Patrick Oconnell
A vegan cheese board is a great way to impress at a party, with a variety of options to choose from. It can be as simple or as complicated as you like, with a range of vegan cheeses, meats, fruits, vegetables, dips, and spreads. The key is to emphasise the cheese, with a mix of different types and flavours to give your guests variety. Vegan cheese varies in base and texture, with cashew and almond-based cheeses having a nutty flavour, and coconut-based cheese being creamy. Harder cheeses, like cheddar, can be paired with softer, spreadable cheeses, like cashew cheese spread. To add some colour, include fruits and vegetables, like apples, grapes, berries, cucumbers, radishes, and cherry tomatoes. For some crunch, add crackers, crostinis, nuts, and crispbreads. Dips like hummus, vegan ranch, and jams are also a great addition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegan cheese | Cashew-based, almond-based, coconut-based, potato starch-based, soy-based, tapioca-based, nut-based, Violife, Daiya, Nuts for Cheese, Fauxmagerie Zengarry, mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, etc. |
| Fruits | Apples, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, figs, blackberries, pomegranate seeds, berries, etc. |
| Vegetables | Cucumbers, radishes, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, sugar snap peas, carrots, celery, bell peppers, etc. |
| Crunchy foods | Crackers, crostinis, pita bread/chips, pita triangles, crispbreads, bread, etc. |
| Dips | Jam, hummus, mustard, tapenade, etc. |
| Meat alternatives | Vegan deli meat, grilled vegan sausages, vegan ham, vegan pepperoni, etc. |
| Garnish | Fresh herbs, edible flowers, rosemary sprigs, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Vegan cheese options
Vegan cheese boards are a great way to impress your vegan and non-vegan friends alike. They can be as simple or as complicated as you like, with a variety of vegan cheeses, meats, fruits, veggies, dips, and crackers.
When it comes to vegan cheese options, you can choose from a range of soft, semi-soft, and hard cheeses. Soft nut-based cheeses, such as Miyoko's Vegan Cheese and Treeline Creamy Soft French-Style Nut Cheese, are excellent spreadable options, especially on crackers or cucumber slices. Cashew-based cheeses have a nutty flavor, while coconut-based cheeses tend to be creamy. You can also find soft vegan cheeses similar to Gournay, cream cheese, or chèvre.
Semi-soft vegan cheeses provide a creamy texture, reminiscent of Havarti. For those who prefer hard cheeses, there are options made from chickpea miso paste that resemble and taste like Parmesan. Artisan hard cheeses, such as Violife and Daiya, are not only delicious but also visually appealing, adding to the beauty of your cheese board.
When creating your vegan cheese board, consider including different textures and flavors of cheese. Aim for a mix of hard, creamy, aged, herbed, and blue cheeses. You can even make your own vegan mozzarella or experiment with store-bought options like Violife, Daiya, Nuts for Cheese, and Fauxmagerie Zengarry. Don't be afraid to get creative and explore the wide range of vegan cheese options available!
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Fruits and veggies
Fruits and vegetables are essential components of a vegan cheese board. They add a pop of colour, texture, and flavour, complementing the vegan cheeses and other ingredients. Here are some ideas for fruits and veggies to include:
Fruits
- Apples
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Figs
- Cherries
- Pomegranate seeds
- Berries
- Dates
- Cranberries
- Pear
- Blood orange
- Blackberries
Vegetables
- Cucumbers
- Radishes
- Cherry tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Sugar snap peas
- Carrots
- Celery
- Bell peppers
- Roasted carrots
- Eggplant
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Pickled vegetables, such as mushrooms, celery, or cucumbers
When selecting fruits and vegetables for your vegan cheese board, opt for a variety of colours, textures, and flavours. Choose seasonal ingredients whenever possible, and consider the size and shape of the produce to ensure they are easy to pick up and eat. Cut larger fruits and vegetables into slices or bite-sized pieces. You can also create small mounds of fruits and veggies around the board, adding colour and visual appeal.
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Crackers and bread
In addition to crackers, bread is another crucial element of a vegan cheese board. Sliced baguette is a classic choice, providing a neutral base for the various toppings. However, you can also offer a variety of bread options, such as sliced sourdough, pita bread, or pita triangles. Toasting the bread can add a nice crunch and texture to the board. If you want to get creative, you can also offer breadsticks or crostinis, which provide a similar crunch factor and can be easily paired with different dips or spreads.
When arranging the crackers and bread on the board, it's essential to consider the overall presentation. Place the crackers and bread in different sections of the board to create visual interest. You can stack the crackers or fan them out for a more aesthetically pleasing display. For the bread, consider slicing it into triangles or cubes, or even using cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Filling in the gaps with crackers and bread can help ensure a full and abundant-looking board.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of crackers and bread to find what works best for your taste preferences and dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, there are several types of crackers and breads made with gluten-free flours, such as rice flour or oat flour. You can also find crackers made with alternative ingredients like almond flour or seed-based crackers, which can add a unique flavour and texture to your vegan cheese board.
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Dips and spreads
Herb Cashew Cheese Spread
A creamy, nutty spread made from cashews is a great option for a vegan cheese board. Its soft texture makes it perfect for spreading on crackers or dipping with vegetables. Cashew cheese spreads can also be flavoured with herbs for an extra layer of flavour.
Hummus
Hummus is a classic dip that is naturally vegan and pairs well with a variety of other items on a vegan cheese board. For an extra boost of cheesiness, try making a hummus with nutritional yeast. You could also experiment with different flavours of hummus, such as roasted red pepper or garlic.
Vegan Pâté
A vegan pâté, such as an almond pâté, is a sophisticated addition to a vegan cheese board. It adds a rich, savoury element and can be paired with crackers or used as a spread for vegetables.
Jams and Jellies
Sweet or tart jams and jellies are a must for a vegan cheese board, as they provide a contrast to the savoury items. Look for jams with vegan sweeteners, such as fruit compotes like cranberry sauce or apple butter. Spiced or herbed jams can also add an interesting twist.
Mustards and Tapenades
For something a little more savoury, mustards and tapenades are a great choice. A spicy brown mustard can add a kick to your cheese board, while a tapenade, such as an olive or sun-dried tomato tapenade, provides a salty, umami flavour.
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Meats and savoury snacks
When it comes to vegan meats, there are several options to choose from. You can find plant-based alternatives to traditional charcuterie meats such as salami, sausage, and ham, often made from ingredients like seitan or vegetables. For example, Sweet Earth Foods offers Mediterranean Veggie Burgers, Traditional Seitan Slices, Tuscan Veggie Sausages, and Harmless Ham. These can be fanned out on the board or arranged in a "river" formation down the center. Another option is to include vegan deli meats such as Tofurkey ham or Violife cheddar slices, cut into circles to fit crackers.
In addition to vegan meats, there are various savoury snacks that can enhance your vegan cheese board. Here are some suggestions:
- Olives: Add a small bowl of marinated olives or include them in a fresh quick pickle salad with cucumber, red onion, and tomato.
- Nuts: Spiced or salted nuts can provide a crunchy contrast to the other elements on the board. Try rosemary-seasoned nuts for a festive touch.
- Crackers: Choose from a variety of crackers, such as round crackers, flavoured crackers, or chunked sourdough.
- Dips: Hummus is a popular choice, especially when paired with veggies. You can also find cheesy vegan hummus made with nutritional yeast. Other dip options include vegan ranch, mustard, tapenade, or a fruit compote like cranberry sauce or apple butter.
- Pickles: Dill pickle wedges or slices, or even pickled mushrooms and celery, can add a tangy flavour.
- Pita bread or chips: Pair with hummus or other dips.
- Veggie sticks: Carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumber, radishes, or endives provide a fresh and crunchy element.
Remember, the key is to provide a variety of textures and flavours to complement the cheeses on your vegan cheese board.
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Frequently asked questions
You can put a variety of vegan cheeses on a vegan cheese board, including soft, nut-based cheeses, hard cheeses, and creamy cheeses. Some popular brands of vegan cheese include Violife, Daiya, Nuts for Cheese, and Fauxmagerie Zengarry.
Fruits, vegetables, crackers, dips, and vegan meats are all great options to pair with vegan cheese on a vegan cheese board. More specifically, you could include grapes, berries, apples, cucumbers, olives, nuts, hummus, and vegan pepperoni.
This depends on the size of your gathering. If it's just you or a small group, one or two cheeses should be enough. If you're hosting a larger group, you may want to include three or more cheeses to provide a variety of options.
Start by placing the bowls and containers on the board, then add the focal points like cheeses and meats. Finally, fill in the gaps with clusters of nuts, fruits, and vegetables. You can also garnish with fresh herbs and edible flowers.
