Homemade Vegan Cheese – Easy Dairy-Free Recipes for Every Occasion

by
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Making your own vegan cheese at home is easier than you might think. These dairy-free versions offer creamy, melty, and savory options perfect for spreads, sauces, snacking, or topping your favorite meals.

Ideal for vegans, those with lactose intolerance, or anyone looking to add plant-based choices to their meals.

Serve these cheeses on a charcuterie board, in sandwiches, or stirred into pasta for an extra kick of flavor.

A round block of vegan cheese with herbs, sliced and served on a white plate

Homemade Vegan Cheese

Making your own vegan cheese at home is easier than you might think! This versatile, dairy-free cheese is creamy, melty, and packed with savory flavor—perfect for spreads, sauces, snacking, or topping your favorite meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 8
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • High-speed blender or food processor
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Silicone spatula
  • Cheese mold or small container optional for shaping
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

Base Cheese Ingredients:

  • 1 cup raw cashews soaked in hot water for 15 minutes
  • ¾  cup water
  • 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp tapioca starch for stretchiness
  • 1 tsp agar agar powder for firmer cheese; optional

Instructions
 

  • Drain soaked cashews and place in a blender with water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and olive oil. Blend until completely smooth.
    Cashews and creamy mixture in a blender cup on a marble surface.
  • Transfer mixture to a medium saucepan. Add tapioca starch and agar agar (if using) and whisk to combine.
    Set saucepan over medium heat. Cook while stirring continuously for about 5–7 minutes. Mixture will begin to thicken and stretch as it heats.
    A pot of vegan cheese mixture simmering on a stove with steam rising and a spoon stirring.
  • For a soft, melty cheese, use immediately as a dip or spread. For a firmer cheese, pour into a mold or small container and let cool. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
    Close-up of smooth, melted vegan cheese being spooned from a white bowl
  • Slice, spread, or melt your cheese as desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
    Close-up of a scoop of firm vegan cheese with a block of cheese in the background

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips:
  • For a firmer cheese, increase agar agar to 2 teaspoons and let chill overnight.
  • Add smoked paprika or chili flakes for a bolder flavor.
  • Use unsweetened almond or soy milk instead of water for extra creaminess.
  • For a nut-free option, substitute sunflower seeds or silken tofu.
  • Avoid overcooking to prevent grainy texture.
Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 120
Carbohydrates 8g
Protein 4g
Fat 9g
Serving Size 50g
Saturated Fat 1.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 280mg
Potassium 180mg
Fiber 1g
Sugar 1g
Vitamin A IU 50 IU
Vitamin C 2mg
Calcium 20mg
Iron 1.4mg
Keyword Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Meal Prep, Vegan

Types of Vegan Cheese You Can Make at Home

Making vegan cheese at home gives you full control over the flavor, texture, and ingredients, and there are plenty of options depending on how you plan to use it. Soft spreadable cheeses are perfect for slathering on:

  • Bagels
  • Crackers
  • Toast

These are usually made with blended cashews or tofu and seasoned with lemon juice, garlic, and nutritional yeast for a creamy, tangy result. You can whip them up in minutes and infuse them with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted garlic.

Melty vegan cheeses are ideal for dishes like pizza, grilled cheese, or quesadillas. These typically use ingredients like tapioca starch or potato starch to create that stretchy, gooey texture. Blended with plant milk and a few seasonings, they become luscious when heated and offer that comforting melt many people miss in dairy-free diets.

Three stacked rounds of homemade vegan cheese with a hand breaking off a piece
Vegan cheese can be made from nuts like cashews or almonds, offering healthy fats and a creamy texture without dairy

For those who want something to slice, firm sliceable cheeses can be made using agar agar or kappa carrageenan to help set the mixture. These work great on sandwiches, burgers, or cheese boards and can be seasoned to mimic:

  • Cheddar
  • Gouda
  • Smoked varieties

Craving a topping for pasta? Parmesan-style crumbles made with blended nuts or seeds and umami-rich seasonings like nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt can be sprinkled on anything needing a cheesy kick. And for ultimate comfort food, vegan cheese sauces are your go-to.

Smooth, creamy, and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for drizzling over nachos, tossing into macaroni, or using as a dip.

Summary

Homemade vegan cheese opens up a world of flavors and textures using simple, wholesome ingredients.

With just a few pantry staples and basic tools, it’s easy to create creamy spreads, gooey melts, firm blocks, and crumbly toppings that fit any meal or occasion.

Each recipe can be tailored to suit personal taste, dietary needs, or favorite flavor profiles.

With a little creativity, making vegan cheese at home becomes both rewarding and delicious.

Related Posts: