If you’ve ever wanted to explore the world of vegan cheesemaking, then this recipe from cheesemaking.com is a perfect place to start. Creating delicious, creamy, and totally plant-based cheese right at home is not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to enjoy dairy-free alternatives that are full of flavor and texture.
Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just curious about plant-based cooking, this recipe offers a simple yet effective method to craft your own vegan cheese using wholesome ingredients. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize to your taste preferences, making it a staple for your kitchen experiments.
In this post, we’ll walk you through why this recipe is a must-try, the ingredients and equipment you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, useful tips and variations, nutrition details, and serving ideas to inspire your culinary creativity.
Ready to dive into the art of vegan cheesemaking? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan cheese recipe stands out because it balances simplicity with authentic flavor. It uses easily accessible ingredients like cashews and nutritional yeast to create a creamy texture and cheesy taste that rivals traditional dairy cheese.
The process is beginner-friendly, requiring no special culturing or fermentation skills, making it ideal for anyone new to cheesemaking.
Additionally, this recipe is incredibly versatile—you can enjoy it as a spread, dip, or even a meltable topping. Its plant-based nature makes it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and lactose-free diets.
Plus, it’s free from preservatives and artificial additives, so you know exactly what’s going into your food. Discover how easy and satisfying homemade vegan cheese can be!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups raw cashews, soaked overnight or boiled for 15 minutes
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast for that cheesy umami flavor
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice for tanginess
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to add a slight sharpness
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ cup water, plus extra for blending
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted (for creaminess and firmness)
- ½ teaspoon agar powder (a vegan gelatin substitute for setting)
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor for smooth blending
- Small saucepan to dissolve agar powder
- Mixing bowls for soaking and mixing ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
- Cheese mold or small container lined with parchment paper
- Refrigerator for setting the cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the cashews: Soak the raw cashews in water overnight or boil them for 15 minutes to soften. Drain and rinse before using.
- Dissolve agar powder: In a small saucepan, combine the agar powder with ½ cup of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the agar is fully dissolved and slightly thickened.
- Blend the base: In your blender or food processor, add the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, garlic (if using), melted coconut oil, and the warm agar mixture. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape the sides a few times.
- Mold the cheese: Quickly pour the blended mixture into your lined cheese mold or container. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate: Place the mold in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until the cheese has set firmly.
- Unmold and serve: Once set, carefully remove the cheese from the mold. It’s now ready to slice, spread, or melt in your favorite dishes.
- Store: Keep the vegan cheese wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Tips & Variations
“For a cheesier and sharper flavor, experiment by adding a teaspoon of miso paste or a pinch of smoked paprika to the blend. If you prefer a softer cheese, reduce the agar powder slightly.”
- Add fresh herbs: Mix in chopped chives, dill, or basil before setting for herbaceous notes.
- Try different nuts: Substitute cashews with macadamia nuts or blanched almonds for varied textures and flavors.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeño for heat.
- Make it smoked: Lightly smoke the cheese after setting or add smoked salt for a deep smoky flavor.
- Use as a base: This cheese works great for layering in vegan lasagna or dolloping on roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (approx. 50g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
| Vitamin B12 (from nutritional yeast) | 1.5 mcg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan cheese is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Spread it over toasted artisanal bread or crackers for a quick snack.
It melts beautifully, making it ideal for topping vegan pizzas or grilled sandwiches. You can also crumble it over salads or roasted vegetables to add a rich, cheesy flavor without dairy.
For a delightful appetizer, pair slices of this cheese with fresh fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. If you love dips, blend it with roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to create flavorful vegan cheese dips perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like other creative dishes such as Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese for a dairy alternative, or try your hand at a sweet treat with the Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe. For an unexpected savory bite, check out the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to complement your cheese platter.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan cheese at home is a fun, rewarding process that opens up a world of plant-based culinary possibilities. This recipe from cheesemaking.com offers a straightforward method that produces a deliciously creamy and flavorful cheese alternative using natural ingredients.
Not only does it satisfy cheese cravings without dairy, but it also allows you to customize flavors and textures to suit your preferences.
By mastering this recipe, you’ll gain confidence to experiment with other vegan cheese varieties and incorporate them into your meals creatively. Whether for everyday use or special occasions, this vegan cheese is sure to impress friends and family alike.
Happy cheesemaking, and enjoy exploring new tastes!
📖 Recipe Card: Cheesemaking.com Vegan Cashew Cheese
Description: A creamy and tangy vegan cashew cheese perfect for spreading or dipping. Made with simple ingredients for a delicious dairy-free alternative.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashews, soaked overnight
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
Instructions
- Drain and rinse soaked cashews.
- Add cashews, water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, vinegar, and garlic to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add salt, onion powder, and smoked paprika; blend again to combine.
- Stir in melted coconut oil.
- Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 8g
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