3 Ways To Make Vegan Cheese

Vegan cheeses can be made from a wide variety of plant-based ingredients. They are low in calories and are a great alternative for those with dairy cheese intolerance.

Due to the growing popularity of vegan and vegan diets, many people have aroused interest in plant-based cheeses. Although far removed from traditional dairy products, they are ideal for replacing them in many recipes. Want to learn how to make vegan cheese at home?

To prepare a vegan cheese, you can use a wide variety of ingredients of plant origin. In fact, industrial cheeses come in different flavors and textures. Although some are directly available at the supermarket, it is always best to prepare them at home with 100% organic products. Find out why you should eat them and 3 easy ways to prepare them.

Why choose a vegan cheese?

There are several reasons why vegan cheeses are gaining popularity with consumers. First of all, because they are lighter in calories and support weight loss diets. On the other hand, for ethical reasons, since vegans completely avoid foods of animal origin.

In addition, they become an alternative for people who are intolerant to lactose or milk casein, as they do not affect digestive health. As if that weren’t enough, they are cholesterol free and their ingredients are packed with beneficial nutrients.

Plus, their texture and flavor are similar to some conventional cheeses, making it easy to incorporate them into dozens of recipes. So if you’re in the mood to give them a try, don’t forget to make some of the recipes we share below at home.

How to make vegan cheese: 3 easy and delicious alternatives

As we have already mentioned, there is a wide variety of ingredients that can be used to make vegan cheese. This is perhaps another advantage over traditional dairy cheese. So if you want a healthier choice for your breakfast, snacks, and favorite recipes, be sure to follow these recipes.

1. Old cheese with sunflower

Sunflower seeds are distinguished as a source of heart-healthy fatty acids, as well as protein and antioxidants. For the preparation of this cheese we will also need a fermented vegetable drink, made from quinoa, wheat or spelled.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of macerated sunflower seeds (200 g)
• ½ cup of fermented vegetable drink (125 ml)
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice (30 ml)
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt (5g)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast (40g)
• ½ cup of dried herbs: thyme, rosemary, oregano (100 g)

Preparation

• To start, soak the sunflower seeds in water for at least 8 hours.
• Then grind the seeds in a food processor and beat them with the vegetable drink until they have a creamy texture.
• Then add the other ingredients except the herbs.
• Continue beating for a few minutes to improve the texture.
• Then put the mixture in a clean bag to make the vegetable milk and hang it for 8-12 hours on a hook in the kitchen. Don’t forget to put a bowl underneath to collect the whey.
• Once the recommended time has elapsed, remove the cheese and knead it to shape.
• Use the herbs to coat the product so that it is evenly coated.
• If you wish, you can eat the cream cheese. However, its taste will improve if you let it age a bit. We therefore recommend that you leave it to dry in a cool, dry place for about two weeks.
• During this time, you should turn it every 12 hours. When the time is up, it will be ready to cut and serve.

2. Vegan cheese with hemp seeds

A delicious option to add an omega-3 “extra” to your diet: a vegan cheese made from hemp seeds. This ingredient is great for increasing energy levels and also for maintaining cardiovascular health. The result is similar to that of a Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

• ½ cup nutritional yeast (100 g)
• ½ cup of peeled hemp seeds (100 g)
• Himalayan salt (to taste)
• 1 C. lemon juice (15 ml)

Preparation

• First, place the nutritional yeast, hemp, and salt in a blender or grinder.
• Grind until smooth and thick.
• Then pour the mixture into a small bowl and add the lemon juice.
• Stir gently, avoiding lumps.
• When the cheese is ready, serve it in a bowl and use it to sprinkle on salads, vegetable creams, pasta, etc.

3. Young mild cheese with coconut and cashew nuts

Do you want to make a different vegan cheese? Let yourself be carried away by the slightly sweet taste of this young coconut and cashew cheese. It is a perfect choice for adding to sandwiches, cookies and other snack preparations.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of young coconut pulp (200 g)
• ½ cup of coconut water (125 ml)
• ½ cup of soaked raw cashews (100 g)
• 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast (40g)
• Sea salt (to taste)
• 1 C. lemon juice (15 ml)

Preparation

• First soak the cashews in water for about 8 hours.
• Then pour all the ingredients into a blender and whisk until you obtain a smooth, thick and homogeneous cream.
• Then pour the preparation into a glass jar with a lid, leaving a quarter of the jar free so that the cheese can breathe during fermentation.
• Cover the preparation with a clean cotton cloth and store in a cool, dark place for 12 hours (fermentation period).
• Finally, serve with fresh herbs or berries.

Haven’t added a vegan cheese to your diet yet? As you can see, they are easy to prepare. Choose your favorite recipe and enjoy it with your favorite dishes.