Not only can you enjoy the taste of cheesy goodness without compromising your dietary choices, but these innovative vegan cheese recipes are also incredibly versatile. From creamy cheddar to rich smoked gouda and pungent blue cheese, the variety is truly impressive. What’s more, ditching dairy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or texture in your favorite dishes. What makes these plant-based cheeses so special?
They’re crafted with unique ingredients like nuts, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, and coconut milk, which provide a rich and satisfying taste experience. Whether you’re looking for a topping for pizza, a boost of flavor for salads, a dip to share with friends, or simply a delicious snack to munch on with crackers, these vegan cheese recipes have got you covered.
Vegan Provolone
Fresh from the vegan kitchen, this dairy-free provolone cheese alternative is characterized by its mild flavor and subtle kick courtesy of a hint of lemon juice. A blend of straightforward ingredients such as coconut milk, salt, lemon juice, and garlic powder allows for effortless preparation. Furthermore, the inclusion of nutritional yeast not only contributes to its vibrant appearance but also provides a nutty undertone.
Despite requiring under 10 minutes to prepare, this vegan cheese needs around 2 hours to solidify in the refrigerator before it’s ready for consumption.
Vegan Cheddar Cheese
Looking for a vegan alternative to cheddar cheese that still satisfies your cravings? This plant-based cheese has a firm texture that melts beautifully on burgers or can be enjoyed as a snack with crackers, offering a satisfying crunch. Its slightly smoky flavor is achieved through the addition of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, adding depth without overpowering the taste buds.
The base of this cheese relies on raw cashews to provide a rich, buttery finish that’s reminiscent of traditional cheddar. To give it an authentic orange hue, red pepper and tomato puree are added to the mix, resulting in a convincingly colorful cheese that’s sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
5-Minute Vegan Cream Cheese
Achieving a delicious vegan cream cheese without spending hours in the kitchen is now possible with this 5-minute wonder recipe. It’s incredibly convenient, as it can be blended and ready to use on a bagel in just five minutes. The best part? You probably have all the necessary ingredients at home already. All you need to do is combine raw cashews, non-dairy yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice in a blender.
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility – feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients to create unique flavor profiles. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, simply add your preferred sweetened ingredient to create a tasty bagel topping.
Vegan Swiss Cheese
Making vegan Swiss cheese at home is now possible without breaking the bank or compromising on taste! Most importantly, when preparing homemade seitan, don’t waste that valuable wheat water – save it for this versatile swiss cheese recipe. This recipe combines wheat starch water with soaked cashews, miso paste, and a splash of sweet white wine to create that unmistakable Swiss sharpness.
To replicate the iconic holes found in traditional Swiss cheese, allow the mixture to chill before inserting a few straws or chopsticks into it, creating the perfect environment for those signature air pockets to form.
Quick and Easy Vegan Cottage Cheese
Making vegan cottage cheese is simpler than you think, with a surprisingly delicious outcome. To replicate the lumpy cheese-curd texture, start by crumbling and draining silken tofu. Taking it to the next level of creaminess and flavor, combine lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and silken tofu in a blender before mixing it with the crumbled tofu for an authentic taste.
Easy Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Unfortunately, many store-bought parmesan cheeses are heavily processed and lack the depth of flavour that nutritional yeast can provide. This recipe is remarkably simple, requiring only a quick stir of dry ingredients together. Many enthusiasts have found that sprinkling straight nutritional yeast on their spaghetti adds an unexpected but welcome boost of nutty and cheesy flavours.
By pairing nutrition yeast with hemp seeds, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, you can easily elevate the taste of your Italian dinners to new heights. Try combining these ingredients in a small bowl, then sprinkle them generously over your pasta for an authentic and satisfying culinary experience.
Vegan Mozzarella Cheese
Join me in exploring this delightful shreddable mozzarella cheese recipe that’s perfect for adding a touch of creaminess to your favorite dishes. With its firm texture, you can easily shred it and use it on salads or as a topping for pizzas. The flavor is mild and won’t overpower the other ingredients, while maintaining the classic chewiness of traditional dairy mozzarella. This recipe requires just a few simple pantry staples like raw cashews, lemon juice, and coconut oil.
Although, some additional ingredients such as nutritional yeast, tapioca flour, and kappa carrageenan may need to be sourced from a specialty store or grocery, but trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!
Smoky Cheddar Vegan Cheese
Just like a traditional cheddar cheese, this smoky vegan version is incredibly versatile and can be used in a multitude of dishes. You can enjoy it on its own with crackers for a simple snack, shred it into macaroni and cheese for an added depth of flavor, or add it to a fresh garden salad for a burst of tanginess. The unique flavor profile of this cheddar-inspired cheese is achieved through the combination of smoked paprika and liquid smoke, which gives it a rich, smoky taste.
Additionally, the inclusion of full-fat coconut milk and soaked cashews contributes to its creamy and nutty undertones, while a touch of miso paste provides a subtle tanginess.
Vegan Smoked Gouda
Achieving vegan smoked gouda may seem daunting, but rest assured it’s incredibly straightforward and requires minimal ingredients. The key to its bold flavor lies in a base of full-fat coconut milk, carefully complemented by a hint of hickory-flavored liquid smoke. To begin, combine coconut milk, nutritional yeast, liquid smoke, garlic powder, and water into a prepared pan with aga agar powder.
After mixing well, allow the mixture to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set, and it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Cashew Ricotta Cheese
Yes, it’s entirely possible to make a delicious lasagna without traditional ricotta cheese. In fact, this cashew ricotta cheese recipe is a game-changer for those looking to replicate the rich and creamy texture of traditional ricotta with a plant-based twist. The combination of soaked cashews, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic, and nutritional yeast creates a bright, nutty flavor that’s surprisingly similar to its dairy counterpart.
Plus, it comes together incredibly quickly – just 10 minutes from start to finish! Simply soak your cashews, puree them with the other ingredients, and you’re good to go. This cashew ricotta cheese recipe is perfect for making while your lasagna noodles cook on the stove.
Vegan Brie
Loaded with an assortment of textures and flavors, vegan brie is a staple on any charcuterie board. This dairy-free version, in particular, boasts an impressive appearance and delivers nutty and creamy notes that elevate the entire spread. Additionally, it’s incredibly effortless to prepare, thanks to its straightforward ingredients and swift preparation time.
The combination of soaked cashews, white miso paste, nutritional yeast, vegetable stock, and lemon juice creates a rich and savory mixture that’s simply irresistible. Once assembled in ramekins, these bites are baked for 30 minutes until golden brown and ready to be devoured.
Vegan Pepper Jack Cheese
Generally speaking, vegan pepper Jack cheese that packs a spicy punch comes from the combination of jalapeno and red bell peppers. While some may prefer the heat, others can tone it down by swapping out the jalapenos for milder alternatives. The foundation of this cheese is built on full-fat coconut milk, carefully blended with peppers, lemon juice, and garlic to create a unique flavor profile.
This recipe shines particularly well when sliced onto sandwiches, but feel free to experiment and modify it to suit your needs – perhaps adding some magic to make it perfect for melty pasta or delectable cheese dips.
Meltable Vegan Muenster
Many vegans struggle to find a meltable vegan Muenster cheese alternative that fits their dietary needs. Fortunately, this recipe offers a light and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta or atop a black bean burger. While it may require some experimentation with seasonings, the combination of vegan yogurt, tapioca flour, nutritional yeast, and carrageenan powder makes for a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
To make this recipe, start by cooking the mixture on the stove until it becomes glossy, then let it set in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving. Whether you’re using it as a substitute for traditional cheese or just looking to add some creamy goodness to your meals, this recipe is sure to please.
Vegan Mascarpone
Just what you’ve been searching for – an easy-to-make vegan Mascarpone recipe that’s perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your desserts! This versatile alternative is a game-changer when making cannolis, as it provides a smooth and creamy texture. By blending together soaked cashews and almonds, you’ll achieve a rich and nutty flavor profile that’s simply divine.
Easy Vegan Blue Cheese
Often overlooked as a dairy-free alternative, it’s surprising how closely you can replicate the unique flavors of blue cheese. One of the key aspects that sets this recipe apart is its ability to mimic the characteristic blue-green marbling found in traditional blue cheese. The foundation of this recipe relies on raw cashews, which provide a creamy base, while white miso paste contributes a savory depth.
Apple cider vinegar is used to introduce a tangy element, reminiscent of blue cheese’s distinctive funk. Meanwhile, garlic and onion powder add an aromatic flavor profile that complements the other ingredients perfectly. To take this recipe to the next level, a dash of spirulina is added, not only for its rich vitamin content but also for the vibrant, blue marbling effect it creates.
Vegan Goat Cheese
Harnessing the essence of tangy goat cheese is no easy feat, but with this recipe, you’ll be rewarded with a surprisingly convincing replica. To achieve that distinctive fermented flavor, blend cashews, lemon juice, macadamia nuts, and a probiotic capsule in a covered jar. Allow it to ferment at room temperature overnight, then marvel at the crumbly, creamy texture and rich, tangy taste reminiscent of traditional goat cheese.
Head over to the full recipe for more details on this DIY goat cheese alternative.
Vegan Cheese Slices
Vegan cheese slices are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a topping for burgers, melted into creamy mac and cheese, or paired with crackers. The key to this effortless recipe lies in the use of chao – tofu fermented in brine that lends an incredible depth of rich and cheesy flavors.
Adding a blend of nutritional yeast, onion powder, maple syrup, and liquid smoke takes these slices to a whole new level of flavor, making them hard to resist even for those who aren’t typically fond of dairy-free alternatives.
Best Vegan Cheese Sauce
Zest up your snack game with this simple cheese sauce recipe that’s perfect for nachos or tortilla chips. This easy-to-make sauce uses pantry staples, eliminating the need to search for exotic ingredients at your local supermarket. The foundation of the sauce is built on boiled potatoes and cashews (or white beans), providing a delightful texture and creaminess.
To take it to the next level, add some depth with onions, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast, which will give it an amazing nutty flavor.
Creamy Vegan Queso
Combining the perfect blend of creamy richness with bold Mexican flavors is a key element in creating an exceptional queso dip. Crafting this delectable sauce starts with a foundation that incorporates a potato and cashew base, providing a smooth and velvety texture. As your base begins to take shape, it’s time to add an array of vibrant seasonings that will elevate the flavor profile of your queso.
These may include chili powder, smoked paprika, hot sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and pickled jalapenos, all of which contribute a depth and heat that complements the creamy base perfectly.
20 Best Vegan Cheese (Dairy-Free)
Carefully crafted to replicate the flavors and textures of traditional cheeses, these innovative vegan cheese recipes offer a delicious and cruelty-free alternative. From rich and creamy brie to tangy feta and velvety gouda, you’ll be amazed at how closely these plant-based versions mirror their dairy counterparts.
Instructions
Making the most of your time in the kitchen, it’s essential to have a clear plan before starting to cook. This involves selecting a suitable recipe that you’re familiar with and enjoying. Once you’ve chosen a recipe, move on to gathering all the necessary ingredients, carefully considering the quantities required for each component.
