Craving the creamy, savory goodness of cheese but sticking to a vegan lifestyle? You’re in the right place!
Vegan cheeses have come a long way, offering mouthwatering flavors and satisfying textures without any dairy. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned plant-based foodie, making your own vegan cheese at home is easier than you might think.
With simple ingredients like nuts, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk, you can whip up delicious cheese alternatives perfect for spreading, melting, or snacking. This post will guide you through easy vegan cheese recipes that require minimal effort and maximum taste.
From tangy cashew cheese to quick almond ricotta, these recipes are perfect for adding a cheesy touch to your favorite dishes. Plus, making cheese at home means you can customize flavors to your liking, avoid preservatives, and impress your friends with your culinary skills.
Ready to dive into the world of easy vegan cheese? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade vegan cheese is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy cheese without the dairy. These recipes are:
- Simple and quick: Most recipes take under 30 minutes and require no complicated equipment.
- Customizable: Adjust herbs, spices, and texture to suit your palate.
- Nutritious: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamins from wholesome ingredients.
- Cost-effective: Save money by making cheese at home instead of buying pricey vegan cheese brands.
- Versatile: Use these cheeses in sandwiches, salads, pizzas, or as dips and spreads.
Plus, making your own vegan cheese opens doors to experimenting with flavors from all over the world. If you love easy vegan cooking, be sure to check out our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals for more fuss-free ideas.
Ingredients
| Recipe | Key Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Cashew Cheese | Raw cashews (soaked), nutritional yeast, garlic powder | 1 cup cashews, 3 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1 tsp garlic powder |
| Almond Ricotta | Blanched almonds (soaked), lemon juice, salt | 1 cup almonds, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt |
| Tofu Feta | Extra-firm tofu, apple cider vinegar, dried oregano | 1 block tofu, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp oregano |
| Cashew Cream Cheese | Raw cashews (soaked), lemon juice, salt, water | 1 cup cashews, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 cup water |
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor: Essential for blending nuts and tofu into creamy textures.
- Bowl: For soaking nuts and mixing ingredients.
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth: Useful for draining excess liquid.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Mixing spoon or spatula: To stir and combine ingredients.
- Storage container: Airtight container to store your vegan cheeses in the fridge.
Instructions
- Prepare the nuts or tofu: Soak raw cashews or almonds in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain well. For tofu, press out excess water using paper towels.
- Blend the base: Place soaked nuts or tofu in your blender or food processor. Add nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor), lemon juice (for tang), salt, and any spices like garlic powder or dried herbs.
- Process until smooth: Blend until the mixture is creamy and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add water gradually if the mixture is too thick to help blend better.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste your cheese and add more salt, lemon juice, or spices to suit your preference.
- Set or refrigerate: For firmer cheeses like cashew cheese or tofu feta, transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve or store: Use your vegan cheese immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Tips & Variations
“The secret to a great vegan cheese is soaking your nuts long enough and using nutritional yeast for that unmistakable cheesy umami flavor.”
Here are some ways to elevate your vegan cheese game:
- Smoky flavor: Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic smoked cheeses.
- Herbs & spices: Fresh basil, chives, or dill add freshness and complexity.
- Spicy kick: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeño for heat.
- Fermentation: For an authentic tang, try fermenting cashew cheese with a probiotic capsule or rejuvelac.
- Vegan mozzarella: Use tapioca starch and coconut milk to create a stretchy, meltable cheese perfect for pizzas.
If you’re interested in more vegan cooking inspiration, check out our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade — perfect for pairing with your homemade vegan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
| Ingredient | Calories (per serving) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Fiber (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cashew Cheese (1/4 cup) | 180 | 6 | 15 | 8 | 1 |
| Almond Ricotta (1/4 cup) | 160 | 6 | 14 | 6 | 2 |
| Tofu Feta (1/4 cup) | 90 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Cashew Cream Cheese (2 tbsp) | 90 | 3 | 8 | 3 | 0.5 |
Serving Suggestions
Vegan cheese is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Spread on crackers or toast: Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
- Use in sandwiches and wraps: Add a creamy layer to your favorite vegan sandwiches; try pairing with our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious for a fusion twist.
- Top salads: Crumbled tofu feta adds a salty tang to leafy greens.
- Stuffed in pasta or casseroles: Mix cashew ricotta into lasagna or stuffed shells for a rich, cheesy texture.
- Dip for veggies: Serve cashew cream cheese with fresh cut veggies or pita chips for a creamy dip.
For more creative plant-based meal ideas, check out our Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor and Veganomicon Recipes Online: Best Dishes to Try Today.
Conclusion
Making easy vegan cheese at home is a rewarding and delicious way to embrace plant-based living. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create creamy, flavorful cheeses that satisfy your cravings and enhance your meals.
Whether you prefer the tang of tofu feta or the richness of cashew cheese, these recipes are accessible and perfect for everyday cooking.
Experimenting with vegan cheese opens up a world of culinary creativity—customize spices, textures, and uses to suit your taste and lifestyle. Plus, making cheese yourself ensures control over ingredients and freshness, which store-bought options often lack.
Don’t forget to explore more vegan recipes on our site to complement your cheesy creations, and enjoy the delicious journey of plant-based cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Vegan Cashew Cheese
Description: A creamy and tangy vegan cheese made from soaked cashews and simple ingredients. Perfect as a spread or dip for snacks and sandwiches.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 4 hours
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Drain and rinse soaked cashews.
- Add cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, water, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 6g
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