Indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of Dairy-Free Baked Cheese, a plant-based delight that's perfect for vegans and dairy-free eaters alike! This recipe features a velvety blend of raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and tapioca starch, creating a rich and cheesy texture without a drop of dairy. Flavored with zesty lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and aromatic garlic and onion powders, it’s enhanced further with a sprinkle of dried herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a golden-baked finish. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, this baked cheese is incredibly versatile—serve it warm with crackers, fresh veggies, or as a decadent topping. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a new comfort food, this crowd-pleaser is a must-try for every cheese lover looking for a dairy-free alternative.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish or ramekin with olive oil.
Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for 10 minutes to soften them.
Drain the soaked cashews and transfer them to a blender or food processor.
Add nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and water to the blender.
Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This process should take about 3-5 minutes depending on your blender's power.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Sprinkle the top with dried herbs and drizzle with olive oil for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is firm and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. It will firm up more as it cools.
Serve the dairy-free baked cheese with crackers, sliced vegetables, or use it as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Calories |
901 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 63.4 g | 81% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.0 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1202 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 63.8 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.8 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.2 g | ||
| Protein | 30.8 g | 62% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 78 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 9.5 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 1144 mg | 24% | |
*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.