How to Make an Easy Vegan Garlic Herb Cheese That Tastes Like the Real Thing

Looking for a dairy-free cheese alternative that’s creamy, flavorful, and effortless to make? Discover how to make an easy vegan garlic herb cheese that even cheese lovers will rave about. This spreadable plant-based cheese is made from wholesome ingredients like cashews, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to deliver a bold flavor with a rich and creamy texture.

Perfect as a dip, spread, or a base for sauces, this vegan cheese spread is one of those recipes that’ll make you question why you ever bought store-bought versions. Whether you’re prepping snacks for a gathering, making a wholesome lunch, or adding a dairy-free touch to your meals, this homemade vegan cheese has you covered.

It also pairs beautifully with high-protein recipes like these Cottage Cheese Flatbreads or adds a creamy twist to your Vegetarian Pasta Primavera.

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Why You’ll Love This Vegan Garlic Herb Cheese Spread

There are so many reasons this recipe deserves a spot in your fridge. First, it’s made with clean, real-food ingredients—no preservatives, no fake flavorings. Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a dip, sandwich spread, or even stir it into pasta. Finally, it’s ridiculously easy to make. Once you try this, you’ll want to make it part of your weekly meal prep rotation, much like our popular Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes and Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches.

What Is Vegan Cheese Made Of?

Vegan cheese skips the dairy and uses plant-based ingredients to achieve the same richness and tangy flavor. In this case, soaked cashews form the creamy base. Nutritional yeast adds a “cheesy” note, while lemon juice and garlic provide depth and zing.

Typical ingredients in vegan cheese include:

• Nuts like cashews or almonds
• Acids such as lemon juice or vinegar
• Seasonings like garlic, onion powder, and herbs
• Nutritional yeast for umami
• Salt for balance

This cheese is not only delicious but also much healthier than processed vegan cheese slices you find in stores.

Ingredients for Homemade Vegan Garlic Herb Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 1½ cups of creamy, flavorful vegan cheese:

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked 4–6 hours or boiled 10 minutes)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 3 tablespoons water (more if needed)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, basil, chives)
• Optional: pepper, smoked paprika, red chili flakes

If you’re a fan of dips and spreads, pair this with something sweet and spicy like this Sweet Chili Sauce to create an appetizer board with depth and variety.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make this recipe with ease, gather the following tools:

• High-speed blender or food processor
• Small mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Airtight container for storage

These are basic tools you probably already have in your kitchen, which makes this an ideal go-to for everyday cooking.

How to Make an Easy Vegan Garlic Herb Cheese: Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by soaking your cashews in water for at least 4–6 hours. If you’re short on time, boil them for 10 minutes instead. This softens the cashews and ensures a creamy final texture.

Drain the soaked cashews and place them into a blender or food processor. Add lemon juice, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, olive oil, onion powder, salt, and water. Blend until very smooth. You may need to scrape the sides of the bowl and add an extra splash of water if the mixture is too thick.

Once the base is smooth and creamy, transfer it to a bowl and gently fold in the chopped herbs. If you prefer, pulse the herbs into the cheese using your blender for a smoother consistency.

Chill the spread in an airtight container for 2 to 3 hours to let the flavors develop and the texture thicken.

Once chilled, your garlic herb cheese is ready to serve. Use it as a spread, dip, or even a savory filling for recipes like Vegetable Casserole or Stuffed Acorn Squash.

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Tips for Creamy, Flavorful Cashew Cheese Every Time

Soak your cashews long enough to ensure maximum creaminess. If your blender isn’t high-powered, soaking is especially important. Use cold-pressed olive oil for better flavor and stick to fresh herbs for the most vibrant result. Don’t skip the chill time—it’s essential for flavor development. Want to add a smoky twist? Try a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne.

This spread also works well as a healthy replacement in dishes like Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs or Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin.

How to Customize Your Garlic Herb Vegan Cheese

This recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily make it spicy by adding sriracha or hot sauce, or tangy by increasing the lemon juice. Fold in roasted red peppers for a smoky, Mediterranean twist or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra umami. To make it probiotic, blend in a tablespoon of unsweetened vegan yogurt before chilling.

Another creative idea: Use this vegan cheese as a topping for Mini Halloween Pizzas for a spooky, dairy-free party snack.

Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Your Vegan Cheese Spread

This cheese spread is extremely versatile. Spread it on toast, use it in sandwiches, or serve it as a dip for crackers and raw veggies. It also makes an excellent base for flatbreads and veggie pizzas. Stir it into cooked pasta as a sauce or dollop it onto baked potatoes and roasted vegetables. Use it as a creamy filling in wraps, or add a spoonful to grain bowls for extra flavor.

Try pairing it with Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese or alongside Cheddar Bay Biscuits for a hearty, comforting meal.

How to Store Vegan Garlic Herb Cheese and Keep It Fresh

Store your vegan cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 5 to 7 days. The flavor tends to improve after a day or two, making it perfect for make-ahead entertaining or meal prep.

If you’d like to store it longer, freeze in small containers for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing—just stir well to bring it back to life.

Creative Ways to Use Vegan Cheese in Meals

Use this spread as a ravioli or lasagna filling, or layer it into casseroles for a creamy, dairy-free element. Add a spoonful to grain bowls, slather it on burgers, or mix it into mashed potatoes. You can even use it as a substitute for ricotta or cream cheese in recipes like Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups or Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles.

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Dairy-Free Cheese Recipe FAQs

Can I use almonds instead of cashews?
Yes, but blanch them and remove the skins first. Cashews are preferred because they blend smoother and faster.

Can I skip the nutritional yeast?
You can, but it adds that signature cheesy flavor. Alternatives include a small amount of miso paste or a dash of mustard.

Can this cheese melt?
No, it’s a spreadable vegan cheese and doesn’t melt like traditional cheese. It’s best for dips, spreads, and cold applications.

Can I make it oil-free?
Yes! Just omit the olive oil. The texture will be slightly less rich, but still creamy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Vegan Cheese

Using raw, unsoaked cashews can make the final product gritty. Always soak or boil first. Don’t underseason—the flavor of plant-based cheese depends heavily on balance. Too much garlic or lemon can overpower, so start small and adjust to taste. Avoid blending the herbs too much, which can turn your cheese green and muddy the flavor.

Why Homemade Vegan Cheese Is Better Than Store-Bought

Most store-bought vegan cheeses contain a long list of unfamiliar ingredients like starches, gums, and preservatives. Homemade vegan cheese is fresher, cleaner, and far more flavorful. You control the ingredients and can customize it endlessly. Plus, it’s cost-effective and much more satisfying to make yourself.

Once you’ve made this, you’ll realize it’s just as simple and rewarding as creating your own Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls or Pumpkin Dump Cake.

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