Randy Chandler
Almond cheese is a vegan alternative to dairy cheese. It is made from a base of raw almonds, which are soaked and blended with water to create a creamy texture. The mixture is then typically seasoned with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and garlic to taste, and blended again. The addition of nutritional yeast is also common. The final product can be baked or dehydrated to create a firmer, crumbly texture, or it can be refrigerated and enjoyed as a spread. This versatile cheese is perfect for those following a plant-based diet or with dairy sensitivities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Raw almonds, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, water, garlic, herbs, spices, nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, rejuvelac, miso, cashews, plant milk, garlic powder, salt/pepper, turmeric, dill, rosemary, sea salt, smoked paprika, parsley, thyme, oregano, celery salt, cumin, cardamom, coriander, mustard powder, soy sauce, liquid aminos, tamari, white miso paste |
| Type | Vegan, dairy-free |
| Texture | Crumbly, creamy, firm, spreadable |
| Taste | Tangy, salty, savoury, sharp |
| Preparation time | 5-10 minutes |
| Refrigeration | Up to two weeks |
| Freezing | Place in an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to three months |
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What You'll Learn
Almond cheese ingredients
Almond cheese is a vegan alternative to dairy cheese. It is made from almonds instead of animal milk, making it suitable for those on a plant-based diet or with food intolerances.
Basic almond cheese recipes typically include the following ingredients:
- Raw, flaked, blanched almonds, soaked in water for at least 6 hours, or overnight
- Lemon juice, for a tangy, salty flavour
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Water
Some recipes also include:
- Garlic, for a savoury flavour
- Nutritional yeast
- Herbs, such as parsley, dill, rosemary, thyme, oregano, or fresh chopped rosemary
- Spices, such as smoked paprika, cumin, cardamom, coriander, or mustard powder
- Miso paste
- Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- Rejuvelac
Almond cheese can be made with a food processor or high-powered blender. The almonds are soaked, drained, and blended with the other ingredients until smooth. The mixture is then placed in a cheesecloth to drain and form a solid "cheese." It can be eaten immediately or refrigerated for a firmer texture and milder flavour.
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How to make almond cheese
Almond cheese is a vegan alternative to dairy cheese. It is made from almonds, which are soaked, blended, and then strained through a cheesecloth. The resulting "cheese" can be eaten immediately as a spread or baked before serving.
Ingredients:
- Raw almonds (flaked or blanched)
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Water
- Optional: garlic, fresh herbs, spices, nutritional yeast, vinegar, rejuvelac, miso, etc.
Step 1: Soaking the Almonds
Start by soaking the almonds in water. If you are using blanched almonds, you can soak them for as little as 30 minutes in boiling water or for up to 6 hours in cold water. If you are using almonds with the skin on, it is recommended to soak them for at least 24 hours to make the skins easier to remove.
Step 2: Preparing the Almonds
After soaking, drain and rinse the almonds. If you are using almonds with skins on, you can now remove the skins by rubbing them with a towel or using your fingers to pop them off. Removing the skins will give the cheese a smoother texture and lighter color, but this step can be omitted if you prefer.
Step 3: Blending the Ingredients
Place the almonds in a food processor or high-powered blender along with the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and water. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Add more water a little at a time if the mixture becomes too thick. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice if desired.
Step 4: Straining the Cheese
Line a sieve with a double layer of cheesecloth and place it over a container. Spoon the blended almond cheese mixture into the cheesecloth and bring the edges up to meet in the center. Secure the bundle with a rubber band or string, and then give it a few gentle squeezes to remove excess liquid. Place a weight, such as a tin of beans, on top and leave it to drain overnight in the fridge.
Step 5: Shaping and Baking the Cheese (Optional)
The almond cheese can be eaten immediately as a spread after removing it from the cheesecloth. However, if you prefer a firmer texture, you can shape the cheese into a round about 3/4-inch thick and refrigerate for 12 hours. Then, bake the cheese at 300 F for 30 to 40 minutes. The baked cheese will have a dry and slightly firm top with a creamy inside.
Step 6: Flavoring the Cheese (Optional)
Almond cheese can be flavored with various ingredients such as fresh garlic, herbs, spices, or nutritional yeast. These ingredients can be added at the beginning when blending the cheese, or they can be added to the outside as a coating. Some recipes also suggest adding ingredients like vinegar, rejuvelac, or miso to give the cheese a different character.
Storage:
Almond cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for up to three months but may need to be blended again after thawing.
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Almond cheese texture
Almond cheese is a vegan alternative to dairy cheese. It is made from a base of raw almonds, which are soaked and blended with other ingredients such as lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and water. The resulting mixture is then shaped and refrigerated to form a firm, spreadable "cheese".
The texture of almond cheese largely depends on the preparation method and the ingredients used. For example, the use of flaked (skinless) almonds, as opposed to whole almonds, results in a smoother texture. Additionally, the amount of water added during blending can affect the consistency of the final product, with less water yielding a thicker cheese.
Almond cheese can be baked to achieve a firmer texture. Baking the cheese at a low temperature dehydrates it, enhancing its crumbly texture. This is a desirable characteristic, as it resembles that of feta cheese. The baked almond cheese has a dry and slightly firm top, while the inside remains creamy.
The addition of cashews to the almond base also impacts the texture. Cashews create a creamier and softer cheese, whereas almond cheese tends to have a firmer and crumbly texture. This makes almond cheese a good substitute for white cheese, such as feta, which is known for its crumbly nature.
Overall, almond cheese has a creamy and spreadable texture, similar to cookie dough or cream cheese. It can be crumbled and used as a topping for salads, pasta, or pizza, making it a versatile and tasty option for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet.
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Almond cheese taste
Almond cheese is a vegan alternative to dairy cheese that is made from almonds instead of animal milk. It is often described as having a tangy, salty, and sharp taste. The flavour can be attributed to the use of ingredients such as lemon juice, garlic, and salt. The texture is described as crumbly, creamy, and spreadable, similar to feta cheese.
The process of making almond cheese involves blending soaked almonds with other ingredients such as olive oil, salt, and water. The mixture is then strained through a cheesecloth to remove excess liquid and shaped into a desired form. Some recipes call for baking the cheese, which results in a dry and slightly firm top with a creamy inside.
The tangy flavour of almond cheese can be enhanced by adding more lemon juice or vinegar. For a saltier taste, some recipes suggest using sea salt or adding garlic powder, which also provides a savoury flavour without being overpowering. Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and dill can be added for a citrusy or grassy note.
Almond cheese can be flavoured in various ways to suit different tastes and preferences. Some popular additions include nutritional yeast, rejuvelac, miso, and fresh herbs. The cheese can also be baked and drizzled with olive oil and herbs for a unique flavour profile.
The versatility of almond cheese makes it a great option for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet. It can be used as a spread, dip, or filling in dishes such as ravioli, lasagna, and sandwiches. It can also be crumbled like feta cheese and used as a topping for salads, pasta, or pizza.
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Almond cheese storage
Almond cheese is a vegan alternative to dairy cheese. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To store it for longer, it can be frozen for up to three months.
Refrigeration
Almond cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It is recommended to store it in an airtight container. The cheese will firm up in the fridge, and the flavors will mellow, so it is best to refrigerate it overnight before eating.
Preparation for Refrigeration
Before placing the almond cheese in the refrigerator, it is important to ensure that it is properly prepared. Here are the steps to follow:
- Place the blended almond cheese mix in a cheesecloth-lined sieve over a container.
- Bring the edges of the cheesecloth up to the center and secure it with a rubber band or string.
- Place a weight, such as a tin of beans, on top of the cheesecloth.
- Leave it in the fridge overnight to drain and firm up.
Freezing
To store almond cheese for longer, it can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze the cheese, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. It is important to note that frozen almond cheese may need to be blended again in a food processor after thawing, and additional plant milk may be required.
Thawing
When ready to consume the frozen almond cheese, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw completely. This can be done by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight.
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Frequently asked questions
Almond cheese is made of almonds instead of animal milk, making it a good alternative for people who eat a plant-based diet or those with food sensitivities.
You can use raw, unroasted, or roasted almonds. If you use almonds with the skin on, you will need to soak them for at least 24 hours so that the skins come off easily. You can also use blanched almonds, which have already been skinned.
In addition to almonds, you will need lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and water. You can also add ingredients like garlic, fresh herbs, and spices to flavour the cheese.
First, soak the almonds in water for at least 6 hours or overnight. Then, drain and rinse the almonds. If you are using almonds with the skin on, you will need to remove the skins. Next, put the almonds in a blender or food processor with the other ingredients and blend until smooth. Finally, scrape the mixture into a cheesecloth and squeeze out the excess liquid. The almond cheese can be eaten immediately or refrigerated for up to two weeks.
Yes, you can freeze almond cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. However, it may need to be blended again after thawing, and you may need to add a little plant milk.
