Vegans can enjoy the flavour and texture of cheese with our two easy, no-cook recipes. Using just nuts and a food processor, you can create delicious cheese alternatives at home. Try something new and elevate your dishes with these fabulous vegan cheese recipes!
A true vegan cheese is free from both rennet and dairy. Instead, it typically uses ingredients like nuts, nutritional yeast, tofu, and plant-based oils to replicate the flavour and texture of cheese. These alternatives can range from soft and spreadable to hard and sliceable varieties. Making your own vegan cheese not only ensures you know exactly what goes into it but also allows you to experiment with flavours and textures.
Basic Ingredients for Vegan Cheese
- Nuts: Cashews are the most popular choice due to their creamy texture when blended. Other nuts like almonds and macadamias can also be used.
- Nutritional Yeast: This ingredient adds a cheesy flavour without the need for dairy. It’s rich in B vitamins and has a nutty taste.
- Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like chives, basil, or garlic powder can enhance the flavour profile of your cheese.
- Acid: A squeeze of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can provide the tanginess typical of dairy cheese.
- Liquid: Water or plant-based milk is often needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Simple Vegan Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Instructions
You can easily make a simple vegan soft cheese using nuts, herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of water. Nuts provide protein, flavour, and texture. For vegan cashew cream cheese, soak the cashews in water for about 4 hours to soften them. Blend all ingredients in a food processor to your desired texture, then refrigerate for about an hour to firm up. This creamy cheese is delicious on toast, seedy crackers, or stirred into pasta.
Recipes to try
Consider using vegan cheeses in these delicious recipes: Stir vegan cashew cream cheese into courgette and ricotta pasta, then top it off with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan.
For a quick and easy lunch, swap out cottage cheese for cashew cream cheese in an open-faced cheese and red pepper sourdough sandwich. If you’re in the mood for something adventurous, make vegan pancakes and enhance them with a dash of vegan Parmesan for an extra boost of flavour.