Description
Vegan Garlic Herb Cheese is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful dairy-free spread made with cashews, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. It’s the perfect plant-based alternative that’s spreadable, versatile, and tastes just like the real thing—ideal for dipping, spreading, or stirring into pasta and casseroles.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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, or red chili flakes for flavor
Instructions
- Soak Cashews: Soak cashews in water for 4–6 hours or boil for 10 minutes until softened. Drain well.
- Blend: In a food processor or blender, add cashews, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic, olive oil, onion powder, salt, and water. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, adding extra water if needed.
- Add Herbs: Transfer to a bowl and fold in the chopped herbs, or pulse lightly to blend them in.
- Chill: Spoon into an airtight container and chill for 2–3 hours to thicken and let the flavors develop.
- Serve: Enjoy as a spread, dip, or savory filling for wraps, flatbreads, or baked dishes.
Notes
- Soak cashews properly: Softening ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
- Use fresh herbs: For the brightest, most aromatic flavor.
- Adjust flavor: Add more lemon for tang or more garlic for punch.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for 5–7 days in the fridge or freeze up to 1 month.
- Variation: Add roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or a pinch of smoked paprika for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Vegan Garlic Herb Cheese, Cashew Cheese, Dairy-Free Cheese Spread, Plant-Based Appetizer, Vegan Cheese Recipe, Garlic Herb Dip, Vegan Cream Cheese, Healthy Vegan Snack, Nutritional Yeast Cheese, Homemade Vegan Cheese