5 Gourmet Vegan Cheese Recipes (Because Yes, Dairy-Free Can Be Decadent!)

If you’re still asking, “Does vegan mean dairy-free?”, these five luxurious vegan cheese recipes will erase any doubts. From melty mozzarella to tangy feta, plant-based cheeses have come a long way—and these chef-developed recipes prove you don’t need dairy for rich, complex flavors.

1. Cashew Mozzarella (Melts Like the Real Thing!)

Why It’s Special:

• Stretchy, pizza-ready texture
• Only 6 ingredients
• Oil-free option

Ingredients:

• 1 cup soaked cashews
• ½ cup water
• 2 tbsp tapioca starch
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp salt

Method:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Cook in saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until stretchy (about 5 mins).

Pro Tip: Use for vegan caprese salad or grilled cheese.

Source: Miyoko Schinner’s “Artisan Vegan Cheese”

2. Almond Feta (Tangy & Crumbly)

Why It’s Special:

• Authentic Greek-style texture
• Fermented for depth of flavor
• Perfect for salads and pastries

Ingredients:

• 2 cups blanched almonds
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp miso paste
• 1 probiotic capsule (or 2 tbsp sauerkraut juice)

Method:

1. Blend almonds with lemon juice and ½ cup water until smooth.
2. Mix in miso and probiotic, then ferment at room temp for 24-48 hours.

Pro Tip: Crumble over watermelon salad or spinach pie.

Source: The Homemade Vegan Pantry

3. Sweet Potato Cheddar (Vibrant Orange Hue)

Why It’s Special:

• Natural color from sweet potatoes
• Sliceable for sandwiches
• Kid-friendly flavor

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed roasted sweet potato
• ½ cup coconut oil (melted)
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp agar powder
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp turmeric

Method:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour into mold and refrigerate 4+ hours until firm.

Pro Tip: Makes incredible vegan grilled cheese.

Source: The Non-Dairy Evolution Cookbook

4. Coconut Yogurt Cheese (Cultured & Spreadable)

Why It’s Special:

• Probiotic-rich
• Similar to cream cheese
• Only 2 ingredients

Ingredients:

• 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
• 2 probiotic capsules

Method:

1. Blend coconut milk and probiotics.
2. Ferment in cheesecloth-lined strainer for 24 hours.

Pro Tip: Flavor with herbs or fruit preserves.

Source: Fermented Vegetables by Kirsten Shockey

5. Walnut Parmesan (5-Minute Sprinkle)

Why It’s Special:

• No fermentation needed
• Umami bomb flavor
• Stores for months

Ingredients:

• 1 cup walnuts
• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 garlic clove

Method:

1. Pulse all ingredients in food processor until crumbly.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle on pasta, popcorn, or roasted veggies.

Source: Oh She Glows Every Day

📌 Why These Cheeses Answer “Does Vegan Mean Dairy-Free?” Perfectly

✅ 100% plant-based (no animal rennet or casein)
✅ More digestible than dairy cheese
✅ Customizable flavors (add truffles, herbs, or smoked paprika)

Need More Ideas? Try:

• Vegan Brie (with cashew cream and white mold cultures)
• Pepper Jack (with jalapeños and cayenne)

Sources Cited:

1. Miyoko’s Creamery: Artisan Vegan Cheese
2. The Homemade Vegan Pantry by Miyoko Schinner
3. The Non-Dairy Evolution Cookbook by Skye Michael Conroy
4. Fermented Vegetables by Kirsten and Christopher Shockey
5. Oh She Glows Every Day by Angela Liddon

Now that you’ve got five foolproof vegan cheese recipes, which will you make first? 🧀🌱

Next Up: 5 Vegan Charcuterie Boards That Wow Guests! 🍇