Make Your Own Vegan Cheese – It’s Easier Than You Think!

You might have heard that vegan cheese doesn’t quite match up to the real deal. But guess what? That’s just not true! With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make incredibly tasty vegan cheese at home that will even surprise the most devoted dairy fans. In this article, we’ll share foolproof vegan cheese recipes that will satisfy any craving, whether it’s for gooey mozzarella or sharp cheddar.

You’ll discover how to create artisanal nut-based cheeses and learn tricks to make store-bought vegan cheese slices and shreds taste gourmet. Whether you need a quick cheese for taco Tuesday or you’re putting together a fancy vegan cheese board for a special occasion, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to become a vegan cheese expert

Why Make Your Own Vegan Cheese?

Cost Effective:

Making your own vegan cheese at home is way more budget-friendly than buying pre-made options. All you need are a few simple ingredients like nuts, seeds, coconut oil, and spices to create delicious dairy-free cheese.

Healthier:

Homemade vegan cheese gives you total control over the ingredients so you can avoid additives and preservatives. You can choose high-quality, whole foods to make cheese that is more nutritious. Many commercial vegan cheeses are highly processed and contain a long list of artificial ingredients.

Satisfy Your Cravings:

Whether you’re craving something creamy like camembert, sharp like cheddar, or melty like gouda, there are recipes to make all your favorite kinds of vegan cheese at home. You can create cheese spreads, cheese boards, cheese sauces – whatever you’re in the mood for!

Amazing Flavor:

Some store-bought vegan cheeses lack flavor and don’t melt well. Homemade vegan cheese, on the other hand, can be bursting with flavor when you use ingredients like nutritional yeast, lemon juice, herbs and spices. You can also add extras like olives, sun-dried tomatoes or chili peppers. With a little experimenting, you’ll be making vegan cheese with amazing taste and texture in no time.

Fun and Rewarding:

Making your own vegan cheese at home is a fun, hands-on project. It’s really rewarding to craft your own plant-based cheese and share it with friends and family. Homemade gifts are always appreciated, so your vegan cheese creations can also make great presents for the holidays or any occasion.

Vegan Cheese Basics – Ingredients and Techniques:

To make delicious vegan cheese at home, you’ll need a few basic ingredients and simple techniques. The key is finding the right combination of ingredients to mimic the taste and texture of real cheese.

Ingredients:

The essential ingredients for most vegan cheeses are:

• Plant-based milk: Nut milks, like almond or cashew, work well as they have a creamy texture. Coconut milk can also be used.
• Thickeners: Agar agar, carrageenan, and tapioca or arrowroot flour help provide a cheese-like firmness and melting quality.
• Fat: Coconut oil, olive oil or vegan butter add fat and richness.
• Flavorings: Nutritional yeast, lemon juice, vinegar, and spices like garlic and onion powder provide cheese-y flavor.
• Salt: Adding salt is key for enhancing the overall flavor.
• Extras: Turmeric or other coloring may be added for a yellow hue. Herbs and spices can also be added for extra flavor.

Techniques:

The two most common techniques for making vegan cheese are:

• Culturing: Adding bacterial cultures to thicken and ferment the cheese, similar to dairy cheese making. This requires incubation time but results in a tangy, aged cheese flavor.
• Melting: Blending the ingredients and heating until melted and smooth. The cheese is then cooled until firm. This quick method produces a cheese suitable for melting and spreads.

With some experimentation, you’ll be whipping up delicious vegan cheeses in no time! Whether you want to make spreadable cheese, a block of cheddar or stretchy mozzarella, homemade vegan cheese has got you covered.

Easy Vegan Cheese Recipes for Beginners:

Making your own vegan cheese at home is surprisingly simple. All you need are a few basic ingredients and some patience while the flavors develop. Here are some easy recipes to get you started.

Cashew Cream Cheese:

To make a creamy spread perfect for bagels or crackers, soak 1 cup of raw cashews in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the cashews, then add them to a high-powered blender along with 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and optional spices like dried herbs or turmeric. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, adding more water 1 tablespoon at a time as needed to reach your desired consistency. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop. This cheese will keep for up to 1 week.

Coconut-Based Mozzarella:

For a stringy, melty cheese perfect for pizza or lasagna, combine 1 13.5-ounce can full-fat coconut milk, 1/4 cup tapioca flour or arrowroot starch, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk to combine and pour into a saucepan, then heat over medium, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until thickened. Remove from heat and continue stirring vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese becomes stringy. Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using. Keeps for up to 1 week.

Almond Feta Crumbles:

To make vegan feta cheese, combine 1 cup raw almonds, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano in a food processor. Pulse until the almonds release their oils and resemble coarse crumbs. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 days before eating to allow the flavors to develop. Store for up to 2 weeks. Crumble over salads, in wraps, or on avocado toast.

With a little experimentation, you’ll be making delicious plant-based cheese in no time and satisfying all your cravings the cruelty-free way. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Advanced DIY Vegan Cheese Recipes:

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll be ready to tackle some more complex vegan cheeses. These recipes take a bit more time and effort, but the results are well worth it.

Cultured Cashew Cream Cheese:

• This rich, tangy cream cheese is made by culturing cashews with a probiotic starter culture.
• The end result is very reminiscent of dairy cream cheese. You’ll need a high-speed blender, cashews, coconut milk, lemon juice, salt, and a vegan probiotic capsule.
• Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy, then let sit in a warm spot for 12-36 hours as the probiotics do their work.
• The longer it cultures, the tangier it will become. Use it as a spread, in desserts, or in savory dishes.

Aged Almond Camembert:

If you’re missing soft, mold-ripened cheeses, this almond-based Camembert replica is for you. It requires making a basic almond cheese base, then aging it for 2 to 3 weeks to allow a thick, white rind to form. The rind is edible and provides an authentic tangy, musty flavor. The interior becomes soft, gooey, and spoonable. Form the almond cheese into wheels, coat in spices, and age in a humidity-controlled chamber. The results are stunningly cheese-like.

Hickory Smoked Coconut Bacon:

For a vegan take on bacon, coconut meat is marinated in a smoky, savory broth and then dehydrated until crisp. The marinade, made of soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, and spices, gives the coconut authentic bacon-like flavor. After dehydrating, the coconut shreds become intensely chewy, smoky, and salty—perfect for crumbling on salads, pizza, or breakfast sandwiches.

From cultured soft cheeses to smoked coconut bacon, these advanced recipes will satisfy any vegan cheese craving. With some patience and time, you can create plant-based cheeses that rival their dairy counterparts. Your vegan cheese journey has just begun!

Vegan Cheese FAQs – Your Top Questions Answered:

Q1: Is vegan cheese healthy?
Vegan cheese can absolutely be part of a healthy diet. Many varieties are made from nutritious ingredients like nuts, seeds, and plant milks. However, some vegan cheeses are highly processed and may be high in fat, salt, or preservatives. Check the ingredients and nutrition labels to choose a vegan cheese that fits your needs. In general, less processed options with whole food ingredients are your healthiest choice.

Q2: What ingredients are used to make vegan cheese?
The base ingredients for most vegan cheeses are plant milks, nuts, and nutritional yeast. Popular milks include almond, cashew, and coconut. Nuts like cashews and almonds provide creaminess. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, savory flavor. Herbs, spices, and natural thickeners are also commonly used. Some brands use ingredients like coconut oil, starch, agar or carrageenan to provide a melty, stretchy texture similar to dairy cheese.

Q3: What are some easy vegan cheese recipes I can make at home?
Some of the simplest vegan cheeses to make at home include:

• Cashew cheese: Blend cashews, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast. Season with salt to taste. Creamy and tangy, great on crackers or in pasta.
• Almond feta: Marinate almonds in lemon juice, then blend. Add herbs like oregano and basil. Crumble over salads.
• Coconut herb cheese: Blend coconut milk, nutritional yeast, and fresh or dried herbs. Chill until firm, then spread on bread or dollop on soups.
• Nacho cheese: Blend potatoes, carrots, nutritional yeast, and spices. Warm on the stovetop until melted for nachos, quesadillas or mac and cheese.

Q4: What are some recommendations for dairy-free cheese alternatives when cooking and baking?
For cooking and baking, here are some easy vegan cheese alternatives:

• Use an equal amount of nutritional yeast in place of grated cheese. Adds flavor without changing texture.
• Mash half an avocado in place of cheese in sandwiches, wraps, and burgers.
• Use hummus in place of cheese on crackers or bread.
• Add extra veggies like spinach, tomatoes or mushrooms instead of cheese in dishes like lasagna, enchiladas or flatbread pizza.
• Use coconut milk yogurt or vegan mayonnaise as a base for creamy cheese sauces and dips in place of cheese.
• Add lemon or lime juice and fresh or dried herbs to dishes for a bright, tangy flavor in place of cheese.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it – making your own vegan cheese is much easier than you might think. All you need are some basic ingredients and a little patience to experiment with different recipes and methods. The best part? You can customize the flavors and textures to suit any craving.

Whether you’re after a melty mozzarella for pizza, a crumbly feta for salads, or a creamy cheese ball to spread on crackers, there are plenty of plant-based options you can make at home. Don’t be intimidated – have fun with it! Your taste buds will thank you, and you might even find a new favorite hobby. The possibilities are endless when you make your own dairy-free cheese. What will you try creating first?