Creamy Cashew Cheese
Indulge in the velvety richness of this **Creamy Cashew Cheese**, a dairy-free delight that’s perfect for vegans and anyone seeking a luscious alternative to traditional cheese. Made with nutrient-packed **raw cashews**, tangy **lemon juice**, and zesty **nutritional yeast**, this recipe achieves a creamy, umami-packed texture that'll have you coming back for more. It’s quick to prepare with just 10 minutes of active time (plus soaking) and requires no cooking, making it a convenient choice for busy days. Customize it with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added flavor, and enjoy it as a spread, dip, or topping for your favorite dishes. Perfect for **plant-based diets**, this versatile cashew cheese is packed with wholesome ingredients, ensuring a guilt-free indulgence that’s ready to elevate your snacks and meals.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups raw cashews
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons optional herbs (e.g., chives, parsley)
Instructions
Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with water. Allow the cashews to soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will soften the cashews and make them easier to blend, resulting in a smoother cheese.
Once the cashews are soaked, drain and rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
Add the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, water, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt into a high-speed blender or food processor.
Blend all the ingredients together on high speed until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. This may take a few minutes depending on your blender or processor's power.
Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated into the mixture.
Taste the cheese and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You can add more salt, nutritional yeast, or lemon juice if desired.
If you want to add a bit more flavor, you can mix in chopped herbs such as chives or parsley. Gently fold them into the mixture.
Transfer the creamy cashew cheese to a container and refrigerate it for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to firm up slightly.
Serve as a spread on bread or crackers, a dip for veggies, or use it as a flavorful addition to salads and other dishes.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1031 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 74.0 g | 95% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.2 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1222 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.8 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.3 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.1 g | ||
| Protein | 41.1 g | 82% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 96 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 13.4 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 1533 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
