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Store-bought dairy-free / vegan cheese is usually gross – I’m just gonna say it. I’ve tried so, so many types from every different brand I could find and meh. I’m sure all of all you dairy-free and vegan folk know what I mean. Weird aftertastes. Weird textures. Not impressed. Which is why I put off making homemade vegan cheese for so long.
That was a HUGE mistake.
Making vegan cheese at home is a game changer. SO MUCH tastier than store-bought, and made with better ingredients.
There are a bunch of different vegan cheese recipes to suit whatever you want to go for: vegan goat cheese, cheddar cheese, nacho cheese, cheese balls, etc!
Here are the best vegan cheese recipes out there!
15 Homemade Vegan Cheese Recipes that Taste Like the Real Deal
Veggie Cream Cheese Spread – Veggie Inspired
Is there anything I can say about this dairy-free cream cheese spread that the photo doesn’t? I don’t think so. You have to make this ASAP!
Vegan Parmesan Cheese – Karissa’s Vegan Kitchen (me 😃)
I don’t know who came up with the combination of cashews + nutritional yeast to make parmesan cheese, but I am forever indebted to them. This recipe is my version of vegan parm, and it tastes AMAZING on top of pizza, chickpea meatball subs, spaghetti…and like everything else.
Walnut and Herb Vegan Cheese – Green Evi
Not only is this cheese delicious, it is super festive and gorgeous. Your friends and family will be crazy impressed when you unveil this beauty. Plus, it has the taste and consistency of real cheese.
Guilt-Free Vegan Nacho Cheese – Karissa’s Vegan Kitchen (me 😃)
Vegan nacho cheese was the first kind I ever tried homemade…and I was sold immediately. Nachos were always a favorite dinner in our house, and this dairy-free nacho cheese made it possible to continue that tradition after I went plant-based! It’s creamy, spicy, flavor-packed, to-die-for…you get it.
Vegan Mozzarella with Tomatoes (Caprese) – Vegan Heaven
Is there a more heavenly combination than mozzarella + tomatoes? I think not. It would be the perfect appetizer for a dinner party. This vegan mozz recipe is made with Psyllium seed husks! How unique is that?!
Melty Stretchy Gooey Vegan Mozzarella – it doesn’t taste like chicken
This recipe is seriously in my top 5 cheese faves. It’s different than the mozzarella above in that it is, as the name states, melt and gooey! It is SO AMAZING as just a chip or veggie dip, and on top of homemade pizza (<– my fav way to use it.) Plus, it’s really easy to make and I’m down with that.
Vegan Sharp White Cheese Sauce – Veggies Don’t Bite
I’m assuming 9/10 of you reading this blog post are really just looking for a cheese recipe that is compatible with mac and cheese. Veggies Don’t Bite has your back with this super sharp, creamy, and rich white cheese sauce that is SO perfect mixed in with noodles. Say goodbye to boxed white cheddar mac & cheese forever!
Vegan Cauliflower Queso in the Instant Pot – Tasting Page
Cauliflower is such a versatile ingredient, and it creates a super creamy and delicious vegan quest. This recipe is made in the Instant Pot (I love mine!) which makes it really simple – but you can also make it on the stove.
Baked Tofu Feta – Fried Dandelions
If you didn’t know you could use tofu to make vegan cheese, you know now! Sarah from Fried Dandelions came up with this spectacular recipe for feta using tofu. Throw it on salads, pizza, in pasta, eat it plain because YUM…so many possibilities.
Jalapeno Cashew Cheese Spread – Cadry’s Kitchen
With just six ingredients, you can make this incredible jalapeño cheese spread for parties, potlucks, as a holiday appetizer, etc. This spread is cashew-based, and let me tell you, cashews are one of the absolute BEST ingredients to make vegan cheese with.
Extra Mature Vegan Cheddar – Yumsome
Rejoice, mature dairy-free cheese is here! If you’re willing to wait a few days (and it’s worth the wait), you can have deliciously sharp, full-of-flavor vegan cheddar cheese. Spread it on crackers, throw it into your favorite salad, eat by the spoonful, you know the drill.
Smoked Paprika Vegan Goat Cheese – Well Vegan
Before I went vegan, goat cheese was one of my favorite types of cheese. That tangy deliciousness. Never fear – you can make amazing goat cheese without the cruelty attached to it. If you’ve never used probiotic powder in a recipe, you’re about to!
Vegan Smoked Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese – My Darling Vegan
Oh my, oh my. This recipe is a MUST TRY. Your friends and family will not-literally die over this jalapeño cheddar cheese! This is perfect for a holiday or game day appetizer…or just to Netflix-and-binge with.
Raw Lavender Lemon Chevre – Fragrant Vanilla Cake
Cheese the fancy way with this lavender and lemon chèvre. Tangy, creamy, zesty and unique with that hint of lavender. It’s so delicious with crackers or fruit. This would be the perfect cheese for a sophisticated dinner party or tea.
Joan Russell
I miss my cheese having to go Dairy Free. I’d love recipe for real sharp cheese and above cheese Thank you
Sam Turnbull
yay! Thanks for including my recipe in your list. So happy it’s one of your faves 🙂
Cadry
Oh, my goodness! So many tasty options! I would happily dig in to any of these vegan cheeses. Thank you for including me in your round-up!
Jenn
Oh my gosh -all of the deliciousness has me drooling! Thank you so much for including my Veggie Cream Cheese. Sharing!
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
Thank you so much for including me in this!! Now I want these ALL!! Drooling!