The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Vegan Cheese Recipes

Introduction

Vegan cheese has come a long way from its humble beginnings, evolving into a versatile and delicious alternative to traditional dairy cheese. Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or simply want to explore new flavors, making your own vegan cheese at home is a rewarding experience. In this blog, we’ll take a look at a variety of vegan cheese recipes, each offering its own distinct taste and texture. From creamy spreads to sliceable cheese blocks, there’s something for every palate.

Why Choose Vegan Cheese?

• Health Benefits: Vegan cheese is typically lower in saturated fats and cholesterol compared to dairy cheese. It’s also easier to digest for those who are lactose intolerant.
• Ethical and Environmental considerations: Dairy production can have a significant impact on animal welfare and the environment. By opting for vegan cheese, you’re making a more sustainable choice.
• Versatility in the Kitchen: Vegan cheese can be used in almost any dish that calls for cheese. Whether melted, spread, or crumbled, there are endless ways to incorporate it into your meals.

Essential Ingredients for Vegan Cheese

The key to creating tasty vegan cheese is understanding the ingredients that replicate the texture and flavor of dairy cheese. Here are some of the most common ingredients used in vegan cheese recipes:

• Nuts and Seeds: Cashews, almonds, and sunflower seeds provide a rich, creamy base.
• Nutritional Yeast: This gives the cheese a “cheesy” flavor that many vegans love.
• Agar-Agar: A plant-based thickener that helps cheese solidify.
• Tapioca Starch: This is often used to create a stretchy, melty texture.
• Lemon Juice and Apple Cider Vinegar: For acidity and tang that mimic the taste of dairy cheese.
• Spices and Flavorings: Garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and miso paste add depth of flavor.

Vegan Cheese Recipes

1. Cashew Cream Cheese Spread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup water (more as needed)

Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
2. Place the cashews in a blender with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, and water.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Adjust seasoning to taste. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Uses:

Spread this creamy cashew cheese on bagels, toast, or crackers. You can also use it as a dip for vegetables or as a topping for baked potatoes.

2. Vegan Mozzarella

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours)
• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons tapioca starch
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
2. In a blender, combine cashews, water, tapioca starch, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until it becomes thick and stretchy (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.

Uses:

This mozzarella is perfect for pizzas, grilled cheese sandwiches, or lasagna. It melts well and has a great stretchy texture.

3. Almond Parmesan Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw almonds (blanched)
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor.
2. Pulse until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
3. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Uses:

Sprinkle almond parmesan over pasta, salads, or roasted vegetables for an extra burst of flavor.

4. Sliceable Agar Cheddar Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours)
• 1 ¼ cups water
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons agar-agar powder

Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
2. In a blender, combine cashews, ¾ cup of water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, onion powder, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. In a saucepan, combine agar-agar with ½ cup water. Bring to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously.
4. Pour the agar mixture into the blender with the cashew mixture and blend until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a mold or dish and let it cool. Once set, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Uses:

This cheddar-style cheese is great for slicing onto sandwiches, burgers, or crackers.

5. Sunflower Seed Ricotta

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw sunflower seeds (soaked for 4 hours)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup water

Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse the soaked sunflower seeds.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth but slightly grainy.
3. Add more water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Uses:

Use this sunflower seed ricotta in vegan lasagna, stuffed shells, or dollop onto salads.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Cheese

• Soaking Nuts: Soaking nuts helps to soften them, making them easier to blend and resulting in a creamier texture. If you’re short on time, you can soak them in hot water for about 30 minutes.
• Blending: A high-speed blender is ideal for achieving a smooth consistency, especially for recipes using cashews.
• Agar-Agar: This plant-based gelatin substitute is great for making firm, sliceable cheese. Be sure to use agar powder, not flakes, as the measurements differ.
• Adjust Seasonings: Vegan cheese often relies on a balance of acidity, salt, and umami flavors. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning to get the perfect flavor.

Conclusion

Vegan cheese can be just as flavorful and versatile as traditional dairy cheese, with a wide range of textures and flavors to suit your culinary needs. From creamy cashew spreads to sliceable cheddar alternatives, these recipes can elevate your meals while keeping them plant-based. Whether you’re fully vegan or just trying to cut down on dairy, making your own vegan cheese at home is fun, cost-effective, and rewarding.