Description
This homemade vegan cheese with cranberries is a creamy, flavorful dairy-free alternative perfect for holiday cheese boards or everyday snacking. Made from soaked cashews blended with nutritional yeast, coconut oil, and tangy lemon juice, it is enriched with the natural sweetness of dried cranberries and fresh thyme. Set with agar agar, this cheese is firm yet spreadable, offering a delicious plant-based option with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Base
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours or overnight)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil (melted)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup water
Setting Agent
- 1 teaspoon agar agar powder
- ¼ cup water
Add-ins
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cashews: Drain and rinse the soaked cashews thoroughly to remove any residue and ensure a smooth blend.
- Blend Ingredients: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, melted coconut oil, minced garlic, salt, and onion powder. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adding the ¼ cup water gradually as needed to assist blending.
- Cook Agar Agar: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk the agar agar powder into ¼ cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens and becomes gel-like.
- Combine Agar with Cheese Base: Quickly pour the hot agar agar mixture into the blender with the cashew cheese base. Blend again briefly to ensure that the agar is fully incorporated.
- Add Cranberries and Thyme: Remove the cheese mixture from the blender and gently stir in the chopped dried cranberries and fresh thyme leaves by hand to maintain texture.
- Mold and Chill: Pour the combined mixture into a lightly greased ramekin or silicone mold. Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set firmly.
- Serve: Once set, carefully remove the vegan cheese from the mold and serve as part of a holiday cheese board or as a tasty appetizer.
Notes
- This cheese can easily be shaped into logs or wheels to enhance presentation for special occasions.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Feel free to customize by adding chopped nuts, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.
