How to Make Vegan Cheese at Home

Making vegan cheese at home is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re craving creamy, spreadable cheese for crackers, a gooey option for pizza, or a firm sliceable block, this guide has you covered. By learning how to make vegan cheese from scratch, you’ll not only save money but also create delicious, customizable flavors tailored to your preferences. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to start making plant-based cheese at home.

Why Make Vegan Cheese at Home?

If you’re wondering why you should bother making vegan cheese instead of buying it from the store, here are some great reasons:

1. Cost-Effective: Store-bought vegan cheese can be expensive. Homemade versions are much more budget-friendly.
2. Customizable: Adjust flavors, textures, and ingredients to suit your taste.
3. Healthier: Many store-bought cheeses contain preservatives and additives. Homemade versions are made with wholesome, natural ingredients.
4. Eco-Friendly: Making your own cheese reduces packaging waste, making it a more sustainable option.

Essential Ingredients for Vegan Cheese

To make vegan cheese at home, you’ll need some basic ingredients. These are easily available, and many are pantry staples for plant-based cooking:

1. Cashews: A popular base for creamy cheese.
   • Recommended Product: Terrasoul Raw Organic Cashews.
2. Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy, umami flavor.
   • Recommended Product: Bragg Nutritional Yeast.
3. Agar-Agar Powder: A plant-based alternative to gelatin that helps create firm, sliceable cheese.
   • Recommended Product: Now Foods Agar Powder.
4. Plant-Based Milk: Almond, soy, or coconut milk works well.
   • Recommended Product: Califia Farms Unsweetened Almond Milk.
5. Tapioca Starch: Adds stretchiness to melty cheeses like mozzarella.
   • Recommended Product: Anthony’s Organic Tapioca Flour.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Provides tanginess to replicate the flavor of traditional cheese
   • Recommended Product: Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar.
7. Salt and Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and other seasonings enhance the flavor.
   • Recommended Brand: Simply Organic.
8. Probiotics (Optional): For fermented cheese, probiotics add depth and complexity.
   • Recommended Product: Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic.

Tools You’ll Need

To make vegan cheese, you’ll need a few kitchen tools. If you don’t already have these, they’re worth investing in:

1. High-Speed Blender or Food Processor: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy texture.
   • Recommended Product: Vitamix 5200 Blender.
2. Cheese Molds: Great for shaping your cheese.
   • Recommended Product: Silicone Cheese Molds.
3. Saucepan: For cooking and thickening the cheese mixture.
4. Cheesecloth: Useful for straining or shaping soft cheese.
   • Recommended Product: Cotton Cheesecloth by Regency Wraps.

Types of Vegan Cheese You Can Make

Here are a few types of vegan cheese you can easily make at home, along with step-by-step recipes.

1. Creamy Cashew Cheese Spread

This soft, spreadable cheese is perfect for crackers, bagels, or as a dip for veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours)
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
2. Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Optional Variations: Add fresh herbs, smoked paprika, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

2. Stretchy Vegan Mozzarella

This cheese melts beautifully, making it ideal for pizzas and grilled sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours)
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp tapioca starch
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. As it heats, it will thicken and become stretchy.
4. Use immediately for recipes like pizza or lasagna.

3. Sliceable Vegan Cheddar

This firm cheese is perfect for sandwiches and cheese boards.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plant-based milk
• 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp agar-agar powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp turmeric (for color)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and bring to a boil while stirring.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour into a cheese mold and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
5. Slice and enjoy!

4. Fermented Vegan Cheese

For a tangy, aged flavor, fermented cheese is a fantastic option.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours)
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 capsules of probiotics
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Blend the cashews and water until smooth.
2. Empty the probiotic capsules into the mixture and blend briefly.
3. Transfer to a glass container and cover with a cheesecloth.
4. Let it ferment at room temperature for 24-48 hours.
5. Mix in salt and any additional flavorings before refrigerating.

Optional Flavors: Add fresh dill, garlic, or truffle oil for gourmet variations.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Cheese Every Time

1. Soak Your Nuts: Soaking cashews or almonds ensures a creamy texture. Use warm water for quicker soaking.
2. Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings to your liking while blending or cooking.
3. Experiment with Textures: Play with ingredients like agar-agar or tapioca starch to achieve the desired firmness or stretchiness.
4. Store Properly: Keep your cheese in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.
5. Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality nuts, plant-based milk, and nutritional yeast for the best flavor.

Pairing Your Vegan Cheese

Once your vegan cheese is ready, here’s how to enjoy it:

1. Cheese Board: Pair with crackers, fresh fruit, and olives for a plant-based charcuterie experience.
   • Recommended Product: Mary’s Gone Crackers.
2. Pizza Night: Use stretchy mozzarella on a homemade pizza crust.
3. Sandwiches: Layer sliceable cheddar on whole-grain bread with veggies.
4. Dips: Serve creamy cashew cheese with chips or fresh veggies.

Final Thoughts: Get Creative with Vegan Cheese

Making vegan cheese at home opens up endless possibilities for customizing flavors, textures, and uses. Whether you prefer a simple spread or an aged, tangy block, this guide equips you with the tools and techniques to create delicious plant-based cheese. Plus, with readily available products and versatile recipes, you’ll find that homemade vegan cheese is as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ready to get started? Gather your ingredients, grab your blender, and start crafting your very own vegan cheese masterpiece today!