Vegan cheese has come a long way from bland, rubbery substitutes to rich, creamy, and flavorful alternatives that even non-vegans love. This cashew-based version is packed with umami from nutritional yeast, a hint of tang from lemon and apple cider vinegar, and a silky texture that makes it perfect for spreading, dipping, or even stirring into warm dishes. Whether you’re looking for a dairy-free option due to dietary preferences or just want to explore plant-based cheese-making, this easy recipe delivers all the cheesy goodness without the dairy. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a delicious and wholesome choice!
Best Nuts for Vegan Cheese & Their Benefits:
1️⃣ Macadamia Nuts – Ultra-Creamy & Buttery
✅ Similar to cashews but even richer
✅ Mild, slightly sweet flavor
✅ Great for spreads, ricotta-style, or aged cheeses
🔸 Soak for 2-4 hours before blending
2️⃣ Almonds – Mild & Nutty
✅ Slightly firmer texture (good for firmer cheeses)
✅ Neutral, slightly sweet flavor
✅ Works well for cheese slices or shredded cheese
🔸 Blanch & peel for a smoother texture
3️⃣ Brazil Nuts – Rich & Bold
✅ Naturally fatty & smooth
✅ Stronger, earthy flavor (best mixed with other nuts)
✅ Good for sharp or aged vegan cheese
🔸 No need to soak, but blend well for smoothness
4️⃣ Pine Nuts – Soft & Buttery
✅ Naturally soft & easy to blend
✅ Slightly sweet & rich flavor
✅ Great for ricotta-style or creamy cheeses
🔸 Can be pricey, so mix with cashews or almonds
5️⃣ Sunflower Seeds – Budget-Friendly Alternative 🌻
✅ Nut-free option for allergies
✅ Earthy, slightly bitter taste (needs balancing with lemon or vinegar)
✅ Good for spreadable cheeses like dips & ricotta
🔸 Soak to remove bitterness & blend super smooth
6️⃣ Hazelnuts – Deep & Nutty
✅ More pronounced nutty taste
✅ Works well for aged or smoky-style cheeses
✅ Can add a “gourmet” touch
🔸 Remove skins for a smoother texture
7️⃣ Pecans or Walnuts – Earthy & Bold
✅ Darker, richer flavor profile
✅ Best for aged cheese, smoked cheese, or spreads
✅ Adds depth but needs blending with a milder nut (cashews or almonds)
🔸 Toast lightly for more flavor
🔥 Which Nut to Use Based on Vegan Cheese Type:
Cream Cheese / Ricotta – Cashews, Macadamia, Almonds, Pine Nuts
Spreadable Cheese – Cashews, Sunflower Seeds, Brazil Nuts
Firm Cheese (Shreds/Slices) – Almonds, Macadamia, Brazil Nuts
Aged / Smoky Cheese – Brazil Nuts, Hazelnuts, Walnuts, Pecans
💡 Pro Tip: Mix nuts for a more complex and well-balanced flavor! Cashews + almonds = smooth yet slightly firm. Macadamia + pine nuts = ultra-creamy & rich.
🌟 All About Nutritional Yeast 🌟
What Is Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional yeast, often called “nooch,” is a deactivated form of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the same type of yeast used in baking and brewing. However, unlike active yeast, it won’t make bread rise or ferment anything—it’s purely used for its flavor and nutrition.
It’s grown on a medium (usually glucose from beets or cane sugar), then harvested, washed, dried, and heated to deactivate it. The result? Golden flakes or powder packed with cheesy, umami goodness!
Health Benefits of Nutritional Yeast
✅ Rich in B Vitamins 🧡
Many brands are fortified with B12, making it an excellent choice for vegans who don’t get B12 from animal products.
Even unfortified, it’s naturally high in B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6).
✅ High in Protein & Fiber 💪
Contains about 4-5g of protein per tablespoon—a complete protein with all 9 essential amino acids!
Has 2-3g of fiber per serving, aiding digestion and gut health.
✅ Supports Immune Function 🦠
Contains beta-glucans, which can help stimulate immune response.
Has antioxidant properties that may support overall health.
✅ Low in Calories & Fat ⚖️
A great way to add flavor and nutrients without extra fat or carbs.
✅ May Help With Energy & Mood 🧠
Since B vitamins play a role in energy metabolism and brain function, many people feel an energy boost after consuming it.
What Does Nutritional Yeast Taste Like?
Nutritional yeast has a savory, umami-packed, slightly cheesy flavor. Some describe it as nutty or buttery, with hints of parmesan. Because it’s not overpowering, it works well in a variety of dishes.
Best Ways to Use Nutritional Yeast
🧀 Vegan Cheese Substitute – Essential in making plant-based cheese (like the cashew cheese recipe!).
🍿 Sprinkle on Popcorn – Adds a cheesy, savory kick.
🥗 Salad Dressings & Sauces – Blends well into vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Veggies – Stir into potatoes or sprinkle on roasted cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
🍜 Soups & Broths – Deepens the umami in vegetable broths, ramen, or creamy soups.
🌮 Seasoning for Tofu or Scrambles – Adds depth to vegan scrambled “eggs” or seasoned tofu.
🥣 Mix Into Pasta or Rice – Stir into pasta sauces, risottos, or grains for a flavor boost.
How to Make Vegan Cashew Cheese
Yield: About 1 cup
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus soaking time)
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup raw cashews (soaked in water for 2-4 hours, then drained)
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but adds depth)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon turmeric (for color, optional)
¼ cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for extra creaminess, optional)
Instructions:
- Soak the cashews: If you haven’t already, soak the cashews in water for 2-4 hours (or overnight). For a quick method, pour boiling water over them and let sit for 10 minutes. Drain before using.
- Blend it up 🌀: In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and turmeric.
- Adjust consistency 💦: Add ¼ cup water (or more) gradually while blending until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Taste and tweak 👌: Adjust salt, acidity (lemon juice/vinegar), or thickness (more water) as needed.
- Serve & store: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will thicken slightly as it chills. Keeps for 5-7 days in the fridge.
🔥 Ways to Use It:
✅ Spread on toast, crackers, or bagels
✅ Use as a dip for veggies or chips
✅ Stir into warm pasta for a creamy sauce
✅ Dollop onto baked potatoes or roasted veggies
✅ Thin with water for a salad dressing
Nutritional Breakdown (Per 2-Tbsp Serving)
(Approximate values, depending on exact ingredients used.)
Calories: 60
Carbs: 4g
Protein: 2.5g
Fat: 4.5g
Fiber: 1g
This cheese has umami depth from nutritional yeast, tanginess from lemon & vinegar, and a rich, creamy consistency thanks to cashews.
