Vegan Goat Cheese Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

Are you craving the tangy, creamy richness of traditional goat cheese but want to keep your diet entirely plant-based? Look no further!

This vegan goat cheese recipe perfectly replicates the distinctive texture and flavor of classic goat cheese using wholesome, vegan ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring dairy-free alternatives, this recipe will delight your taste buds with its zesty, slightly tangy profile and smooth consistency.

It’s incredibly versatile and perfect for spreading on crackers, melting over salads, or incorporating into your favorite recipes.

Not only is this homemade vegan goat cheese delicious, but it’s also simple to make with a few pantry staples and minimal equipment. Plus, it’s free from preservatives and artificial additives, giving you a fresh, natural product that you can feel good about eating.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with this dairy-free delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan goat cheese recipe offers a fantastic plant-based alternative for cheese lovers who avoid dairy. It captures the creamy tang you expect from goat cheese, made from cashews and coconut yogurt that provide both texture and a subtle tanginess.

The fermentation process using probiotics mimics the traditional cheese’s complexity and depth of flavor.

Additionally, the recipe is highly adaptable. You can customize the herbs and seasonings to suit your palate or dietary needs.

It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy cheese flavors without the lactose or cholesterol found in animal products. Plus, it can be prepared in advance and stored, making it a convenient, healthy addition to your kitchen staples.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups raw cashews (soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight)
• ½ cup unsweetened coconut yogurt (make sure it contains live cultures)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
• 1 tablespoon probiotic powder or the contents of 2 probiotic capsules
• Fresh herbs for garnish (such as thyme, rosemary, or chives – optional)
• Water (as needed for blending)

Equipment

• High-speed blender or food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel
• Fine mesh strainer
• Glass jar or container with lid (for fermenting)
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for soaking cashews

Instructions

1. Soak the cashews: Place the cashews in a bowl and cover them with filtered water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften. This step is essential for achieving a smooth, creamy texture.
2. Drain and rinse: After soaking, drain the cashews and rinse under cold water.
3. Blend the cheese base: In your high-speed blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, unsweetened coconut yogurt, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast (if using). Blend until very smooth, adding a tablespoon of water at a time if necessary to help blend but avoid making the mixture too runny.
4. Add probiotics: Open the probiotic capsules or add probiotic powder and blend briefly to incorporate evenly. These live cultures are key to replicating the tangy flavor and fermenting the cheese.
5. Transfer and ferment: Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar or container. Cover loosely with a lid or cloth to allow airflow. Leave it to ferment at room temperature (around 70°F or 21°C) for 24-48 hours. The longer it ferments, the tangier it becomes.
6. Strain the cheese: After fermentation, line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel and place it over a bowl. Pour the fermented mixture into the strainer and let it drain for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator to firm up and remove excess whey.
7. Shape and chill: Once drained, transfer the cheese to a mold or shape it by hand into a log or round. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the cheese to firm up.

Tips & Variations

“For a more authentic flavor, don’t rush the fermentation process. Allowing 2 full days can help develop a deeper tang and complexity.”

• Nut alternatives: If you have a nut allergy, try using sunflower seeds soaked overnight instead of cashews. The process remains the same but the flavor will be milder.
• Herb additions: Experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill mixed into the cheese for subtle herbal notes. You can also roll the shaped cheese in crushed black pepper, smoked paprika, or dried herbs.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder to the blend for a spicy twist.
• Storage: Store your vegan goat cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. It also freezes well; thaw in the fridge before using.
• Use probiotic-rich yogurt: Make sure your coconut yogurt contains live and active cultures — this is essential for proper fermentation and flavor development.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan goat cheese is incredibly versatile and can elevate many dishes. Spread it on your favorite crackers or toasted baguette slices for a simple appetizer.

Use it as a creamy base for dips or mix into pasta for a luscious sauce.

Try crumbling it over fresh salads or roasted vegetables to add a tangy, rich flavor. It also pairs wonderfully with fruit like figs, grapes, or apple slices, making it perfect for a vegan cheese board.

For creative inspiration, check out our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or explore how to combine it with fresh veggies in our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

Creating your own vegan goat cheese at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that brings a fresh, tangy, and creamy cheese alternative to your plant-based kitchen. With simple ingredients like cashews and coconut yogurt, and the magic touch of probiotics, you can enjoy a dairy-free cheese that rivals the original in flavor and texture.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to cut back on dairy or explore new vegan flavors without sacrificing taste.

Whether you’re spreading it on a crusty baguette, mixing it into your favorite recipes, or serving it alongside fresh fruit and crackers, this vegan goat cheese is sure to become a staple. Don’t forget to experiment with herbs and spices to personalize it to your liking.

For more delicious vegan recipes that complement this cheese, try our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or indulge your sweet tooth with our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Enjoy your plant-based cheese journey!

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