Are you ready to elevate your plant-based culinary game? Say goodbye to store-bought vegan cheese and hello to your new favorite kitchen creation: Homemade Vegan Cheese Slices! This creamy, flavorful cheese is not only easy to make but also packed with wholesome ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add some delicious variety to your meals, this recipe will have you hooked from the first bite. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can whip up a batch of cheese that’s perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or snacking. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to impress!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 slices
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
Instructions
- Begin by soaking the raw cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. This softens the nuts, making them easier to blend and giving the cheese a creamy texture.
- After soaking, drain and rinse the cashews under cold water. This helps remove any excess starch and ensures a cleaner flavor.
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, melted coconut oil, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, and turmeric powder. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, while the turmeric gives the cheese a nice yellow color.
- Blend the mixture on high speed until it is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender or processor a few times to ensure everything is well mixed.
- Once the mixture is smooth, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, lemon juice, or garlic powder according to your preference.
- Prepare a small rectangular or square container lined with parchment paper for easy removal. You can also use a silicone mold for fun shapes.
- Pour the blended cheese mixture into the prepared container, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top to create a uniform surface.
- Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the cheese to set for at least 1 hour, or until it firms up.
- Once the cheese has set, remove it from the container by lifting the parchment paper or gently popping it out of the silicone mold.
- Slice the cheese into 10 even slices using a sharp knife. Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Enjoy your homemade vegan cheese slices on sandwiches, burgers, or as a tasty addition to your favorite dishes!
Tips
- Soak for Success: Don’t skip the soaking step! Soaking the cashews for at least 4 hours or overnight is crucial for achieving that creamy texture. The longer you soak, the smoother your cheese will be.
- Blender Power: Use a high-speed blender or food processor to ensure a silky-smooth consistency. If your blender struggles, add a splash of water to help it along, but be careful not to make it too runny.
- Taste and Adjust: Before pouring the mixture into your container, taste it! This is your chance to customize the flavor—feel free to add more salt, lemon juice, or garlic powder to suit your palate.
- Mold Matters: For a fun twist, experiment with different molds! Silicone molds can create unique shapes that are perfect for parties or special occasions.
- Storage Savvy: Store any leftover cheese slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They make a great addition to salads, wraps, or as a topping for your favorite dishes.
- Creative Pairings: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Try adding herbs or spices to the mixture for different flavor profiles. Fresh basil or smoked paprika can give your cheese a whole new dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg
