Cashew cheese is a creamy, delicious vegan cheese that's full of healthy fats and protein.
I am not vegan, I'm just a lover of real food. And this cashew cheese is real food. When I first mentioned it to my family, I got some funny looks but that didn't last long. Now they love it!
This recipe is a basic one that can be easily modified. Add more water, it will be thinner and cream sauce-like. Add less water and it will become similar to the texture of ricotta cheese. Even less water will yield a crumbly texture so that you can add it to salads. You can also change up the texture by adding tapioca flour, which is what I add to my vegan queso dip to give it a stretchy texture.
Once the cheese is made, there are so many ways to use it, here are some of our favorites:
- in place of ricotta
- cream sauces for pasta and vegetables
- dips
- salad dressings
- add turmeric for a cheddar look in vegan mac and cheese
📖 Recipe
Click on serving size to scale this recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw cashews soaked in water 4 hours or overnight
- 1 tablespoon tamari sauce
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- up to 1 cup water
Instructions
- Drain cashews and place in a food processor with tamari, garlic and nutritional yeast.
- Blend until crumbly, gradually add water until you reach desired consistency
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
Lindsey Dietz says
I make a similar recipe, but without the tamari and nutritional yeast. Would love to give those a try!
anne says
Thanks Lindsey!
Jean says
I love me a good cashew cheese and love this version. Looks so creamy and tasty.
linda spiker says
I made cashew cheese for the first time a couple of weeks ago and used in in lasagna. It worked perfectly!
anne says
It's really good in lasagna!
Joni Gomes says
I've been wanting to try cashew cheese, this recipe makes it sound so easy!
anne says
Thanks Joni!
Carrie says
I've never tried something like this before, so interested to try it because it sounds really yummy!
anne says
Thank you!
Renee Kohley says
This is so fun! I miss crackers and cheese! I could dip almond crackers in this and be totally satisfied!
anne says
You would be for sure!
Raia Todd (@RaiasRecipes) says
Sounds so easy! Does it taste at all like cashews in the end?
anne says
No it doesn't taste like cashews. It tastes like a mild cheese with a consistency similar to ricotta cheese.
Sonal says
Cashew cheese or cream is so forgiving. It adds creamy smooth texture to anything. I often add it to my curries for that beautiful texture. This is a great recipe to keep.
vanprice says
I recently made cashew cheese to stuff dates with. So good!
anne says
That sounds delicious
Tina | The Worktop (@TheWorktop) says
We make cashew cheese in our household too. We love adding herbs to ours, but I've never tried tapioca flour.
anne says
I bet it tastes good with herbs!
RealNutritiousLiving says
Cashew cheese is life! I never thought to add nutritional yeast!
anne says
the nutritional yeast adds a nice cheesy flavor
Cathy says
This cashew cheese must be amazing! Isn't nutritional yeast a handy ingredient!
anne says
Yes, nutritional yeast is a very handy ingredient!
ChihYu says
Love this recipe ! So easy and delicious !
anne says
Thank you!