Aged Vegan Cheese Recipe: Easy Homemade Dairy-Free Cheese

Discover the art of making aged vegan cheese right at home with this detailed and rewarding recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring dairy-free alternatives, aged vegan cheese offers a sophisticated flavor profile that mirrors traditional aged cheeses without any animal products.

This recipe combines creamy cashews, nutritional yeast, and a touch of probiotics to create a tangy, savory cheese that develops depth and complexity over time. The aging process not only intensifies the flavors but also improves the texture, making it perfect for slicing, spreading, or melting.

Creating your own aged vegan cheese is a fun kitchen adventure that requires patience but yields incredible results. Imagine the pride of serving a homemade cheese that surprises even non-vegans!

Plus, this recipe is free from preservatives and artificial additives, ensuring a wholesome, natural treat. Ready to elevate your plant-based culinary skills?

Let’s dive into the world of fermented, aged vegan cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This aged vegan cheese recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving that rich, tangy, and slightly nutty flavor typical of aged cheeses. Using simple, wholesome ingredients, you’ll create a versatile cheese that can be tailored to your taste preferences through the aging process.

Key benefits include:

• Rich, umami-packed flavor that improves with time
• Completely plant-based and allergen-friendly
• Customizable texture – from spreadable to sliceable
• Uses natural fermentation for a probiotic boost
• Perfect for enhancing sandwiches, crackers, and recipes

Whether you’re prepping for a special occasion or adding a gourmet touch to your everyday meals, this recipe offers a delicious and healthful alternative to store-bought vegan cheeses.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups raw cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours or overnight)
• 1/4 cup refined coconut oil (melted)
• 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
• 1/4 cup filtered water
• 1 probiotic capsule (preferably dairy-free)
• Cheesecloth or nut milk bag (for shaping and draining)

Equipment

• High-speed blender or food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Springform pan or small cheese mold
• Cheesecloth or nut milk bag
• Plastic wrap or beeswax wraps
• Fermentation container or warm, dark place for aging
• Refrigerator
• Rubber spatula

Instructions

1. Soak the cashews: Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for 4-6 hours or overnight to soften, which helps achieve a creamy texture.
2. Prepare the probiotic mixture: Open the probiotic capsule and sprinkle the contents into 1/4 cup of filtered water. Stir gently and set aside for 10 minutes to activate.
3. Blend the cheese base: Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. Add them to your blender along with the melted coconut oil, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric (if using), and the probiotic water.
4. Process until smooth: Blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until you get a thick, creamy, and smooth mixture.
5. Transfer and shape: Line your cheese mold or springform pan with cheesecloth or a nut milk bag. Pour the blended mixture into the mold, then fold the cloth over the top to cover.
6. Press and drain: Place a weight or plate on top of the covered cheese to gently press out excess moisture. Let it sit at room temperature (around 70°F / 21°C) for 12-24 hours to start fermenting.
7. Remove from mold: After initial fermentation, carefully unwrap and transfer the cheese onto a clean surface or cheese aging mat. Shape it as desired—round, block, or wedge.
8. Aging process: Place the cheese in a clean container or wrap loosely with breathable cloth and store in a cool, dark place (ideally 55-65°F / 13-18°C) for 5-7 days. During this time, the cheese will develop flavor and firmer texture.
9. Refrigerate and enjoy: After aging, store the cheese in the refrigerator wrapped in parchment paper or a clean cloth. It will keep well for up to 2 weeks. Serve sliced or spread on your favorite dishes.

Tips & Variations

“Patience is key when aging vegan cheese. The longer you let it ferment, the richer and more complex the flavor becomes.”

• Adjust aging time: For a milder flavor, age for 3-4 days. For a stronger, tangier cheese, extend up to 2 weeks.
• Add herbs and spices: Mix in fresh rosemary, thyme, or cracked black pepper before shaping to customize flavor.
• Use different nuts: Experiment with macadamia nuts or almonds for varied textures and tastes.
• Try different probiotics: Different strains can alter the flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment.
• Wrap with edible coatings: For a traditional rind, try coating your cheese with edible ash or spices before aging.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This aged vegan cheese is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Slice it thin for a gourmet vegan cheese board, paired with crackers, olives, and fresh fruit.

Spread it on crusty bread or bagels for a decadent breakfast or snack.

Try melting slices over steamed vegetables or vegan pizzas to add a rich and cheesy flavor. You can also crumble it over salads or mix it into creamy pasta sauces for an extra umami kick.

For more delicious plant-based meal ideas, check out our Breakfast Wellington Recipe and the hearty Bread And Gravy Recipe.

Conclusion

Making your own aged vegan cheese is a rewarding process that elevates any plant-based diet. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can craft a cheese that’s bursting with flavor, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

This recipe not only celebrates the art of fermentation but also offers a healthy and delicious alternative to conventional cheese.

From its creamy texture to its complex tang, this cheese will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and aging times, and enjoy the journey of perfecting your own signature vegan cheese.

For more creative recipes and culinary inspiration, explore our collection of delicious dishes like the savory Bluebill Duck Recipes or the flavorful Best Spg Seasoning Recipe.

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