Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of Paleo Creamy Cashew Cheese—a dairy-free and vegan alternative packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. Made from soaked raw cashews blended to perfection with zesty lemon juice, savory nutritional yeast, and a hint of garlic and onion powder, this recipe creates a smooth, spreadable cheese that’s perfect for anyone following a paleo or plant-based diet. The optional additions of smoked paprika and turmeric add depth and a pop of golden color to this creamy delight. Ready in just 10 minutes of prep time (after soaking your cashews), this versatile cashew cheese can be used as a dip, spread, or even a topping for your favorite dishes. It's the perfect way to satisfy your creamy cheese cravings while staying on track with your health goals. Delicious, simple, and completely dairy-free—your fridge will thank you for stocking up on this paleo-friendly staple!
Begin by soaking the raw cashews. Place them in a bowl and cover with water for at least 4 hours or overnight until they are soft and easily blendable. Drain and rinse the cashews before proceeding.
In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, 1 cup of water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and turmeric.
Blend the mixture on high until smooth and creamy. This may take up to 2-3 minutes, depending on the strength of your blender. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Taste the cashew cheese and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more lemon juice for tanginess, more nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor, or adjust the salt to your preference.
Once the desired consistency and flavor are achieved, transfer the cashew cheese to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow it to thicken and the flavors to meld. Store the cashew cheese in the fridge for up to one week.
Enjoy your paleo creamy cashew cheese as a spread on paleo bread, a dip for vegetable sticks, or as a topping on your favorite dishes.
Calories |
1037 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 74.3 g | 95% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.3 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1209 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 69.1 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.1 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.3 g | ||
| Protein | 41.4 g | 83% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 99 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 13.8 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 1558 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.