Applewood Vegan Cheese Recipes for Delicious Dairy-Free Meals

Discover the smoky, creamy world of applewood vegan cheese with these delightful recipes that bring a whole new dimension to plant-based cooking. Applewood smoked flavor adds a rich, savory twist that mimics traditional cheeses, making it perfect for those seeking dairy-free alternatives without sacrificing taste.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply curious, these applewood vegan cheese recipes will impress even the most discerning palates. From spreadable cheeses to firm blocks perfect for slicing, these recipes combine wholesome ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, and a hint of applewood smoke to create irresistible results.

Get ready to elevate your vegan cheese game with these easy-to-follow recipes that are perfect for snacking, cooking, or entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Applewood vegan cheese offers a unique smoky flavor that sets it apart from other vegan cheeses. It’s rich, creamy, and has a lovely depth that pairs beautifully with crackers, sandwiches, and salads.

These recipes are entirely plant-based and free from common allergens like dairy, making them accessible for many dietary needs. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.

Whether you want a spreadable cheese for your morning bagel or a firmer cheese to melt on a vegan grilled cheese sandwich, these recipes cover all the bases. You’ll love how satisfying and flavorful these cheeses are, proving that vegan cheese can be just as indulgent and delicious as the traditional kind.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups raw cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours or overnight)
• ½ cup water (more for blending as needed)
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (adds cheesy flavor)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)
• 1 tablespoon applewood smoked paprika (for smoky flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adds brightness)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted, for creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon agar agar powder (for firm cheese setting)
• Fresh herbs (optional): chives, parsley, or dill

Equipment

• High-speed blender or food processor
• Small saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Cheese mold or small container lined with parchment paper
• Spatula
• Fine mesh strainer (optional)

Instructions

1. Soak the cashews: Place the cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Let soak for 4-6 hours or overnight to soften.
2. Prepare the agar mixture: In a small saucepan, whisk together the agar agar powder and ½ cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes until the agar is fully dissolved and thickened.
3. Blend the cheese base: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to your blender along with nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, applewood smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, lemon juice, melted coconut oil, and ½ cup water. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. Add more water if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
4. Combine agar with cashew mixture: Pour the hot agar mixture into the blender with the cashew cheese base. Blend again quickly to incorporate the agar evenly.
5. Set the cheese: Immediately pour the blended mixture into your prepared cheese mold or container. Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or until firm. The agar will help the cheese set into a sliceable consistency.
7. Serve or store: Remove from mold and slice or spread as desired. Keep refrigerated and consume within 5-7 days.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For an extra smoky punch, add a few drops of liquid smoke along with the smoked paprika.

• Herb-infused cheese: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill before setting for a fresh flavor boost.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder for a spicy twist.
• Nut-free option: Substitute soaked sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for cashews to make this recipe nut-free.
• Firm block cheese: Increase agar agar to 1 ½ teaspoons for a firmer, sliceable cheese perfect for sandwiches or melting.
• Spreadable cheese: Decrease agar agar to ½ teaspoon and add a little more water for a creamy spread perfect on bagels or crackers.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Applewood vegan cheese is incredibly versatile. Spread it on toasted artisan bread or crackers for a quick snack or appetizer.

It melts beautifully, making it ideal for vegan grilled cheese sandwiches or topping for baked potatoes. Crumble it over salads to add a smoky, creamy element or use it as a dip for fresh veggies and pretzels.

For a cozy night in, pair it with your favorite vegan charcuterie board or enjoy alongside a bowl of warm soup. For inspiration on pairing your vegan cheese, check out our Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe or try it alongside a sweet treat like the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe.

More Applewood Vegan Cheese Recipes

Applewood Vegan Cream Cheese Spread

This smooth and tangy applewood cream cheese spread is perfect for bagels, sandwiches, and crackers. It balances smoky flavor with a subtle tang, making it a fantastic dairy-free alternative.

• Ingredients: 1 cup soaked cashews, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp applewood smoked paprika, 3 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp lemon juice.
• Instructions: Blend all ingredients until creamy and smooth. Adjust water for desired consistency. Chill before serving.

Applewood Vegan Cheddar Style Cheese

This firm cheddar-style cheese uses a blend of cashews, tapioca starch, and applewood smoked paprika to create a meltable cheese perfect for vegan mac and cheese or sandwiches.

• Ingredients: 1 ½ cups soaked cashews, ½ cup water, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 2 tbsp tapioca starch, 1 tbsp applewood smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 ½ tsp agar agar powder.
• Instructions: Cook agar with water, blend remaining ingredients, combine, and set in mold. Refrigerate until firm.

Applewood Vegan Feta Cheese

This crumbly, tangy vegan feta cheese is perfect for salads and Mediterranean dishes. The applewood smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth reminiscent of traditional feta.

• Ingredients: 1 cup tofu, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp applewood smoked paprika, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder.
• Instructions: Crumble tofu, mix with remaining ingredients, refrigerate for 1 hour to develop flavor, then serve.

For more delicious dairy-free recipes to complement your vegan cheese creations, try our Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe or the satisfying Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a sweet treat.

Conclusion

Applewood vegan cheese recipes offer a fantastic way to enjoy smoky, creamy cheese flavors without dairy. These recipes are simple to make, adaptable, and packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish as well as satisfy.

Whether you’re new to vegan cheese or a seasoned plant-based cook, adding applewood smoked paprika to your recipes elevates the flavor profile in exciting ways. From spreads to sliceable cheeses, these recipes bring versatility to your kitchen and are sure to impress guests and family alike.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up your blender, and dive into the delicious world of applewood vegan cheese. Your taste buds will thank you!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Applewood Vegan Cheese”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A smoky and creamy vegan cheese made with cashews and applewood smoked paprika. Perfect for spreading or melting on your favorite dishes.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “8 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 4 hours”, “1/4 cup water”, “2 tablespoons nutritional yeast”, “1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar”, “1 teaspoon applewood smoked paprika”, “1 teaspoon lemon juice”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1/2 teaspoon onion powder”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted”, “1/4 teaspoon agar powder”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain and rinse soaked cashews.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine cashews, water, nutritional yeast, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and smoked paprika in a blender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend until completely smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat and whisk in agar powder.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Simmer agar mixture for 2 minutes until dissolved.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add agar mixture to blender and blend again briefly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour mixture into a mold or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until firm.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from mold and serve as desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “6g”, “fatContent”: “15g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “8g”}}