If you’ve ever found yourself craving the rich, creamy goodness of cheese but want to keep things 100% plant-based, you’re in for a treat. Vegan cheese has come a long way from its humble beginnings, now offering an array of flavors and textures that can rival traditional dairy cheese.
Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just curious about plant-based alternatives, these BuzzFeed’s 12 drool-worthy vegan cheese recipes will satisfy your cheesy cravings with healthful, delicious ingredients.
From tangy cashew-based spreads to melty mozzarella-style shreds, each recipe is crafted to bring out the best in vegan cheese making. Ready to impress your taste buds and guests?
Let’s dive into these irresistible recipes that make dairy-free dining a delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegan cheese recipes are not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. They use simple, wholesome ingredients like nuts, nutritional yeast, and spices to create creamy, tangy, and melty cheeses that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Whether you’re looking to spread, melt, or snack, these recipes cover all bases.
Beyond taste, these cheeses are free from lactose, cholesterol, and animal products, making them easier to digest and better for the environment. Plus, they’re perfect for anyone exploring plant-based diets or simply wanting to add more nutritious options to their meals.
Ingredients
- Raw cashews – the creamy base for many cheeses
- Nutritional yeast – adds cheesy flavor and B vitamins
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice – for tang and acidity
- Coconut oil – helps achieve a melty texture
- Garlic powder and onion powder – for savory depth
- Salt – enhances flavor
- Water or plant-based milk – to blend and adjust consistency
- Agar agar powder or tapioca starch – for firming and stretchiness
- Herbs and spices like smoked paprika, dill, or chives for variety
- Almond flour or nutritional yeast flakes for coating
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor – essential for smooth, creamy cheese bases
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
- Saucepan – for heating ingredients and thickening
- Cheese molds or small bowls – to shape your cheeses
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy
- Spatula – for scraping and mixing
- Refrigerator – to chill and firm cheeses
- Baking sheet or parchment paper – for drying or setting certain cheeses
Instructions
- Soak the cashews: Place 1 to 2 cups of raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften.
- Drain and rinse: After soaking, drain the cashews and rinse under cold water.
- Blend the base: In a high-speed blender, combine soaked cashews, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, 1/4 cup water or plant milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Heat for firming (optional): For cheeses that need to set or stretch, transfer the mixture to a saucepan and gently heat on medium heat while stirring. Add 1 teaspoon agar agar powder or 2 tablespoons tapioca starch dissolved in water. Cook until thickened and stretchy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Shape the cheese: Pour the mixture into molds, small bowls, or shape by hand. Sprinkle with herbs, spices, or coat with almond flour or nutritional yeast flakes for texture.
- Chill: Place the cheese in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Serve or store: Once set, remove from molds and serve. Keep any leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips & Variations
Pro tip: To make a tangier cheese, increase the lemon juice or apple cider vinegar slightly. For a smokier flavor, add smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
Try swapping cashews with macadamia nuts or almonds for different textures and flavors. For a mozzarella-style cheese, tapioca starch is key to that melty stretchiness, while agar agar works best for firm, sliceable cheeses.
Experiment with mix-ins like sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, or roasted garlic for unique twists.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-180 kcal |
| Fat | 12-15 g (mostly healthy fats) |
| Protein | 4-6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6-8 g |
| Fiber | 1-2 g |
| Sodium | 150-250 mg (depending on salt added) |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan cheeses are incredibly versatile and can elevate many dishes. Use them as a creamy spread on crackers or toast for a quick snack.
Melt them over vegan pizzas made with a homemade crust like Lamonica’S Pizza Dough Recipe for a delicious dairy-free pizza night.
They also work beautifully in pasta, salads, or alongside fresh fruit and nuts on a vegan cheese board. For a tasty appetizer, pair with some Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes that complement the creamy textures.
Want to try a heartier meal? Add these cheeses to your favorite vegan casseroles or grain bowls like the Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food for an added burst of flavor.
Conclusion
These 12 vegan cheese recipes from BuzzFeed offer a fantastic gateway into the world of dairy-free cheese making. They combine healthful ingredients with creative techniques to bring you cheeses that are delicious, nutritious, and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based options, these recipes are sure to impress your palate and your guests.
With simple kitchen equipment and easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up these cheeses at home and enjoy the satisfaction of making your own dairy-free delights. So why wait?
Start experimenting today and discover the wonderful variety that vegan cheeses can add to your culinary repertoire!
📖 Recipe Card: BuzzFeed 12 Drool-Worthy Vegan Cheese Recipes
Description: A collection of 12 irresistible vegan cheese recipes perfect for any occasion. Each recipe features creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make plant-based cheeses.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon agar agar powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Drain and rinse soaked cashews.
- Blend cashews with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and water until smooth.
- In a small pot, combine agar agar powder and plant-based milk; bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Mix agar agar mixture into cashew blend thoroughly.
- Add melted coconut oil and smoked paprika; blend again until combined.
- Pour mixture into a mold and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Once set, remove from mold and slice or spread as desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 10 g
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