Baked Vegan Cheese Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Creamy

If you’ve ever craved the gooey, melty goodness of baked cheese but follow a vegan lifestyle, this baked vegan cheese recipe is about to become your new best friend. Crafted with wholesome plant-based ingredients, it delivers that rich, creamy texture and savory flavor everyone loves in traditional cheese dishes.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your vegan lasagna, add a cheesy topping to your baked potatoes, or simply enjoy a warm, dairy-free cheese dip, this recipe offers versatility and comfort all in one. It’s simple to prepare, uses accessible ingredients, and bakes to a golden, bubbling perfection that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.

Not only does this baked vegan cheese satisfy your taste buds, but it’s also a healthier alternative to dairy-based cheeses, free from cholesterol and packed with nutrients. If you love recipes like our Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe or crave something sweet afterward, you might want to check out the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe for a perfect dessert pairing.

Let’s dive into creating this deliciously creamy vegan cheese that bakes beautifully and melts like the real thing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked vegan cheese is a game-changer for anyone seeking a plant-based alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. It’s:

• Rich and creamy with a wonderful melt and stretch, perfect for comfort dishes.
• Nutritious, using wholesome ingredients like cashews and nutritional yeast to provide healthy fats and protein.
• Versatile enough to be used in casseroles, on pizza, or as a dip for your favorite snacks.
• Easy to customize with herbs, spices, and different plant milks to suit your taste preferences.
• Free from dairy and soy, making it suitable for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress non-vegans with a cheese that truly satisfies without any animal products.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 1 hour, then drained)
• ½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or soy)
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast (for that cheesy flavor)
• 2 tablespoons tapioca starch (for stretchiness)
• 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil (melted)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky depth)

Equipment

• High-speed blender or food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Oven-safe baking dish (8×8 inches recommended)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Prepare the cashews: Soak the cashews in hot water for at least 1 hour to soften. Drain and rinse before using.
2. Blend the base: In your high-speed blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and smoked paprika if using. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Cook the tapioca starch: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the tapioca starch and coconut oil. Slowly pour in the blended cashew mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Heat and thicken: Continue cooking the mixture, stirring frequently for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture thickening and becoming stretchy. Once it reaches a thick, stretchy, and glossy consistency, remove from heat.
5. Transfer and bake: Pour the thickened cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Bake: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Cool and serve: Let the baked vegan cheese cool slightly before serving. This helps it set and improves the texture.

Tips & Variations

“For the best creamy texture, make sure your cashews are well soaked and fully blended. If you want a sharper flavor, add a little more nutritional yeast or a pinch of mustard powder.”

• Use different nuts like macadamia or blanched almonds for a unique flavor twist.
• Experiment with herbs such as chives, thyme, or basil stirred into the mixture before baking for herbaceous notes.
• Add a pinch of turmeric for color without affecting flavor much.
• For a spicy kick, include crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• If you want a firmer cheese, reduce the plant milk slightly or bake a few minutes longer.
• Try topping with vegan parmesan or breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy crust.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This baked vegan cheese is incredibly versatile and can enhance a variety of dishes. Here are some tasty ideas:

• Spread over warm slices of your favorite bread for a melty vegan cheese toast.
• Use as a creamy layer in casseroles or baked pasta dishes for a decadent finish.
• Serve as a dip for fresh vegetables, crackers, or breadsticks at your next party.
• Top baked potatoes or roasted vegetables to add richness without dairy.
• Pair it with a crusty loaf or alongside our Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe to make a delicious sandwich.

Conclusion

Making your own baked vegan cheese is easier than you might think and offers a wonderful way to enjoy cheesy dishes without compromising your plant-based lifestyle. The combination of cashews, nutritional yeast, and tapioca starch creates a luscious, stretchy cheese that bakes to perfection and satisfies those cheesy cravings.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish your body and delight your palate. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just looking to explore new flavors, this baked vegan cheese is a must-try in your kitchen repertoire.

If you love experimenting with vegan recipes, don’t miss our Half Runner Beans Recipe for a fresh vegetable side or indulge your sweet tooth with the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe. Happy cooking and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

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