Inspired by: @maryanarch
Are you searching for that perfect vegan cheese that truly melts, grates beautifully, and delivers a rich, cheesy flavor without any dairy? Look no further! This easy, homemade dairy-free meltable vegan cheese is specifically designed to transform your pasta bakes, gratins, and other savory dishes into cheesy masterpieces. Forget those store-bought versions that just don't perform the way you want. This recipe solves the common problem of finding a truly versatile, melt-in-your-mouth vegan cheese.
This amazing vegan 🌱 cheeze, hailed by many users on abillion, is perfect for dishes ‘au gratin’ and effortlessly melts into a glorious, gooey texture. As one delighted user commented, "The cheeze melted so beautifully!!" while another exclaimed, "It lookss like a masterpiece I wanna eat😋🥰." It’s an easy-peasy recipe that makes for a fantastic addition to your plant-based kitchen.
What Makes This Vegan Cheese So Special?
Unlike some vegan cheeses that remain solid or get oily when heated, this recipe focuses on achieving a smooth, gooey, and stretchable consistency. It grates easily, making it ideal for topping casseroles or sprinkling over a hot plate of pasta. One abillion user raved, "Yummy! #foodporn 😋😋😋" highlighting its delicious outcome!
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours or boiled for 15 minutes
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup tapioca starch (also known as tapioca flour)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color, optional)
- Pinch of white pepper (optional)
Equipment
- High-speed blender
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Airtight container or mold for chilling
Instructions
- Drain the soaked cashews and rinse well.
- Combine the drained cashews, water, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, turmeric (if using), and white pepper (if using) in a high-speed blender.
- Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure no lumps remain. This step is crucial for a smooth cheese.
- Pour the blended mixture into a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly. The mixture will start to thicken rapidly, becoming very gooey and stretchy. Continue to whisk for 1-2 minutes until it forms a thick, cohesive ball.
- Remove from heat and immediately transfer the hot cheese mixture into an airtight container or a small mold lightly greased with a little oil.
- Press down firmly to remove any air pockets and create a smooth surface.
- Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until completely firm. Once chilled, it will be firm enough to grate!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Vegan Cheese
- Soaking Cashews is Key: Don't skip soaking the cashews! This ensures a super smooth and creamy texture. If you're short on time, boiling them for 15 minutes will achieve a similar result.
- Grate for Best Melt: For optimal melting, grate the chilled cheese directly onto your hot pasta, casseroles, or pizzas. The smaller pieces will melt more evenly and quickly.
- Storage: Store this homemade vegan cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage, but its texture might change slightly after thawing.
Variations and Adaptations
- Smoked Paprika Infusion: Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the blend for a delicious smoky flavor, perfect for dishes like vegan mac and cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a pleasant warmth.
- Garlic & Herb: Increase the garlic powder and add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for an aromatic twist.
- Softer Spreadable Cheese: Reduce the tapioca starch slightly (e.g., to 3 tablespoons) if you desire a softer, more spreadable cheese for crackers or sandwiches, rather than a firm block for grating.
User Experiences & Praise
This versatile vegan cheese has garnered fantastic feedback from the abillion community. Many users appreciate how easy it is to make and how well it performs in various dishes. "An easy one-pot recipe 🙌 👌!!!" one user chimed, celebrating its simplicity, even if referring to a dish it's used in. Its ability to melt beautifully means you can enjoy rich, cheesy goodness in all your favorite comfort foods.
Related Articles
Looking for more delicious vegan recipes to try?
- Discover a quick and delightful breakfast with our Quick & Easy Vegan French Toast.
- Indulge in a comforting classic with our Easy & Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese with Broccoli & Greens.
- Explore a versatile sauce with The Easiest Life-Changing Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese Sauce.
- Whip up a satisfying meal with our Easy Creamy Vegan Roasted Vegetable Farfalle Pasta (Dairy-Free Weeknight Meal).
Connect with abillion
We love seeing your creations! Try this amazing vegan cheese recipe and share your experience with the abillion community. Tag us on social media or leave a review on abillion to inspire others on their plant-based journey!
Image Gallery
Here are some inspiring visuals of the vegan cheese in action, demonstrating its incredible melt and versatility.
A glorious close-up of the vegan cheese melting on a pasta dish, showing its gooey texture.
The dairy-free cheese perfectly melted and bubbly, ready to be served.
Creamy vegan cheese sauce coating rotini pasta, ideal for a baked dish.
A finished vegan gratin, showcasing the beautifully browned and melted cheese.
An inviting shot of the baked pasta, emphasizing the rich and comforting appeal.
