Description
This vegan and gluten-free sliceable garlic and herb cashew cheese is a creamy, flavorful dairy-free alternative perfect for spreading, slicing, or melting. Made with soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, fresh herbs, and thickened with agar-agar, it delivers a tangy, garlicky taste with a firm yet creamy texture. Ideal for plant-based diets and those avoiding gluten, this cheese is easy to prepare with simple ingredients and sets overnight to achieve the perfect sliceability.
Ingredients
Scale
Cashew Cheese Base
- 100 grams soaked cashews (soaked overnight in cold water or 20 minutes in boiled water)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder or granules
- 5 tbsp nutritional yeast
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3/4 tsp maple syrup
- 1.5 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp turmeric (for color)
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 5 tbsp water
- 1 handful fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1.5 tsp dried oregano
Agar-Agar Mixture
- 1.5 tbsp agar-agar powder
- 90 ml filtered water
Instructions
- Prepare Cashews: Drain your soaked cashews and rinse them thoroughly to remove any residue from soaking.
- Blend Base Ingredients: Place the cashews into a high-speed blender along with minced garlic, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, maple syrup, turmeric, Dijon mustard, salt, and 5 tbsp water. Blend until a very smooth and creamy paste forms. Taste and adjust seasonings, keeping in mind the mixture will be diluted later with agar-agar.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the finely chopped fresh chives and dried oregano into the blended cashew mixture for added flavor.
- Prepare Agar-Agar: In a medium saucepan, combine 90 ml filtered water and agar-agar powder. Heat gently while whisking constantly, bringing the mixture to a boil. Boil for around 1 minute until it thickens to a batter-like consistency, then turn off the heat.
- Combine Mixtures: Whisk the agar-agar mixture into the cashew paste until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Mold and Chill: Pour the combined mixture into greased ramekins (grease with olive oil and a paper towel). Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight to allow the cheese to set firmly.
- Serve: After setting, carefully remove the cheese from ramekins by inverting them and gently loosening the edges with a soft knife if necessary. Sprinkle with additional dried oregano and enjoy your sliceable garlic and herb cashew cheese!
Notes
- Soaking cashews overnight in cold water yields the creamiest texture, but quick soaking in boiled water for 20 minutes works well too.
- The cheese will firm up better if left to chill overnight.
- Adjust salt and lemon juice after blending as the agar-agar dilution can affect flavor intensity.
- This cheese keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Use high-quality nutritional yeast for a richer cheesy flavor.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus cashew soaking time)
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Cheese Alternative
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Plant-Based
Keywords: vegan cheese, cashew cheese, garlic and herb cheese, dairy-free cheese, gluten free cheese, plant-based cheese, sliceable vegan cheese
