Cheese is one of the most beloved dairy products worldwide, but for those who follow a vegan lifestyle, it can be a challenge to find a satisfying alternative. Thankfully, vegan cheese has evolved significantly, offering a wide variety of flavors, textures, and meltability. The best part? You can make it at home using simple, wholesome ingredients!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore different types of vegan cheese, how to make them, and tips for achieving the perfect taste and texture. Whether you’re looking for a creamy spread, a sliceable block, or a meltable mozzarella for pizza, we’ve got you covered!
Why Make Vegan Cheese at Home?
While there are many store-bought vegan cheeses available, making your own comes with several benefits:
- Healthier Ingredients – You control what goes into your cheese, avoiding preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive oils.
- Customizable Flavor – Adjust the seasonings, tanginess, and salt to your liking.
- Cost-Effective – Making vegan cheese at home can save money compared to premium store-bought brands.
- Fun and Rewarding – The process of making cheese from scratch is enjoyable and allows for creativity.
Essential Ingredients for Vegan Cheese
Most vegan cheese recipes use a base of nuts, seeds, or starches. Here are some common ingredients:
- Cashews – Soaked and blended cashews create a creamy, rich texture, ideal for soft cheeses.
- Almonds – Blanched and blended almonds give a slightly firmer texture with a mild taste.
- Coconut Milk – High in fat, coconut milk helps mimic the creaminess of dairy-based cheeses.
- Potatoes and Carrots – These ingredients add a starchy, creamy base, great for nacho cheese.
- Agar-Agar – A plant-based gelling agent used to firm up cheeses into sliceable blocks.
- Nutritional Yeast – Provides a cheesy, umami flavor.
- Miso Paste – Adds a fermented depth similar to aged cheese.
- Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice – Adds tanginess for an authentic cheese taste.
- Tapioca Starch – Helps create a stretchy, meltable texture.
5 Delicious Vegan Cheese Recipes
1. Easy Vegan Cashew Cheese Spread
This creamy, spreadable cheese is perfect for crackers, sandwiches, and dipping.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cashews (soaked for 2 hours or overnight)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions:
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor or high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Tip: Add fresh herbs like chives or dill for extra flavor!
2. Vegan Mozzarella Cheese (Stretchy & Meltable)
Perfect for pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, and lasagna!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked and drained)
- 2 tbsp tapioca starch
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until completely smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- After a few minutes, the mixture will thicken and become stretchy.
- Remove from heat and use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Tip: Use this cheese while it’s warm for the best meltability!
3. Sliceable Vegan Cheddar Cheese
This firm cheese can be sliced, grated, and even melted slightly!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups coconut milk (full-fat)
- 3 tbsp agar-agar powder
- ½ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp turmeric (for color)
- 2 tbsp tapioca starch
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, whisk together coconut milk, agar-agar, and tapioca starch.
- Heat over medium, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to bubble.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Pour into a lightly oiled mold and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Once firm, remove from the mold, slice, and enjoy!
Tip: For a spicy version, add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
4. Vegan Parmesan Cheese
A sprinkle-worthy topping for pasta, salads, and soups!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup raw cashews
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor until fine and crumbly.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a month.
Tip: Use walnuts or sunflower seeds instead of cashews for variation.
5. Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce
A creamy, spicy cheese sauce perfect for nachos, burgers, and fries.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup potatoes (peeled and diced)
- ½ cup carrots (chopped)
- ¼ cup raw cashews (soaked)
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup water (or more for desired consistency)
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes and carrots until soft (about 10 minutes). Drain.
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more water if needed.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tip: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat!
Tips for Perfecting Your Vegan Cheese
- Use a High-Speed Blender – For smooth and creamy results, especially for cashew-based cheeses.
- Soak Nuts Overnight – This helps them blend more easily and results in a smoother texture.
- Taste as You Go – Adjust seasonings like salt, lemon juice, or vinegar to balance the flavors.
- Experiment with Fermentation – Adding probiotics or letting cheese sit at room temperature can develop more complex flavors.
- Play with Texture – Use agar-agar for a firmer cheese or tapioca starch for a stretchy one.
Storing Your Homemade Vegan Cheese
- Soft Cheese Spreads: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Firm Sliceable Cheese: Can last up to two weeks in the fridge.
- Parmesan-style Cheese: Stays fresh for a month when kept in a dry container.
- Freezing: Most vegan cheeses freeze well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before using.
Conclusion
Making vegan cheese at home is fun, rewarding, and allows for endless creativity. Whether you prefer a creamy spread, a sliceable block, or a melty cheese for pizza, these recipes provide an excellent starting point. With the right ingredients and a little practice, you can create delicious dairy-free cheeses that even non-vegans will love!
Try out these recipes, experiment with flavors, and enjoy the magic of homemade vegan cheese! 🧀🌱
