Agar Agar Flakes Vegan Cheese Recipe Made Easy

Discover the magic of making your own vegan cheese at home with this easy and delicious agar agar flakes vegan cheese recipe. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned vegan, this recipe offers a perfect blend of creamy texture and tangy flavor without any dairy.

Agar agar, a natural seaweed-derived gelatin substitute, gives the cheese its firm yet sliceable consistency, making it ideal for sandwiches, crackers, or melting over your favorite dishes.

This homemade vegan cheese is not only nutritious but also customizable, allowing you to experiment with herbs, spices, and nuts to suit your taste buds. Plus, it’s free from preservatives and artificial additives, so you know exactly what you’re consuming.

Ready to impress your friends and family with a wholesome, cruelty-free alternative? Let’s dive into this flavorful journey of crafting your own vegan cheese using agar agar flakes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out because it uses agar agar flakes, a natural gelling agent that sets quickly and firmly, creating a cheese that can be sliced, shredded, or melted. Unlike store-bought vegan cheeses loaded with additives, this one is made from whole, simple ingredients that nourish your body and satisfy your cravings.

It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust flavors, from sharp to mild, or add smoky and herby notes. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, requiring no fermentation or aging, so you can enjoy fresh vegan cheese in under an hour.

Whether you are lactose intolerant, vegan, or just curious, this recipe is a must-try that elevates plant-based eating.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight)
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons agar agar flakes
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
• 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil (melted, for creaminess)

Equipment

• High-speed blender or food processor
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or sturdy spoon
• Cheese mold or small loaf pan lined with parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Strainer (for rinsing cashews)

Instructions

1. Prepare the cashews. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews thoroughly under cold water.
2. Blend the base. In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, 1 cup of water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. Add the melted coconut oil and pulse to incorporate.
3. Prepare agar agar mixture. In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1 cup of water and agar agar flakes. Let them soak for 5 minutes to soften.
4. Cook agar agar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil while whisking constantly. Continue boiling for 2-3 minutes until the agar flakes completely dissolve and the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Combine mixtures. Quickly pour the blended cashew mixture into the saucepan with the hot agar mixture. Whisk vigorously to combine everything smoothly and avoid lumps.
6. Set the cheese. Pour the combined mixture into your prepared cheese mold or loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Chill until firm. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the vegan cheese to set firmly.
8. Slice and serve. Once set, remove the cheese from the mold and slice as desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Tips & Variations

For a sharper cheese, add a teaspoon of miso paste or a pinch of mustard powder to the blender.

Experiment with herbs like chives, dill, or basil for fresh, herby flavors.

If you prefer a softer cheese, reduce the agar agar flakes to 1 tablespoon. For a smokier profile, increase the smoked paprika or add a few drops of liquid smoke.

To make this recipe nut-free, substitute soaked sunflower seeds or cooked white beans for cashews, though the texture will vary slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Slice it thin for sandwiches or melt it over steamed vegetables or vegan nachos.

It also makes a fantastic addition to crackers and fruit platters for an elegant appetizer.

Try cubing it and tossing into salads for a creamy texture or grate it over pasta dishes to add a cheesy touch without dairy. For more inspiration, check out our Bread And Gravy Recipe or enjoy alongside the Breakfast Wellington Recipe for a hearty breakfast boost.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan cheese using agar agar flakes is a rewarding experience that combines health, flavor, and creativity. This recipe provides a satisfying alternative to dairy cheese, perfect for those embracing a plant-based lifestyle or anyone looking to reduce animal products without sacrificing taste.

By using simple, wholesome ingredients, you can enjoy a creamy, firm cheese that’s great on a variety of dishes and easy to customize to your liking.

Give this recipe a try and join the growing community of home cooks who are discovering the joys of homemade vegan cheese. For more tasty recipes and kitchen inspiration, don’t miss our Blueberry Mule With Blueberry Vodka Recipe or the hearty Blackstone Asparagus Recipe.

Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious, cruelty-free cheese!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Agar Agar Flakes Vegan Cheese”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and firm vegan cheese made using agar agar flakes for perfect setting. Ideal for slicing or melting in your favorite dishes.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours)”, “1 cup water”, “2 tablespoons agar agar flakes”, “3 tablespoons nutritional yeast”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar”, “1 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1/4 teaspoon onion powder”, “1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain and rinse soaked cashews.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend cashews with water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a saucepan, dissolve agar agar flakes in 1 cup water over medium heat, stirring constantly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring agar mixture to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes until fully dissolved.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slowly add the agar mixture to the cashew blend while blending continuously.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add melted coconut oil and blend for another 30 seconds.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour mixture into a mold and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from mold and slice as desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “5g”, “fatContent”: “14g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “8g”}}