Andy Montoya
Vegan cheese is a dairy-free alternative to regular cheese, often made with plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, and various seasonings. It can be made from a variety of ingredients, including cashews, coconut milk, potatoes, and agar agar. The process of making vegan cheese typically involves blending these ingredients and seasoning them to achieve the desired flavor and texture. The resulting product can be creamy, spreadable, and delicious, offering a plant-based option for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant. With the right recipe, vegan cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, from dips and sauces to pizzas and pasta bakes, providing a mouthwatering and addictive alternative to traditional cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cashews, coconut oil, salt, garlic, olive brine, nutritional yeast, sweet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, lemon juice, agar agar, plant-based milk, olive oil, black pepper, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, herbs, pickled jalapeños, chipotle pepper, smoked paprika, fermented tofu, macadamia nuts, plant milk, vegan yoghurt, tofu, rice, glutinous rice flour, soy milk, soy yoghurt, tapioca flour, water |
| Texture | Creamy, oozy, smooth, spreadable, stretchy, firm, sliceable |
| Taste | Tangy, nutty, savoury, rich, cheesy, bright, aged |
| Preparation | Soften cashews by boiling or soaking, blend with other ingredients, chill, serve with crackers or bread, or use in pasta, lasagna, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads, roasted vegetables, toast |
| Storage | Can be frozen and will last a few months |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a basic vegan cheese sauce
Vegan cheese sauce is a great option for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant but still want to enjoy the taste and texture of cheese. It can be used in a variety of dishes, such as nachos, mac and cheese, and pizza. Here is a simple recipe for a basic vegan cheese sauce that you can make at home.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Onions
- Cashews or white beans
- Nutritional yeast
- Spices (such as garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika)
- Water
- Salt
- Olive oil or coconut oil
Instructions:
- Start by boiling the potatoes, carrots, and onions in a pot of water until they are tender. This should take around 15 minutes.
- Drain the water and transfer the cooked vegetables to a blender.
- Add the remaining ingredients, including the cashews or white beans, nutritional yeast, spices, water, salt, and olive or coconut oil, to the blender.
- Blend all the ingredients until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Your vegan cheese sauce is now ready to use! You can use it immediately in recipes such as nachos, mac and cheese, or as a dip for vegetables.
Tips and Variations:
- Soak the cashews in water for at least 30 minutes to an hour before blending for a creamier texture.
- If you want a smoky flavour, add smoked paprika to taste.
- For extra heat, blend in some pickled jalapeños or chipotle pepper.
- You can also use coconut milk instead of water for a richer sauce.
- If you want a firmer cheese, you can add agar agar powder to help it set.
- This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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Vegan cheese with coconut milk
Vegan cheese is a great dairy-free alternative that can be easily made at home with simple ingredients. Coconut milk is a popular base for vegan cheese because it is affordable, easy to use, and allergy-friendly. It also has a very mild coconut flavor, which is often masked by other ingredients.
To make a basic vegan cheese using coconut milk, you will need the following ingredients:
- Coconut milk
- Agar agar powder or flakes
- Nutritional yeast
- Salt
- Lemon juice
- Garlic powder
First, prepare your cheese molds by spraying a glass bowl or container with a neutral-flavored oil to prevent sticking. Then, pour the coconut milk into a saucepan and add 1/2 cup of hot water to the empty can to melt any remaining milk, adding this to the pan as well. Next, add all the remaining ingredients to the saucepan and stir with a whisk. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture boils. Reduce the heat and continue stirring constantly for about 6 minutes until the sauce is very smooth. Finally, pour the mixture into the prepared molds and place them uncovered in the fridge for a few hours until the cheese has hardened and is sliceable.
You can also experiment with different ingredients to customize your vegan cheese. For example, add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or pickled jalapeños for some heat. If you want to replace the coconut milk, you can use cashews blended with water or any plant-based milk with a neutral-flavored oil.
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Making vegan cheese with potatoes
Vegan cheese is a delicious and healthy alternative to dairy cheese. It is creamy, tangy, rich, and has a crave-worthy oozy texture. It is also quite easy to make at home. Here is a recipe for vegan cheese made with potatoes.
Ingredients
- Yukon Gold potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Nutritional yeast
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Apple cider vinegar
- Water
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Smoked paprika (optional)
- Pickled jalapeños or chipotle pepper (optional)
Method
Start by peeling and boiling the potatoes until they are very tender. You can use a pressure cooker or a saucepan for this step. Let the potatoes cool, then transfer them to a high-speed blender. Add the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, apple cider vinegar, water, extra-virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more water or plant-based milk if needed. Taste and adjust the seasoning as per your preference. You can add smoked paprika or pickled jalapeños for extra flavour and heat.
Serving Suggestions
This vegan cheese sauce can be served in multiple ways. You can use it as a dip with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables, drizzle it over nachos, or toss it with pasta. You can also spread it on toast, add it to a salad, or use it as a topping for baked potatoes.
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Using cashews for a creamy texture
Cashews are an excellent base for vegan cheese due to their ability to create a smooth and creamy texture. Raw cashews are typically preferred, as roasting can bring out a nutty flavour. However, some recipes call for roasted cashews for a slightly different taste.
To prepare the cashews for blending, they must be softened. This can be done by soaking them in water for at least two hours, although some recipes recommend soaking them for up to eight hours or overnight. An alternative method is to boil the cashews for about 10 minutes until tender and then draining and rinsing them.
Once softened, the cashews can be blended with a little water or plant-based milk to create a creamy sauce. This sauce can be used as a topping for various dishes such as enchiladas, tacos, quinoa bowls, and pasta. It can also be frozen for later use.
For a cream cheese-style recipe, cashews are blended with lemon juice and salt, and sometimes, additional ingredients such as chives, roasted garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes are added for flavour. This creates a versatile spread that can be used on bagels, crackers, or as a dip.
The versatility of cashews allows them to be used in a variety of vegan cheese recipes, from creamy sauces to cheese balls and cheesecakes. With their creamy texture and rich flavour, cashews are a key ingredient in creating delicious and satisfying vegan cheese alternatives.
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Vegan cheese with plant-based milk
Cooking with Vegan Cheese and Plant-Based Milk
Vegan cheese is a versatile dairy alternative that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be made from various nuts, seeds, soy, tapioca, oils, or other ingredients. Here are some tips and recipes for cooking with vegan cheese and plant-based milk:
Potato and Cashew Cheese
For a vegan cheese with a creamy, oozy texture, blend boiled Yukon Gold potatoes and cashews with nutritional yeast, garlic, onion powder, apple cider vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt. This cheese sauce can be tossed with pasta, drizzled over nachos, or served as a dip.
Coconut Milk Cheese
Coconut milk is a popular base for vegan cheese, as it creates a rich and creamy texture. To make this type of vegan cheese, combine a can of coconut milk with water, agar agar powder, nutritional yeast, salt, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a saucepan. Stir with a whisk until well combined. This cheese can be sliced and served with crackers or sandwiches, or shredded and used on pasta, pizzas, or dips.
Cashew Cheese with Plant-Based Milk
For a nut-based cheese, cashews can be blended with plant-based milk and a neutral-flavored oil. Soak and soften the cashews before blending, then add your choice of plant milk and oil. This cheese can be flavored with herbs, spices, or acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar.
Tips for Cooking with Vegan Cheese:
- Vegan cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta, dips, nachos, and baked potatoes.
- When making vegan cheese at home, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to suit your taste preferences.
- Many vegan cheese recipes are customizable and can be made spicier or smokier with the addition of spices like chipotle pepper, smoked paprika, or jalapeños.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many different recipes for vegan cheese, but common ingredients include cashews, coconut oil, plant milk, nutritional yeast, and salt.
Nutritional yeast gives vegan cheese a nutty, savoury flavour.
Use potatoes or cashews to give your vegan cheese an oozy, creamy texture.
Use agar agar or kappa carrageenan to help your vegan cheese set. You can also use a chickpea flour method.
Vegan cheese is very versatile. You can eat it with crackers, bread, pasta, roasted vegetables, or salad. You can also melt it on toast or pizza.
