X Close Panel

Cashew Cheese


Prep Time

10 minutes + 2 hours

Prep Notes

Soak cashews overnight in the refrigerator to make the next day.

Cooking Time

None

Yields

1 1/4 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 generous cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours (overnight, is fine), drained, and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder 
  • ½ teaspoon salt (more as needed)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup water (more as needed)

Directions

  1. Place the cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse repeatedly to break the cashews down, until they form a coarse, wet meal. Scrape the sides of the food processor down with a spatula.
  2. Turn the motor of the processor on. With the motor running, drizzle in the water and let the cashews process for about 10 seconds. Stop and scrape the machine down again. Continue processing for a full 1-2 minutes, or until the cashew cheese is smooth and thick, adding a tablespoon of extra water if needed. The consistency should be a little bit like hummus (see photos of finished cashew cheese as a cue).
  3. Taste the cashew cheese and add additional lemon, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like, pulse in fresh herbs or other flavorings. Serve. Cashew cheese will keep for up to 6 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

I love cashew cheese served with cut up fresh veggies.