Indulge in the velvety goodness of Heart-Healthy Creamy Cashew Cheese, a dairy-free delight that's as nutritious as it is flavorful. This plant-based recipe features soaked raw cashews blended with bold seasonings like nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and a splash of lemon juice for a tangy, cheesy taste without the guilt. With just 15 minutes of prep time and no cooking required, it's perfect for busy days or quick snack solutions. Serve it as a spread for crackers, a dip for veggies, or a creamy topping for dishesβall while enjoying the benefits of heart-healthy ingredients. Vegan, gluten-free, and rich in protein, this versatile recipe is a must-try for health-conscious food lovers.
Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. For a quicker option, pour boiled water over the cashews and let them soak for 30 minutes.
Drain and rinse the soaked cashews thoroughly, then transfer them to a high-speed blender or food processor.
Add nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and water to the blender.
Blend the mixture on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This may take 2-3 minutes depending on your blender.
Taste the cheese and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, lemon juice, or nutritional yeast depending on your taste preference.
Transfer the creamy cashew cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up.
Serve as desired, using it as a spread, dip, or addition to your favorite dishes. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Calories |
989 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 74.1 g | 95% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.2 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1213 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 63.7 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.3 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.2 g | ||
| Protein | 34.6 g | 69% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 90 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 12.2 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 1318 mg | 28% | |
*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.