Bushra Griffith
Cashew cheese is a popular vegan alternative to dairy cheese. It is made from raw cashews, which are blended with water or milk to create a creamy, spreadable, and `cheesy` sauce. This sauce can be used as a topping for various dishes such as tacos, pasta, and quinoa, or as an ingredient in recipes such as mac and cheese and enchiladas. Cashew cheese can also be made into a firmer, sliceable version that can be grated and melted, making it a versatile option for vegans and those with dairy intolerances. The process of making cashew cheese typically involves soaking the nuts, blending them with seasonings, and then chilling the mixture. Some recipes also include additional ingredients such as nutritional yeast, vinegar, and spices to enhance the cheesy flavor and tanginess of the cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meltability | Melts in the microwave and oven |
| Texture | Hard, sliceable, grateable, spreadable, creamy, smooth |
| Taste | Tangy, spicy, cheesy |
| Ingredients | Cashews, water, agar powder, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, olive oil, coconut oil, rice vinegar, miso paste, vegan lactic acid powder, tapioca starch, agave syrup, psyllium husk powder, psyllium husk paste, kappa carrageenan |
| Prep time | 10 minutes of hands-on time |
| Soaking time | 2-24 hours |
| Refrigeration time | Up to 5-6 days |
| Freezable | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
How to make vegan cashew cheese
Yes, vegan cashew cheese does melt! You can melt it in the microwave or on a stovetop. Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to make vegan cashew cheese:
Ingredients:
- Raw cashews
- Water or milk
- Salt
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Optional: Nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, parsley, dill, etc.), or dried herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary)
Instructions:
- Soak the cashews: Cover the cashews in filtered water and leave them at room temperature for 6-8 hours or overnight in the fridge. If you're short on time, you can speed up the process by soaking them in hot water for 2 hours or boiling them for 30-45 minutes.
- Drain the cashews, saving the water (cashew water).
- Place the cashews in a food processor or high-speed blender.
- Add salt and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to taste. The vinegar will give the cheese a tangy flavor and help preserve it for a few extra days.
- Pulse the cashews repeatedly and scrape down the sides of the food processor or blender.
- Add the cashew water a tablespoon at a time while blending until you achieve your desired consistency. Typically, 3-4 tablespoons is sufficient.
- (Optional) Add fresh herbs, garlic, and/or spices to taste. Smoked paprika and garlic powder are popular choices. For a stronger "cheesy" flavor, you can add nutritional yeast.
- Blend all the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Store the vegan cashew cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-6 days. It can also be frozen.
Your vegan cashew cheese is now ready to serve! It can be used as a spread, dip, or melted on top of various dishes like nachos, enchiladas, pasta, tacos, pizza, and more. Enjoy!
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The melting process
For a firm, sliceable cashew cheese, the melting process can be achieved through different methods. One approach is to grate the cheese and sprinkle it on top of a pizza before baking it in the oven. The heat of the oven will cause the cheese to melt and blend with the other toppings. Alternatively, a slice of cashew cheese can be placed on a cracker and microwaved for around 15 seconds to achieve a melted consistency.
On the other hand, creamy cashew cheese sauces tend to have a different melting process. These sauces are typically made by blending soaked cashews with various seasonings and liquids. The resulting sauce can be used as a drizzle or topping on dishes like tacos, quinoa, and pasta. When heated, the sauce may thicken, and adding a small amount of water or pasta water can help adjust its consistency.
To melt a larger quantity of the creamy cashew cheese sauce, such as for a mac and cheese dish, reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop is recommended. The sauce can be placed in a microwave-safe container and heated until warm, or warmed on the stovetop over low heat with occasional stirring to prevent scorching.
It's important to note that the melting process for vegan cashew cheese may vary slightly depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, with the right techniques and heating methods, it is possible to achieve a melted, cheesy consistency that rivals traditional dairy-based cheeses.
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Other vegan cheese options
Vegan cashew cheese is a great option for those seeking a plant-based alternative to dairy cheese. It can be used in various dishes, from pizzas to cheese boards, and even as a dip. While cashew cheese is a popular option, there are several other vegan cheese options available, both store-bought and homemade.
Store-Bought Options:
- Kite Hill Foods offers a range of vegan cream cheese alternatives, including original, strawberry, and chive flavors. The plain variety is excellent for cooking, while the chive flavor is a delightful spread on bagels.
- Tofutti is well-known for its vegan cream cheese, but it also offers dairy-free American cheese slices made with sustainable palm oil, maltodextrin, and tofu.
- Follow Your Heart carries a variety of vegan cheese products, such as dairy-free parmesan, crumbled blue cheese, shreds, and blocked mozzarella. Their parmesan is an excellent melting option for baked dishes like pasta and pizza.
- Violife offers a vegan feta cheese that tastes like a blend of goat cheese and feta, perfect for those who enjoy a salty and briny flavor.
- Aldi's Earth Grown line includes dairy-free mozzarella and cheddar shreds made with coconut oil, potato starch, and potato protein.
- The Laughing Cow has a spreadable cheese alternative in original and garlic and herb flavors, made with almond and coconut milk, as well as food starches and pea protein.
- Miyoko is known for her amazing vegan butter, but her cheese shreds are also worth trying, especially the smoked cheddar wheel.
Homemade Options:
In addition to cashew cheese, you can also make vegan cheese at home using other ingredients like vegetables or nuts.
- Cauliflower: This option is nut-free, soy-free, and oil-free, making it a healthy and nourishing choice. It may not be as indulgent as other recipes, but it's perfect for those with nut intolerances or seeking a low-calorie option.
- Potatoes and Carrots: These vegetables can be used to create a vegan cheese sauce, offering a wholesome and indulgent experience.
- Tofu: For a lower-fat and lower-calorie option, you can try making vegan tofu ricotta.
Whether you choose a store-bought or homemade option, there are plenty of vegan cheese alternatives to explore and enjoy.
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What to eat with vegan cashew cheese
Yes, vegan cashew cheese does melt! You can melt it in the microwave or on a pizza in the oven.
Vegan cashew cheese is a versatile food that can be eaten in many ways. It can be enjoyed as a sliceable cheese, grated or melted on pizza, or as a sauce drizzled over various dishes. Here are some ideas for what to eat with vegan cashew cheese:
On a Vegan Cheese Board
Vegan cashew cheese is a great option for a vegan cheese board. You can serve it with crackers, bread, red grapes, jams, mixed salted nuts, and even wine. It can be sliced, grated, or mashed and spread on crackers.
As a Sauce or Topping
Vegan cashew cheese sauce is a delicious and creamy addition to many dishes. It can be drizzled over quinoa, tacos, enchiladas, tortilla chips, Buddha bowls, vegetarian taco bowls, stuffed vegetables, or used as a dip. It can also be added to pasta, mac and cheese, nachos, and baked potatoes.
In Various Dishes
Vegan cashew cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. It can be spread on sandwiches, wraps, or bagels, used as a dip for veggies or crackers, or added to salads or grain bowls. It can also be used as a sauce for pizza, pasta, or baked dishes.
With Different Flavors and Ingredients
Vegan cashew cheese can be made with different flavors and ingredients to suit your taste. You can add fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, chives, or cilantro, spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, or chipotle peppers, or other ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, lemon zest, or nutritional yeast for an extra "cheesy" flavor.
Vegan cashew cheese is a delicious and versatile option for those looking for a dairy-free, vegan cheese alternative. It can be enjoyed in many ways and customized to suit your taste preferences.
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Storing and reheating vegan cashew cheese
When reheating, simply pour the cheese into a microwave-safe container and heat it in the microwave until warm. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water to the cheese if it becomes too thick. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
It is worth noting that cashew cheese tends to get firmer the longer it is stored in the fridge. Therefore, it is better for grating on the second day rather than the day it is made.
Vegan cashew cheese is a simple plant-based alternative that is spreadable, creamy, and flavorful. It typically takes about 10 minutes of hands-on time to prepare and can be made with just a few simple ingredients. The basic ingredients include raw cashews, water or milk, salt, and vinegar. However, additional ingredients such as nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, fresh herbs, and spices can be added to enhance the flavor and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it does melt! It can be grated and melted in the microwave or on a pizza.
To make vegan cashew cheese, you'll need to soak the cashews in water for at least 2 hours. You can then add them to a blender with other ingredients like nutritional yeast, spices, and vinegar to create a sauce.
Cashews are naturally creamy and "cheesy" in flavor, so they are a good base for vegan cheese. The addition of spices and vinegar can enhance the cheese flavor and give it a tangy taste.
