Vegan cashew cheese is a creamy, dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese. It’s made from cashews, nutritional yeast, and a blend of herbs and spices. These ingredients make a creamy texture and a tangy, savory flavor. Cashew cheese has become a popular dairy-free substitute for cheese in many vegan dishes.
It is used in various recipes, from sandwiches, pasta dishes, on burgers, in burritos and as a topping on main dishes.. A wonderful snack or appetizer is to use this as a dip and serve with little crusted breads, chips, crudités or crackers. Whether you’re a vegan looking for a tasty and healthy cheese alternative or just looking to switch up your usual cheese routine, vegan cashew cheese is definitely worth trying!
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Serving Suggestions for Vegan Cashew Dip
- As a dip: Serve a dip with raw vegetables, crackers, or bread.
- In sandwiches: Use cashew cheese as a spread in sandwiches, wraps, or burgers. Spread cashew cheese on bread or use it as a dip for a grilled vegetable sandwich.
- On pizza: Spread vegan cashew cheese on pizza crust as a base or use it as a topping.
- In pasta dishes: Use this vegan cheese as a creamy sauce in pasta dishes like mac and cheese or Alfredo.
- In quesadillas: Use vegan cashew cheese as a filling in quesadillas or as a topping. Try it with Vegan Quesadillas with Veggies.
- Baked potatoes: Topping a baked potato with a dollop of cashew cheese is a favorite! It makes for a creamy and flavorful addition.
- Vegetables: Serve the cashew cheese as a dip for raw or over roasted vegetables.
- On toast: This is so easy! Spread vegan cashew cheese on toast and add toppings like avocado, tomato, or cucumber.
- Tacos and Burritos: Add the cashew cheese as a topping to vegan tacos or use it as a vegan sour cream substitute. Try some with Vegan Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Avocado Crema.
- In soups: Add vegan cashew cheese to soups for a creamy and cheesy flavor. It’s good on chilis or stews.
- Vegan cheese board: Pair the cashew cheese with crackers, sliced fruit, nuts, and other vegan cheeses to create a vegan cheese board.
Recipe Tips
- Soak the cashews in water overnight, or for at least a few hours, before blending them. This will help them become soft and easier to blend into a smooth mixture.
- Use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor to the cashew cheese. This is a common ingredient in vegan cheese recipes, and adds a nutty, savory flavor.
- Experiment with different flavorings to customize your cashew cheese to your liking. Some ideas include garlic, herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor.
- If you find your cashew cheese is too thick or crumbly, you can add a little water or non-dairy milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Cashew cheese can be used in a variety of ways, from spreading it on toast to using it as a dip for vegetables or crackers. It can also be melted and used as a sauce for pasta or vegetables.
Storage Tips
- Vegan cashew cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It may thicken as it sits. If you need it to be a thinner consistency, you can add a small amount of water or non-dairy milk and stir until it reaches the desired consistency before serving.
- You can freeze vegan cashew cheese. It is best to freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it can last for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw the cashew cheese in the refrigerator before using it again. However, keep in mind that the texture of the cashew cheese may change slightly after being frozen and thawed, so it may not be as smooth as before. It is still safe to eat and use in recipes, though.
Vegan Cashew Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews (soaked in water for 2 -4 hours)
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup water
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric (optional for color)
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for deeper, smoky flavor)
Instructions
- Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender or food processor.
- Add the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, water, and lemon juice to the blender. If using, add in turmeric and smoked paprika.
- Blend all the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes stretchy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before using.