How to Make Your Own Vegan Cheese at Home

How to Make Your Own Vegan Cheese at Home

Cheese is one of the hardest foods to give up when transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make delicious, creamy, and healthy vegan cheese right at home no dairy required.

Homemade vegan cheese is not only more affordable than store-bought options but also free of unnecessary preservatives. Plus, you can customize the flavor and texture to your liking.

Common Ingredients for Vegan Cheese

Most vegan cheeses use plant-based ingredients that create a creamy, cheesy texture:

• Cashews (soaked) – for creaminess

• Almonds or sunflower seeds – nutty base

• Nutritional yeast – gives a cheesy flavor

• Coconut oil or olive oil – for richness

• Lemon juice – adds tang

• Garlic or onion powder – for depth of flavor

• Agar-agar or tapioca starch – to make cheese sliceable/stretchy

• Herbs & spices – for customization (basil, paprika, chili flakes, etc.)

Simple Vegan Cheese Recipes

1. Creamy Cashew Cheese Spread

Perfect for spreading on toast or using as a dip.Ingredients:

• 1 cup soaked cashews

• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 garlic clove

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 cup water

  
  

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.

2. Adjust thickness by adding more water.

3. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

   
   

2. Sliceable Vegan Cheese (Agar-Agar Based)

A firmer cheese you can slice for sandwiches.Ingredients:

• 1 cup plant milk

• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast

• 2 tbsp agar-agar powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• Spices of choice

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

2. Simmer 5 minutes until it thickens.

3. Pour into a mold and let it set in the fridge.

3. Stretchy Vegan Mozzarella (Tapioca-Based)

Great for pizza and pasta!Ingredients:

• 1 cup soaked cashews

• 1/4 cup tapioca starch

• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 cup hot water

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend everything until smooth.

2. Cook in a saucepan, stirring constantly, until it becomes stretchy.

3. Use immediately on pizza or pasta.

Tips for the Best Homemade Vegan Cheese

• Soak nuts overnight for a creamier texture.

• Experiment with spices to create different flavors (smoky paprika, Italian herbs, chili flakes).

• Ferment for tanginess: Add probiotics or let your cheese culture for a day for that authentic sharp cheese taste.

Making your own vegan cheese at home is fun, healthier than store-bought, and endlessly customizable. Whether you want a spreadable dip, sliceable block, or gooey mozzarella for pizza, plant-based ingredients can deliver that cheesy satisfaction without the dairy.

Want more vegan kitchen ideas? Check out The Health Benefits of Going Vegan.