Creamy Vegan Mozzarella Recipe

Homemade Vegan Mozzarella Recipe: Creamy Plant-Based Delight

Cheese lovers rejoice!

Crafting a delectable vegan mozzarella recipe that matches traditional dairy can seem like a culinary challenge.

This plant-based marvel delivers creamy, stretchy goodness without compromising flavor or texture.

Nutritional yeast and cashews form the secret foundation of this remarkable cheese alternative.

Blending these ingredients creates a smooth, tangy base that mimics classic mozzarella rich profile.

Each bite promises a delightful experience that will surprise even the most skeptical dairy enthusiasts.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe and revolutionize your plant-based cooking adventure.

Ingredients Checklist for Ultimate Vegan Mozzarella

For Base And Creaminess:
  • Raw Cashews, Silken Tofu: Provides smooth, rich foundation with creamy texture and supports vegan protein content; choose fresh, unblemished nuts or tofu with firm yet soft consistency.
For Binding And Stretching:
  • Tapioca Starch, Kappa Carrageenan: Creates signature cheese-like stretch and melting properties; select high-quality, food-grade versions for best results.
For Flavor Enhancement:
  • Nutritional Yeast, Salt, Lemon Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar: Develops deep, tangy cheese-like flavor profile; opt for fresh, bright citrus and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar for complex taste notes.
For Texture And Melting:
  • Refined Coconut Oil: Ensures smooth melting and stable structure without overpowering coconut flavor; choose neutral, high-quality refined oil.
For Liquid Activation:
  • Boiling Hot Water: Helps blend and activate ingredients, creating smooth, homogeneous cheese mixture; use freshly boiled water for optimal ingredient integration.

Utensils for Making Vegan Mozzarella

  • High-Powered Blender: Essential for creating ultra-smooth, creamy vegan mozzarella texture without lumps.
  • Glass Container: Clean, preferably 3-cup size container for molding and shaping the cheese.
  • Measuring Cups: Precise measurements are crucial for consistent cheese results.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing and preparing the final cheese product.
  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for cutting clean, even cheese slices or cubes.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately portion dry ingredients like nutritional yeast and salt.
  • Strainer/Colander: Useful for draining soaked cashews quickly and efficiently.

Making Instructions for Vegan Mozzarella

  • Cashew Preparation

Boil water and soak cashews briefly, draining afterward. This softens the nuts and prepares them for blending.

  • Blending Magic

Combine softened cashews with essential flavor ingredients in a powerful blender. Add boiling water and blend until completely smooth and creamy.

  • Cheese Molding

Transfer the liquid mixture quickly into a clean container. The mixture will start firming up rapidly, so move swiftly.

  • Cooling Process

Place the container in the refrigerator and let the cheese set for 1-2 hours. During this time, it will transform from liquid to a solid, sliceable texture.

  • Storage and Enjoyment

Remove the cheese from the container once fully solid. You can slice, shred, or cube the mozzarella for various culinary adventures like topping pizzas, enhancing sandwiches, or adding creamy texture to salads.

Optional Tips for Ultimate Vegan Mozzarella

  • Cheese Crafting Secrets: Pro Tips for Vegan Mozzarella Magic
  • Blending Brilliance: Use a high-powered blender to ensure ultra-smooth texture without lumps. Cold blenders might not mix ingredients as perfectly, so room temperature equipment works best.
  • Texture Tricks: Let the cheese rest longer in the refrigerator for firmer consistency. Shorter chilling times create softer, more spreadable results.
  • Temperature Control: Work quickly when pouring the mixture into the container because the blend sets rapidly. Keep boiling water and ingredients nearby to maintain smooth workflow.
  • Storage Wisdom: Wrap the cheese in paper towels inside an airtight container to absorb excess moisture. Refrigerated mozzarella stays fresh for 5-7 days, maintaining its delightful texture.
  • Flavor Adventures: Experiment with herbs like dried basil or oregano mixed into the blend for an Italian-inspired twist. Smoked paprika can add depth and complexity to your vegan cheese creation.

Serving Ideas for Vegan Mozzarella

  • Cheese Board Extravaganza: Create a stunning vegan cheese platter with your homemade mozzarella, surrounding it with fresh herbs, olives, crusty bread, and fruit preserves for a gourmet appetizer experience.
  • Melty Comfort Meals: Transform classic comfort dishes like lasagna, baked ziti, or mac and cheese by incorporating this creamy vegan mozzarella for a nostalgic yet plant-based twist.
  • Italian-Inspired Appetizers: Craft delightful caprese skewers by alternating cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella cubes, drizzled with balsamic glaze for an elegant and refreshing starter.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Crumble the mozzarella over roasted vegetables, hummus, and warm pita bread to create a vibrant and satisfying Mediterranean-style spread perfect for sharing.

Storage Strategy for Ultimate Vegan Mozzarella

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store your vegan mozzarella in an airtight container within the coldest part of your refrigerator. Keep it sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap individual cheese portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen mozzarella stays delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
  • Quick Texture Revival: If the cheese feels slightly dry after storage, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Gently pat with a clean paper towel to restore its smooth consistency.
  • Flavor Enhancement Tip: For maximum taste, consume within 5-7 days of preparation. Before serving, let the cheese rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to bring out its rich, creamy notes and improve spreadability.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1-2 hours

Calories: 217 kcal

Servings: 5

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Creamy Vegan Mozzarella Recipe

Creamy Vegan Mozzarella Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1-2 hours
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade cashew-based Vegan Mozzarella blends creamy plant ingredients into a smooth Italian-style cheese alternative. Cheese enthusiasts will discover simple techniques for crafting delicious dairy-free mozzarella perfect for pizzas, salads, and sandwiches.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (120 ml) raw cashews
  • ½ cup (120 ml) silken tofu
  • 4 tbsps (32 g) tapioca starch
  • 1 ½ tbsps (7.5 g) kappa carrageenan
  • 2 tbsps (16 g) nutritional yeast
  • 1 ½ tsps (7.5 g) salt
  • 4 tbsps (60 ml) refined coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) boiling hot water

Instructions

  1. Hydration: Submerge cashews in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain completely. (Silken tofu users can bypass this step)
  2. Preparation: Select a clean 3-cup glass container for cheese molding and ensure blender is ready for intense processing.
  3. Blending Process: Combine cashews (or tofu) with tapioca starch, kappa carrageenan, nutritional yeast, salt, coconut oil, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar in a high-performance blender.
  4. Fusion: Pour boiling water into blender and process for 60 seconds until mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous liquid with a silky texture.
  5. Molding: Quickly transfer the molten cheese mixture into the prepared container, understanding that rapid solidification is imminent.
  6. Setting: Refrigerate uncovered for 1-2 hours, allowing the vegan mozzarella to firm up and develop its distinctive consistency.
  7. Transformation: Remove the solidified cheese from its container and prepare for culinary applications by slicing, shredding, or storing wrapped in paper towels within a sealed bag to enhance texture.
  8. Serving: Explore diverse serving options such as pizza toppings, sandwich layers, or salad crumbles to elevate plant-based dishes with creamy complexity.

Notes

  • Quick Cashew Prep: Boil cashews for exactly 5 minutes to soften and activate ideal blending texture; silken tofu users can skip this step entirely.
  • Blending Mastery: Use high-performance blender at maximum speed to ensure completely smooth, lump-free cheese mixture with 60-second intense blending.
  • Timing is Critical: Work rapidly when transferring cheese mixture to container, as the liquid solidifies quickly and requires immediate molding for perfect consistency.
  • Texture Transformation: Store cheese wrapped in paper towels to develop a more dehydrated, authentic mozzarella-like texture; experiment with slicing, shredding, or crumbling for diverse culinary applications.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 217
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 1,168 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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