Get ready for The Best Vegan Cheese Recipe! Made with just 9 simple ingredients, in only 30 minutes. It tastes like the real deal and is perfect for pasta, nachos, or dipping!
Experience the joy of homemade goodness as you savor every creamy bite. With its cheesy taste and smooth texture, it is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for more.
Plus, with simple plant-based ingredients, you'll create a healthier and budget-friendly cheese alternative. It opens the door to endless creations, from sandwiches to stuffed peppers.
Looking for more vegan cheese recipes? Try out my Vegan Cashew Cheese, Vegan Tofu Ricotta Cheese, and Vegan Feta Cheese. They will be your new go-to for vegan cheesy goodness!
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🌟 Why you'll love this recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile: You can customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the seasonings or adding extra ingredients like herbs or vegetables.
- Healthier Alternative: Unlike traditional cheese, this recipe is dairy-free and made from wholesome, plant-based ingredients, making it a healthier choice.
- Deliciously Creamy: Despite being dairy-free, this recipe yields a wonderfully creamy texture that melts beautifully and adds richness to any dish.
- Family-Friendly: Whether as a dip, spread, or topping, this recipe pleases even the pickiest eaters, perfect for gatherings or everyday meals.
🧾 Ingredient notes
Potatoes: While I've experimented with various potato types for this recipe, I consistently find that Yukon Gold potatoes yield the best results.
Their creamy texture and buttery flavor contribute to the smoothness and richness of the cheese.
However, if Yukon Gold potatoes are not available, you can also use Russet or red potatoes, although the texture and taste may vary slightly.
Nutritional Yeast: It contributes significantly to the cheesy flavor of this recipe, making it a crucial ingredient. If unavailable, brewer's yeast can be a good alternative.
Additionally, another option is to omit this ingredient entirely and use beer instead of water. However, nutritional yeast is still the top pick for its cheesy taste.
Water: You've got options here! Whether it's cold, hot, or room temperature, go with what you've got on hand.
You can even use the water leftover from boiling or steaming the veggies for an extra flavor boost.
Personally, I like to keep it simple with clean, room-temperature water. But hey, if you're feeling fancy, Vegetable Stock is always a tasty alternative!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: It's my go-to for its rich flavor, but honestly, any vegetable oil will do the trick!
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
📋 Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add 2 diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives for a burst of flavor.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke for a delicious smoky taste.
- Nutty Crunch: Garnish with ¼ cup (30 grams) of chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Sweet and Savory: Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or agave nectar for a hint of sweetness, balanced with a sprinkle of sea salt.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1. Place the potatoes and carrots in a medium pot and cover them with cold water by about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
Step 2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes or until soft.
Step 3. Drain the potatoes and carrots in a colander.
Step 4. Transfer to a high-speed blender with all the remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth and serve immediately.
💭 Expert tips
- Perfect Potato Selection: Opt for Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and rich flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your vegan cheese.
- Consistency is Key: Adjust the amount of water or plant-based milk to achieve your preferred consistency. Add a little at a time until you reach the desired thickness.
- Balancing Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can play around with the amount of lemon juice, salt, and spices to find the perfect balance for your palate.
- Blending Technique: Blend the ingredients thoroughly until smooth and creamy. A high-speed blender works best for achieving that velvety texture.
- Texture Mastery: For a smoother consistency, ensure the potatoes and carrots are cooked until tender before blending. This ensures a creamy and luscious texture.
❓Recipe FAQs
When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, this vegan cheese can typically last for up to 5 to 7 days.
However, always use your judgment and check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
If you notice any changes in smell, texture, or appearance, it's best to discard it to avoid any potential food safety issues.
While it can be frozen, its texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Portion it into smaller servings and store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. Label containers with the freezing date for easy reference.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before use to recombine any separated ingredients. Aim to consume it within its refrigerated shelf life for the best taste and texture.
You can reheat it by gently warming it in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
If the cheese is too thick, adding a splash of water or Plant-Based Milk (like Soy Milk or Almond Milk) can help to achieve the desired consistency.
Once warmed through, it can be served and enjoyed as usual.
Yes, you can! Simply prepare the vegan cheese as directed, allow it to cool to room temperature, and then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge until you're ready to use it.
When you're ready to serve, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Adjust the consistency with a splash of water or plant-based milk if needed, and then serve it as desired. This makes it convenient for preparing in advance for gatherings or meal prep.
It is incredibly versatile! Spread it on crackers, top your Vegan Pizza, or add it over nachos. It's perfect for stirring into pasta, pairing with fresh veggies for dipping, or using as a sandwich filling.
You can also serve it as a dip with tortilla chips or fresh veggies, toss it with pasta to make Vegan Mac and Cheese, top it onto a baked potato, or drizzle it over chips to make a vegan nacho platter.
🧀 More delicious vegan cheesy recipes
Did you like this recipe? Please leave a rating and comment below!
The Best Vegan Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced, any potato will work, but Yukon Gold is the top choice for best results
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup nutritional yeast
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Place the potatoes and carrots in a medium pot and cover them with cold water by about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes or until soft.
- Drain the potatoes and carrots in a colander.
- Transfer to a high-speed blender with all the remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Perfect Potato Selection: Opt for Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and rich flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your vegan cheese.
- Consistency is Key: Adjust the amount of water or plant-based milk to achieve your preferred consistency. Add a little at a time until you reach the desired thickness.
- Balancing Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can play around with the amount of lemon juice, salt, and spices to find the perfect balance for your palate.
- Blending Technique: Blend the ingredients thoroughly until smooth and creamy. A high-powered blender works best for achieving that velvety texture.
- Texture Mastery: For a smoother consistency, ensure the potatoes and carrots are cooked until tender before blending. This ensures a creamy and luscious texture.
Sandra says
This is based on Chuck's recipe at brandnewvegan.com. https://www.brandnewvegan.com/recipes/amazing-vegan-cheese-sauce
Iosune Robles says
Hi Sandra. Thanks for your comment. Just to clarify, we originally published this recipe in 2014. Due to an error, it showed a 2022 date for a while, but that’s now corrected. You can check the comment section on the post and see that some comments go back to 2014: https://simpleveganblog.com/vegan-cheese/comment-page-1/#comments Please take a moment to double-check before making assumptions. Thank you.
Heather says
I love this cheese! I've been making it for years now. It reminds me of the pump cheese for sporting event nachos but has no mystery chemicals in it. I've found if I mix the other ingredients while the carrots and potatoes cook the elasticity of the cheese improves. I also don't usually peal my vegetables which discolors the cheese a little but leaves in more fiber.
Iosune Robles says
Thank you so much, Heather. I’m so happy to hear you’ve been enjoying it for years. I love your tips. Mixing while the veggies cook sounds like a great trick and keeping the peels for extra fiber is a smart move. Thanks for sharing!
Yvonne says
I didn't have any cooked carrots so I used mashed sweet potatoes and it was delicious!!
Iosune Robles says
Thank you, Yvonne! Mashed sweet potatoes sound like a delicious swap, great idea! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Kevin Jackson says
This is food alchemy at its finest!!
I made it. Tasted amazing
CAV says
Do you think you could turn this into a solid and make cheese shreds to use on a pizza? My daughter has allergies to all nuts including coconut and cannot have the shredded cheeses in the store. All have coconut derivatives. I've been looking for a substitute and stumbled upon this. This would be great for her Mac and cheese. .. just need something to make her pizza
Iosune says
Hi! I haven't tried it myself, so I can't help you, sorry! However, you could try my vegan Parmesan cheese (https://simpleveganblog.com/vegan-parmesan-cheese/), or my vegan mozzarella (https://simpleveganblog.com/vegan-mozzarella/). Hope you like them!
Lorena says
This sauce is amazing! I just made it for the first time. It’s so easy to make, and it’s so yummy! Thank you for for this recipe!
Iosune says
Hi Lorena! Thank YOU for your comment 🙂
Cindy says
I made another recipe and didn't like the grainy texture. I happened to find this recipe and made it with some trepidation. I have had it on nachos and also on veggies. I will definitely make it again and again! Thank you!!
Iosune says
Hi Cindy! So glad you liked it 🙂
Diana says
Hi, This recipe makes 6 servings. How much is 1 serving please 1/2 cup? 1 cup?
Thanks
Iosune says
Hi Diana! About 1/2 cup I would say. Have a nice day!
Angelina says
Being vegetarian and lactose intolerant I have made a handful of plant based “cheese” dips and none of them blew me away like this one. My Texan husband, who eats meat and dairy, who lives for TX queso, said I could fool someone with this cheese. We were both amazed. I’m making it in a couple days for 4th of July party. I’m not telling anyone it’s not “real” queso, and see their reactions. So HAPPY to have found this recipe! Thank you so much.
PS I added salsa and it took it to the next level! 🙂
Iosune says
Hi Angelina! Thank you so much 🙂 Hope everyone liked it!
Jennifer Lovelett says
I used as a base for creamed spinach stuffed mushrooms
Excellent
Iosune says
Hi Jennifer! Sounds great 🙂
Corrin says
Turned out amazing. I added a little smoked paprika and it absolutely tasted like cheese. My teenagers even loved it.
Iosune says
Hi Corrin! Sounds great 🙂
Laurel says
Iosune, I am on a whole food plant-based NO OIL diet. Do you think this would work without the oil? Have you any experience making vegan cheese without oil? Thank you!
Iosune says
Hi Laurel! Yes, it works really well, just add water or non-dairy milk instead of the oil 🙂
Alicia Dhevlin says
Has anyone tried to refrigerate this? I want to make for a party but have to travel and reheat upon arrival.
Thank you!
Iosune says
Hi Alicia! I've tried so many times. You just need to add a little bit of liquid when reheating and it's still delicious 🙂