About the Recipe
This Homemade Spreadable Vegan Cheese is a simple, wholesome, and versatile plant-based cheese that you can make in just minutes. Using hemp seeds as the base, it’s naturally creamy and packed with plant protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and essential minerals. Tapioca starch helps create a smooth, slightly stretchy texture, while nutritional yeast and a touch of lemon juice provide cheesy flavor and brightness. Quick to prepare and fully customizable with spices or hot sauces, this spreadable cheese is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a dip—offering all the satisfaction of traditional cheese, without dairy or unnecessary additives.
Ingredients
1/2 cup hemp seeds (or substitute with other nuts or seeds like cashews, almonds, or sunflower seeds)
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (such as almond milk or soy milk)
3 tablespoons tapioca starch
1 1/2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
1/2-1 teaspoon garlic powder (adjust to taste)
1/4-1/2 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
add any other spices or sauces you like (we like to add crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha)
Preparation
1. Blend until Smooth:
• Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth, approximately 5 minutes. If you don’t have a high-speed blender, blend until smooth and then transfer the mixture to a pot and cook over medium heat until it thickens, stirring constantly.
2. Thicken and Cool:
• Remember, the cheese will thicken further as it cools. Once smooth and thickened, pour the cheese into a glass container with a lid.
3. Chill and Enjoy:
• Allow the cheese to cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days. Makes 2 cups of cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy spreadable vegan cheese is incredibly versatile. Use it as a dip for raw vegetables or crackers, spread it on sandwiches or wraps, or dollop it onto pasta or baked potatoes. Its mild, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, adding a nutritious boost to your meals.
How to use it:
Add to pasta to make Mac and “Cheese”
Mix with brown rice, add beans, corn, salsa and spinach or other greens...
Use on nachos
Pour over steamed veggies
Eat with tortilla chips or baked pita wedges
Serve as a dip for raw or lightly steamed veggies
Make mushroom Stroganoff
Use in sandwiches
No animals were harmed during the creation of this recipe!
