In this article, we will provide you with a homemade guide to easy vegan cheese recipes that are delicious and simple to make.
Are you tired of searching for vegan cheese at your local grocery store?
Or maybe you’re looking to save money by making your own vegan cheese at home.
Whatever the reason, making your own vegan cheese is easier than you think!
Ingredients Needed to Make Vegan Cheese
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s go over some basic ingredients needed to make vegan cheese.
Most of these ingredients can be found at your local health food store or online.
Cashews
Raw cashews are the base of most vegan cheese recipes because they create a creamy texture when blended.
Nutritional Yeast
This adds a cheesy flavour to the recipe.
Lemon Juice
Adds tanginess to the cheese.
White Miso Paste
This ingredient provides umami flavour to the cheese.
Coconut Oil
Helps the cheese solidify when chilled.
Agar Powder
A plant-based gelatin substitute that helps the cheese set.
Tapioca Starch
Provides stretchiness to the cheese.
⇒Did you know that cashews are a great source of healthy fats and protein?
⇒Nutritional yeast is also a great source of vitamin B12, which is important for vegans who may not get enough of it in their diet.
⇒Coconut oil is a great source of medium-chain triglycerides, which can help boost brain function.
Easy Vegan Cheese Recipes
If you’re looking for delicious and simple vegan cheese recipes, you’ve come to the right place.
With just a few ingredients, you can make your own vegan cheese that’s customizable to your liking.
Here are three easy recipes to get you started.
1. Vegan Cashew Cheese
This vegan cashew cheese is perfect for spreading on crackers or using as a dip.
It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavour.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white miso paste
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Soak the cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight
- Drain the cashews and add them to a blender along with the remaining ingredients
- Blend until smooth and creamy
- Pour the mixture into a container and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving
⇒This vegan cashew cheese is a great source of protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.
2. Vegan Cheddar Cheese
This vegan cheddar cheese is perfect for topping your favourite dishes or using in sandwiches.
It’s cheesy, savoury, and has a hint of smokiness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white miso paste
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon agar powder
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions:
- Soak the cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight
- Drain the cashews and add them to a blender along with the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, white miso paste, salt, and smoked paprika (if using)
- In a saucepan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat until melted
- Add the agar powder and whisk until dissolved
- Add the blended cashew mixture to the saucepan and whisk until combined
- Add the tapioca starch and whisk again
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan
- Pour the mixture into a container and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving
⇒This vegan cheddar cheese is a great source of calcium and vitamin B12, making it a healthy alternative to traditional cheese.
3. Vegan Mozzarella Cheese
This vegan mozzarella cheese is perfect for topping pizzas or using in lasagnas.
It’s stretchy, gooey, and has a mild flavour.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white miso paste
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon agar powder
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch
Instructions:
- Soak the cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight
- Drain the cashews and add them to a blender along with the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, white miso paste, and salt
- In a saucepan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat until melted
- Add the agar powder and whisk until dissolved
- Add the blended cashew mixture to the saucepan and whisk until combined
- Add the tapioca starch and whisk again
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan
- Pour the mixture into a container and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving
⇒This vegan mozzarella cheese is a great source of protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious addition to your meals.
♦The Essential Role Of Bacteria in Cheese Fermentation ⇒ READ MORE
Tips for Making Perfect Vegan Cheese
When making your own vegan cheese, keep these tips in mind:
Soak the Cashews
Soaking the cashews for a few hours or overnight helps them blend more easily and creates a creamier texture for your cheese.
Use Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a key ingredient in vegan cheese recipes.
It adds a cheesy flavour to the recipe and is a good source of vitamin B12.
Experiment with Different Flavours
Get creative with your vegan cheese by adding herbs, spices, or even dried fruit to create unique flavour combinations.
Try adding garlic, basil, or sun-dried tomatoes for a savoury twist.
⇒Did you know that adding miso paste to your vegan cheese recipe can give it a savoury, umami flavour?
Chill the Cheese
Allowing the cheese to chill in the fridge for a few hours helps it solidify and develop its flavour.
This step is especially important for harder cheeses like cheddar or parmesan.
Be Patient
Some vegan cheese recipes require cooking on the stove, so be patient and stir constantly to prevent burning.
This step is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy texture.
The Bottom Line
Making your own vegan cheese is a fun and easy way to create delicious plant-based dishes.
By using simple ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice, you can create a variety of different flavours and textures.
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a cheesy addition to your favourite dish, these recipes are sure to satisfy.
So why not give them a try?
Your taste buds will thank you!