5 Easy Vegan Cheese Aging Setups for Beginners (No Fancy Equipment Needed!)

If you’re still asking, “Does vegan mean dairy-free?”, aging your own plant-based cheeses is the ultimate way to prove that vegan cheese can be just as complex, funky, and luxurious as dairy. The secret? Proper aging conditions.

You don’t need a professional cheese cave—these beginner-friendly setups use everyday items to create the perfect humidity, temperature, and airflow for culturing vegan cheeses.

1. The Mini Fridge Cheese Cave (Best for Precision)

Why It Works:

• Consistent temperature (50-55°F / 10-13°C)
• Adjustable humidity with a bowl of saltwater
• Fits 4-6 cheese wheels

Setup Steps:

1. Use a wine fridge or dorm fridge (disable the freezer).
2. Place a small humidifier or bowl of salted water inside.
3. Add a hygrometer ($10 on Amazon) to monitor humidity (aim for 85-90% RH).

Best For: Aged cashew cheddar, camembert-style cheeses.

Pro Tip: Add a USB fan for airflow to prevent mold overgrowth.

2. The Cooler Box Method (Budget-Friendly)

Why It Works:

• Uses ice packs to regulate temperature
• DIY humidity control with damp towels
• Portable and compact

Setup Steps:

1. Line a hard-sided cooler with damp kitchen towels.
2. Place cheeses on a bamboo mat (for airflow).
3. Swap ice packs every 12 hours to maintain 55°F (13°C).

Best For: Short-aged cheeses (fermented feta, quick brie).

Pro Tip: Add a small bowl of saltwater to boost humidity.

3. The Wine Cooler Hack (For Small Spaces)

Why It Works:

• Maintains 54-57°F (12-14°C) naturally
• Glass door lets you monitor cheeses
• Fits on a countertop

Setup Steps:

1. Use a 12-bottle wine cooler (no modifications needed).
2. Store cheeses on bamboo sushi mats for airflow.
3. Spritz with saltwater 2x/week for humidity.

Best For: Bloomy rind cheeses (vegan camembert, truffle brie).

Pro Tip: Rotate cheeses daily for even aging.

4. The Bread Box Cheese Cave (For Dry Aging)

Why It Works:

• Wood regulates humidity naturally
• Good airflow prevents excess moisture
• Compact and stylish

Setup Steps:

1. Use a wooden bread box with a loose-fitting lid.
2. Place cheeses on parchment paper.
3. Keep in the coolest part of your kitchen (away from ovens).

Best For: Hard cheeses (vegan parmesan, almond gouda).

Pro Tip: Rub cheeses with olive oil to prevent cracking.

5. The Tupperware “Mini Cave” (Easiest for Beginners)

Why It Works:

• No special equipment needed
• Controlled microclimate
• Great for testing small batches

Setup Steps:

1. Use a large Tupperware with ventilation holes.
2. Add a damp paper towel for humidity.
3. Store in a cool cabinet (60°F / 15°C max).

Best For: Fresh cheeses (vegan chèvre, ricotta).

Pro Tip: Open daily to release excess moisture.

📌 Pro Aging Tips for Beginners

✔ Flip cheeses daily (prevents flat spots)
✔ Monitor humidity (too dry = cracks, too wet = slime)
✔ Start small (1-2 cheeses at a time)

Coming in Part 2:

• How to Rescue Failed Vegan Cheeses (Too dry? Too slimy? Fix it!)
• Advanced Aging: Wooden Boards & Geotrichum Rinds

Sources Cited:

1. The Art of Plant-Based Cheesemaking by Karen McAthy
2. Miyoko’s Vegan Cheese Aging Guide
3. The Vegan Cheese Science Project by Skye Michael Conroy

Which setup will you try first? Tag your aging experiments #VeganCheeseCave! 🧀🌡️

Next Up: 5 Common Vegan Cheese Mistakes (& How to Fix Them! 🚨