Vegan Cheddar Cheese Recipe (Oil-Free)
Vegan Cheddar Cheese recipe is the best healthy, dairy-free substitute, offering a tangy, creamy flavor that melts beautifully on sandwiches, toast, or warm tortillas. Made with cashews, this oil-free homemade cheese slices perfectly, making it an ideal addition to crackers, flatbread, or snack board with grapes and olives.
Equipment
- 1 High-speed blender or food processor
- 1 Saucepan
- 1-2 round ceramic or glass dishes lightly sprayed with oil
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews soaked, drained
- 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons agar agar powder not flakes
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 + ½ cup water
Instructions
- Soak the raw cashews in hot water forat least 30 minutes to soften them.
- Drain the cashews and blend them with the nutritional yeast, agar powder, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and water until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan and simmer on medium-low heat for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Transfer the mixture to a round dish that has been lightly sprayed with oil (I used 2 small dishes to make 2 cheeses, but you can use 1 bigger dish). Cover with cling film or aluminum foil and refrigerate to set for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- To remove the cheese, carefully turn the dish upside down or gently nudge it with a knife. Serve with crackers or your favorite fresh fruits and veggies.
Notes
- Store the vegan cheddar cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
- Nut-Free Option: For those who prefer to avoid nuts, you can substitute sunflower seeds for the cashews. I tried this and found that the cheese still came out perfectly, with a slightly nuttier and more pronounced flavor.
- Blend the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy to avoid a gritty texture.
- Ensure you're using agar agar powder instead of flakes. Also, check the expiration date to ensure it's fresh and effective.
- If you're using agar agar flakes instead of powder, you'll need 3-4 times more, as flakes are not as potent as the powder.
- Measure ingredients accurately. This is crucial for achieving the desired texture and consistency. Even small changes can make a difference.
- Stir the cheese mixture frequently while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Don't walk away from the stove during this process.
Nutrition
Calories: 111kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 297mgPotassium: 218mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 247IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
