Name: Homemade Smoky Vegan Gouda Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes; 1 1/2 cups water; 1/4 cup nutritional yeast; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons tapioca starch; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon sea salt

Why Make This Recipe

Homemade Smoky Vegan Gouda Cheese can be a game-changer for plant-based eaters or anyone looking for a dairy-free cheese option. It’s creamy, rich, and smoky, making it perfect for spreading on crackers, using in recipes, or just enjoying on its own. Plus, making it at home lets you control the ingredients and flavors!

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How to Make Homemade Smoky Vegan Gouda Cheese

Ingredients

1 1⁄2 cups raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes
1 1⁄2 cups water
1⁄4 cup nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons tapioca starch
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, tapioca starch, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy.
Pour the mixture into a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens significantly and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully transfer the cheese mixture to a heatproof container or mold.
Let the cheese cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours to firm up completely.
To serve, slice or spread the vegan gouda.

How to Serve Homemade Smoky Vegan Gouda Cheese

This cheese can be served in many ways! You can slice it thinly and put it on a cheese board, spread it on toast or crackers, or add it to your favorite sandwich. It also works well in recipes for pasta dishes and on pizzas.

How to Store Homemade Smoky Vegan Gouda Cheese

Store the Vegan Gouda Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze portions of it. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.

Tips to Make Homemade Smoky Vegan Gouda Cheese

Ensure the cashews are well-soaked for a smoother texture.
Adjust the amount of smoked paprika to increase or decrease the smokiness to your liking.
Keep stirring while cooking to avoid lumps.

Variation

You can add different herbs or spices to customize your cheese. Try adding chili powder for some heat or fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use roasted cashews instead of raw?
Using roasted cashews will give a different flavor and might not yield the same creamy texture. So it’s best to stick with raw cashews.

2. What if I don’t have tapioca starch?
Tapioca starch helps to thicken the cheese and give it a stretchy texture. If you don’t have it, you can use cornstarch, but the texture might be slightly different.

3. Can I make this cheese nut-free?
Yes! Substitute the cashews with silken tofu or sunflower seeds, adjusting the liquid and other ingredients as needed for consistency.