hardly believe it’s dairy-free!
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight)
- 1/2 cup canned coconut cream (chilled)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup water (more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch (for stretchiness)
- Optional: fresh basil or oregano for flavor
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap or cheesecloth
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Small bowls or molds (to shape burrata)
Instructions
- Soak the cashews: Place the raw cashews in a bowl, cover with water, and soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. This softens them for easier blending and creamier texture.
- Drain and rinse: After soaking, drain the cashews and rinse thoroughly under cold water.
- Blend the base: In your blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, coconut cream, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1/4 cup water. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.
- Make the stretchy center: In a small saucepan, whisk together the tapioca starch with 1/4 cup water until dissolved. Place over medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes stretchy and glossy (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Combine and cool: Quickly fold the tapioca starch mixture into the cashew cream. Stir well to combine. This creates that signature stretchy, gooey center of burrata.
- Shape the burrata: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your countertop. Spoon half of the cashew mixture onto the plastic wrap, shaping it into a small ball (about 3 inches in diameter). Flatten slightly.
- Add the filling: Place a spoonful of the stretchy tapioca center onto the flattened ball, then cover with the remaining cashew mixture. Carefully wrap the plastic around the cheese and twist the edges to seal. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Serve and enjoy: Once chilled, unwrap your vegan burrata and serve with fresh tomatoes, basil, crusty bread, or any dish that calls for burrata.
Tips & Variations
“For the creamiest texture, make sure to soak your cashews well and use full-fat coconut cream.”
- Add herbs: Mix fresh basil, oregano, or chives into the cashew cream for an herby twist.
- Use agar agar: If you want a firmer shell, try adding a small amount of agar agar powder to the mixture before chilling.
- Adjust tanginess: Experiment with more or less lemon juice and apple cider vinegar depending on your preferred flavor profile.
- Nut-free option: Substitute soaked sunflower seeds for cashews to accommodate nut allergies.
- Storage: Keep the vegan burrata in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving (approx. 100g) |
---|---|
Calories | 250 kcal |
Fat | 20g |
Saturated Fat | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 10g |
Fiber | 2g |
Protein | 6g |
Sodium | 300mg |
Serving Suggestions
Vegan burrata is incredibly versatile! Here are some ways to enjoy it:
- Caprese salad: Serve sliced fresh tomatoes with vegan burrata, fresh basil, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and olive oil.
- Bruschetta topping: Spread on toasted baguette slices with diced tomatoes and fresh herbs for an elegant appetizer.
- Pasta garnish: Dollop on hot pasta dishes just before serving for a creamy finish.
- Pizza topping: Add small spoonfuls of vegan burrata to your homemade vegan pizza after baking.
- Snack plate: Pair with olives, roasted vegetables, and crusty bread for a delicious vegan cheese board.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan burrata at home is both satisfying and delightful. This recipe captures the creamy texture and subtle tang of traditional burrata, all while being 100% plant-based and allergy-friendly.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, you can create a luxurious cheese alternative that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. Whether you’re adding it to a fresh salad or using it as a dip, this vegan burrata is sure to become a staple in your plant-based kitchen.
For more delicious vegan recipes to complement your culinary adventures, check out Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners, Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes, and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Burrata
Description: A creamy and delicious plant-based alternative to traditional burrata made with cashews and coconut cream. Perfect for salads, appetizers, or as a spread.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 4 hours
- 1/4 cup coconut cream
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Drain and rinse soaked cashews.
- Blend cashews, coconut cream, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, garlic powder, and water until smooth.
- Pour mixture into a saucepan and add tapioca starch.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick and stretchy.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Shape into balls and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 10 g
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