Cashew Cheese

I’ve referred to cashew cheese in several of my posts, without posting a recipe of my simple and basic version of Classic Cashew Cheese!  Apologies for that - today I wanted to share this quick and easy recipe for you. Cashew cheese is perfect for those of you wanting an alternative to dairy or for the adventurous foodies who want to give a new recipe a try. I promise this won’t disappoint, it’s full of flavour and not to mention nutrition from the main ingredients raw cashews and nutritional yeast.

Classic Cashew Cheese contains a large range of B vitamins including B12 (notably from the nutritional yeast), magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, healthy fats, protein, and fibre. This recipe is not only vitamin and mineral rich compared to standard dairy, but it’s also much easier for many of us to digest, tastes great, and is versatile to use! There’s a key player in why this recipe is so delicious, and that’s nutritional yeast.

So, What exactly is nutritional yeast? 
Nutritional yeast is an inactive form of yeast used as a food, it’s especially high in B vitamins and protein and also contains fiber, selenium, and potassium. Before entering the plant-based community, I never heard of nutritional yeast. Fast forward to the present moment and I adore nutritional yeast for boosting the nutrition content in simple foods and also for achieving a cheesy flavour without the need to add dairy.

Nutritional yeast has been a store-cupboard staple of mine for years and there’s hardly a day I go without using a bit of it. Since it contains B vitamins (which most brands fortify and add this in), is a complete protein, and has a cheesy flavour it’s popular in plant-based lifestyles; but who says it stops with plant-based diets? Everyone can enjoy and incorporate nutritional yeast into their diet.

Ways to use nutritional yeast |

• Salad // sprinkle dry flakes on salads for a cheesy flavour. It also mixes really well with liquid creating a creamy and thick dressing.  I love to add a tablespoon when making my Massaged Kale Salad.
• Sauce // add it to cheese sauces or create your own
• Soups // add into soups or stews for a thickening effect and also flavour
• Scrambled eggs // sprinkle into scrambled eggs for added flavour and nutrition
• Popcorn // sprinkle on popcorn for a cheesy flavour and boost of protein

How to use Classic Cashew Cheese 

• Dollop // onto baked potatoes, on a salad, fresh pasta, scrambled eggs, etc.
• Dip // use as a dip for vegetables, fruits, gluten free crackers, etc.
• Dressing // 1 tbsp. classic cashew cheese + 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar =  creamy salad dressing
• Sauce // 1/4 cup classic cashew cheese + 3 tbsp. dijon mustard + 1/2 cup of almond milk = creamy cheesy sauce
• Spread // spread onto sandwiches, cracker, wraps, gluten free toast, etc.

CLASSIC CASHEW CHEESE
PREP TIME 10 mins // TOTAL TIME 10 mins
A classic cheesy cashew cheese spread/dip, creamy and a perfect vegan friendly option to cheese.
Author: Emma Olliff, Dip NT CNM, MBant, CNHC, Eslm
Recipe type: dip, spread
Serves: 12
 
INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked)
• ¼ cup filtered water
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp. white wine (wine you'd drink) or use 1 Tbs. raw apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp. dijon mustard
• sea salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Simply add all ingredients into your Vitamix or high speed blender and blend until thick and creamy.
2. It will be the consistency of stirred cream cheese.
3. This will harden further after it's been chilled.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
5. Enjoy!

 

NOTES
Recipe yields about 1½ cups
After the cashew cheese is chilled, it will harden slightly and be easier to spread
 
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Serving size: 2 tbs. Calories: 77 Fat: 4 Carbohydrates: 5 Fibre: 1 Protein: 3
 
Warning // this recipe is so delicious you may find yourself wanting to consume the whole bowl… use moderation and portion control with this recipe because it is calorie dense from using cashews-but also nutrient dense! Simply use 1-2 tbsp. as a serving or work it into your daily calories, etc. I’m all about flexibility.

Have you ever made cashew cheese before? What would you use this on? Share below, I like hearing what you have to say!

​Have a cheeeeeeesy day,
Emma xx