Cheap Vegan Cheese Recipe

Whenever I tried vegan cheese so far I was not sold. It is expensive and the consistency and taste never seemed quite right. I decided to make my own soft vegan cheese spread to use with my sourdough bread and as an empanadas filling. This vegan cheese recipe can be used as a simple spread, cheese dip or even a filling. I find it to be quite versatile and as it is quick to make and so affordable it has become a staple in our household.

The vegan cheese also goes great with my sourdough crackers and makes a great light snack if I feel peckish. So if you like a bread and cheese combination thise may be the right cheese for you.

Most vegan cheese is based on raw cashew nuts to get the consistency right. Cashew nuts are delicious and packed with nutrients. If this is your first vegan cheese recipe, don’t worry, it is also one of the easiest recipes you can try. Maybe you have to buy nutritional yeast but you will soon notice that is one of the staple items in the vegan kitchen – especially if you like cheesy recipes. There are alternatives of course but nutritional yeast will give your recipe that cheesy kick. Most people just sprinkle it over their dishes if they crave cheese but I also like to have a cheese consistency.

To try this recipe all you need is a food processor and a few simple ingredients. Most likely you will have the majority of the ingredients already. All are regular items in the vegan diet and once you made this cheese at home you will realize how much money you will save by simply making this cheese yourself rather than buying the ready-made vegan cheese in the supermarket.

Vegan Cheese Recipe

To make vegan cheese you only need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup raw cashews (unsoaked)
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 cup water (as needed)

When you have all of your ingredients together and are ready to make your first cheese, place all ingredients except the water in the food processor.

First, pulse the mixture 2 – 3 times to break down the cashews. It should form a coarse, wet mixture. In between pulses, scrape the sides of the food processor with a spatula.

Once you have pulsed the cashews you can now start blending it. While blending, drizzle in the water until the mixture becomes smooth. You may need to stop and scrape the sides of the machine again. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Add more water if required. The consistency is very similar to hummus. So once you have reached that consistency you know that your vegan cheese is ready.

Taste the vegan cheese and add more lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

Now if you want to keep the cheese find a suitable airtight container and spoon mixture in it. It will last in the fridge for about a week.

Yield: 10 servings

Vegan Cheese Spread

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Easy recipe to make creamy cashew cheese. Great as a spread, dip or as a filling.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews (unsoaked)
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 cup water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients except the water in the food processor.
2. Pulse the mixture 2 – 3 times to break down the cashews. They should form a coarse, wet mixture. Scrape the sides of the food processor with a spatula.
3. Now start blending and drizzle in the water until the mixture becomes smooth. If needed stop and scrape the sides of the machine again. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Add more water if needed. The consistency is similar to hummus.
4. Taste and add more lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spoon mixture in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for about a week.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10 servings

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 79Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 120mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 3g

Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.

Have you tried this vegan cheese recipe? Share in the comments and let me know how you liked it.

If you know of a good vegan cheese that is suitable to use on pizza please share it in the comments. This is my next experiment and I can’t wait to try the perfect melted vegan cheese on yummy pizza.

If you enjoyed the recipe and want to find more head over to my recipe section and join my Facebook Group which focuses on homemade vegan recipes that are affordable and healthy.