Description
This Vegan Cheddar Cheese recipe offers a creamy, flavorful dairy-free alternative made from soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, and a blend of spices. Perfect for those seeking a plant-based cheese that melts and tastes great, it requires minimal preparation and is refrigerated to set into a firm, sliceable cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegan Cheddar Cheese Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Soak Cashews: Soak the raw cashews in water for at least 4 hours to soften them, which helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture in the cheese.
- Drain and Rinse: After soaking, drain the water from the cashews and rinse them thoroughly to remove any residual soaking water taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, melted coconut oil, water, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric powder, salt, and smoked paprika into a blender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend all the ingredients on high speed until the mixture becomes very smooth and creamy, ensuring no cashew chunks remain.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed for a more pronounced cheesy or tangy flavor.
- Refrigerate to Set: Transfer the blended mixture into a container and refrigerate it until it firms up, typically a few hours, making it ready to slice and serve.
Notes
- Soaking cashews properly is essential for the right texture; a minimum of 4 hours or overnight soaking is recommended.
- The coconut oil helps the cheese to firm up and adds richness, but you can substitute with vegan butter if preferred.
- Adjust the turmeric powder quantity to control the color intensity without affecting flavor too much.
- This cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Try using this vegan cheddar as a spread, in sandwiches, or melted over dishes for great flavor.
