Creamy Dairy-Free Cashew Cheese
A simple, creamy, and tangy dairy-free cashew cheese recipe that’s easy to make at home, perfect for vegans and those avoiding dairy. This versatile cheese spread is smooth, flavorful, and great for snacks or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 ½ cups (approximately 8 servings of 2 tablespoons each) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ to ½ cup water, to blend
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or fresh herbs like chives or dill
Instructions
- Soak the cashews in filtered water for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften. For a quicker soak, pour boiling water over cashews and soak for 1 hour.
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews under cool water.
- Add the soaked cashews, ¼ cup water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, apple cider vinegar, and salt to a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Blend on high for 2-3 minutes, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula, until the mixture is silky, thick, and spreadable. Add water a tablespoon at a time if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, lemon juice, or nutritional yeast as desired.
- Optionally, blend in smoked paprika or fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Transfer the cashew cheese to a container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and firm up slightly.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a spread, dip, or addition to sandwiches.
Notes
Soaking cashews overnight yields the creamiest texture; if short on time, soak in boiling water for 1 hour. Use a high-speed blender for smoothest results, or a food processor for a chunkier texture. Adjust water gradually to achieve desired consistency. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance flavor and texture. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Optional flavor variations include adding herbs, smoked paprika, jalapeño, or miso paste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: dairy-free cheese, cashew cheese, vegan cheese, homemade cheese, dairy-free, vegan snack, creamy cheese, plant-based cheese