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This Vegan Mozzarella Cheese is soft, fresh, creamy, and delicious! It's the perfect substitute for its dairy counterpart.
Guys! I have the best darn Vegan Mozzarella Cheese recipe to share today, and I'm really excited about it. We all know how hard it is to find a tasty dairy cheese alternative, and I think you're going to like this one.
The one thing that I missed most after going vegan was cheese. It wasn't the dairy I was missing, per se...it was the tangy flavor, the creamy, stretchy texture, and the fond memories attached to it.
I grew up eating cheese on everything and it was a food source of comfort for me. Knowing what I know now, I could never eat the dairy version again, but I can still enjoy everything else about it in a kinder way.
I still get to enjoy cheesy favorites, like Vegan Mac n Cheese, Pizza, Vegan Nacho Cheese, and this Jalapeño Popper Dip.
"But, I can't live without cheese"
Many people say they could never go vegan because they can't live without cheese. I was a complete cheese addict, so I understand. I felt like I was going through withdrawals, and there weren't many options out there.
When I went vegan, Daiya Cheese wasn't in existence, and most store-bought cheese substitutes were chalky and flavorless. Many also contained casein, so they weren't even truly vegan.
But since then, the options have expanded significantly and the taste keeps getting better with a much-improved texture. I've found many store-bought cheese varieties that I like, including Chao, Follow Your Heart, Treeline, and Miyoko's.
Although it's getting better, some grocery stores still don't have a big vegan selection to choose from, so this makes it hard to get your cheese fix. So, if you use vegan cheese as much as I do, you might want to start making your own.
The big plus is, you'll get to control the ingredients, it's less expensive and so fresh tasting when it's homemade.
Like I was saying, I grew up with cheese on almost everything, and it was really comforting to me. These days, I'm not missing out on comfort food at all, and I'm totally living without dairy, and it feels wonderful!
Recipe Inspiration
This Vegan Mozzarella recipe is adapted from Miyoko's, A Better Buffalo Mozzarella. I was floored the first time I tried this recipe, and it was the closest-tasting cheese recipe I've ever had.
It takes a bit longer to make because the recipe is cultured for 12-24 hours, but it really is worth it, and I highly recommend trying it out.
Simplified Version
Sadly, I'm not always so patient or great at preparing ahead, so I made a simplified version for my lifestyle.
Since my version is not cultured, I needed to bump up the tangy and cheesy flavor. I added lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and a bit more yogurt for that sharp cheese flavor.
For a softer and creamier texture, I added some soy milk, coconut oil and reduced the amount of agar powder. The agar has a subtle flavor, and I'm not a big fan, but it's the best stabilizer I've tried.
It gels up slightly and gives the cheese a perfect texture. Reducing the amount of agar, and adding the lemon juice and nutritional yeast completely masked the flavor, and I'm thrilled with the end result.
If you are looking for more cheese recipes. I highly recommend Miyoko's Artisan Vegan Cheese cookbook. You'll find an array of vegan cheese recipes from soft, creamy to sliceable, and totally tasty.
You'll satisfy your palate and wow your non-vegan friends!
Here's what you'll need
- Raw cashews
- Non-dairy yogurt
- Soy milk
- Lemon Juice
- Coconut oil or sunflower oil
- Nutritional Yeast
- Garlic Powder
- Salt
- Tapioca starch/flour
- Filtered water
- Agar powder
How to make Vegan Mozzarella Cheese
Soak the cashews in very hot water to soften them up. Mix all the ingredients in a high-powered blender or food processor until creamy. Whisk the agar powder in hot water until it turns gel-like.
Now stir in the creamy mixture and cook until the cheese becomes thick and stretchy. Scoop out the cheese with an ice cream scoop into ice water.
The cheese will harden fairly quick and form a ball shape. Let the cheese sit in the fridge (in the water) for at least 2-3 hours to firm up. The texture will be more ideal this way and the cheese will slice easier.
Ways to use it
- Caprese salad
- Crostini
- Salad topping
- Sandwich/burrito
- Quesadilla
- On a charcuterie board along with nuts, fried fruit, herbs, and vegan pepperoni.
- Eggplant parmesan
- Pasta topping
- Vegan Pizza
More vegan cheese recipes to try
I love to hear from you
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think. It would really make my day. You can also follow me on Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @veganhuggs and hashtag #veganhuggs so I don’t miss it.
Recipe
Vegan Mozzarella Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews , soaked in very hot water for 25 minutes. Keep covered. *See note
- 1 ¼ cup dairy-free yogurt , unsweetened (I like So Delicious)
- ¼ cup soy milk , unsweetened (or any plant-based milk)
- 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil , or sunflower oil (*See note)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice , fresh squeezed
- 3 ½ tablespoons tapioca flour/starch
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt , more to taste (plus more for brine)
- ½ cup water , plus more for brine
- 2 teaspoons agar powder
Recommended Equipment
- Medium Pot
- Medium-Sized Bowl or Container
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl or container, fill it halfway with filtered water, a few pinches of salt, and 5-6 ice cubes (this will be the brine). Set aside.
- Drain cashews and discard soaking water. Add the cashews, yogurt, soy milk, coconut oil, lemon juice, tapioca starch, garlic powder, nutritional yeast and salt to a high-powered blender. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth. Set aside.
- In a medium pot, add ½ cup filtered water and warm over medium heat. When hot, whisk in the agar powder. Whisk well. The agar will start to appear gel-like after 3-4 minutes. When this happens, pour in the blended mixture. Stir in well.
- Stir often so it doesn’t stick or burn. Using a silicone spatula, scrape the sides and bottom as needed. The cheese will start to thicken up. When it becomes really stretchy and thick, remove from heat. This whole process should take about 5-6 minutes.
- Scoop out mixture using an ice cream scoop (or something similar) and place each ball into the ice water/brine. Repeat this step until all the mixture is gone. Cover and place in the fridge (in the water) for at least 2-3 hours. Cheese will harden as it chills, and the texture will be more ideal. It will also be easier to slice.
Notes
- To soak the cashews, boil water in a small pot, remove from heat, then add the cashews and cover them. Then let them sit for 25 minutes.
- To make things easier, you can prep ahead and soften the cashews by placing them in cool water for 2-4 hours (or overnight in the fridge). Then they'll be ready to pop in the blender when you're ready to make the recipe.
- Oil: make sure to use refined coconut oil to avoid a subtle coconut taste. I use unrefined because I prefer the taste better, but everyone is different. It depends on your taste buds. You can use any neutral flavored oil you like. I also like sunflower oil.
- Prep time doesn't include chilling time.
- Yields about 6-7 mozzarella balls (using a standard ice cream scoop).
- Will stay fresh in the brine for 3-5 days. Keep refrigerated.
- If you'd like to make the Caprese Salad pictured above, just slice up a few pieces of cheese and tomatoes. Layer them and sprinkle salt and pepper. Drizzle balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive on top. Add pine nuts and chili pepper flakes if preferred.
- If you will be making this mozzarella to specifically melt. Add ¼ cup more soy milk to the ingredients. You can also take it out of the brine earlier (around an hour). It will be soft, but fine for melting. If you're making pizza, slice the cheese (not too thick) and place it on before the pizza goes in the oven so it has time to melt.
- Note: This Vegan Mozzarella will not melt exactly like dairy cheese. However, it does melt a bit and becomes soft and slightly stretchy. I think it's a close alternative and so darn tasty.
Kendra
Would Corn starch work as I am unable to use tapioca or potato starch?
Melissa Huggins
Hi Kendra, You can use cornstarch to thicken but the cheese won't have the same stretchy consistency when it melts. Will still be delish though! 🙂
DS
For clarity, at the end of the hearing process the cheese balls are dropped into the brine. Are they also stored in the brine for the 2-3 hours, or moved to just water (no brine)? If they remain in the brine for 2-3 hours, at the end of that time, do we move them to just water or just keep in brine in the frig for the allowable storage time?
Melissa Huggins
Hi there, I leave them in the brine until they are gone. You can transfer to water though if preferred. 🙂
Ss
Can I use cornstarch instead of tapioca?
Melissa Huggins
Yes, you can but it won't have the same stretchy consistency when it melts. Will still be delish though! 🙂
Beverlt
So good! Better than any of the frozen pizzas at the grocery store and better than many restaurant pizzas!
Melissa Huggins
Yay! I'm so happy you loved it! Thank you for trying it, Beverly! 🙂
Stacy
Delicious! Can I freeze some of the cheese balls? I won't be able to eat the entire recipe within 3-5 days. Although, I may try, haha.
Melissa Huggins
So glad you loved it, Stacy! Yes, they freeze really well. 🙂
Cindy D
Melissa
This vegan mozzarell cheese was delicious
While Im not vegan I recently found out I am dairy & gluten sensitive so trying more vegan options
Im really missing cheese but this is a great substitute
I will be trynig more of your recipes
Thank you
Melissa Huggins
Hi Cindy, I'm so happy you loved the mozzarella. Thanks you for trying it and sharing your feedback. 🙂
Steve K
Made this twice, once exactly according to the recipe, and once with double the amount of coconut oil. I slightly preferred the double oil version but honestly they were both great. Texture is softer than dairy cheese but man, it’s deliciously flavorful. Thick homemade toast, vegan butter, sliced tomatoes, and slices of this cheese make an amazing breakfast. Very well done recipe!
Melissa Huggins
Hello Steve, thanks for trying this recipe and making those adjustments to suit your preference. 🙂 You are right, this is perfect for breakfast sandwiches.
Jack
Wow wow wow! Love this recipe so much! It reminds me of a time years ago where I made a similar recipe but it was cultured for 24 hours. Imo using this much vegan yogurt makes culturing unnecessary but you still get that delicious tang. Mine are still firming up in the fridge but once I was done scooping it out of the pot (I used two spoons since I don't have an ice cream scoop-- not as tidy but functional) I scraped the last bits out and spread it on some sourdough. SO GOOD! Can't wait to try them tomorrow after they've had all night to firm up!
Melissa Huggins
Thanks for the great feedback, Jack! So happy you love the recipe! It sounds perfect on sourdough 🙂
Jayne
Hi, I follow a low fodmap diet. Can the cashews be substituted with another nut, macadamia perhaps?
Melissa Huggins
Hi Jayne, yes, macadamia nuts are a perfect replacement. 🙂
Carol Wieseler
I"m anxious to try this - Could you form into a rectangle or block and skip the brine? Also, can this cheese be frozen?
Melissa Huggins
Hi Carol, yes, I'm sure that will work, just make sure to chill it for a while so it can firm up. It can be frozen too 🙂
Patrice Anita
I made this this morning and used it to make a pizza this afternoon....it is terrific. Wasn't hard and turned out lovely. I'd show you a photo but I don't see anyplace to upload it...my ice cream scoop must be smaller than yours as I made 12 balls, each about 1/4 cup...I used one on the Pizza and I'm freezing the rest for later use. Thank you so much...it's wonderful!
Melissa Huggins
That is great, Patrice. I am glad you enjoyed this recipe, and you are welcome. 🙂
Jasmine S.
I was wondering if I could substitute the tapioca flour for potato starch or corn starch and if so what amount?
Melissa Huggins
Hi Jasmin, you can use either one, but you won't get the stretchy texture when melted. You would only need about 2 tablespoons to thicken. I hope this helps 🙂
Adam
Do you think it would work to substitute oat milk for the soy milk?
Melissa Huggins
Hi Adam, yes, oat milk will work too 🙂
Sheryl
This is the vegan mozzarella I’ve been searching for. It’s a bit more work but 100% worth it. Even my nonvegan husband loves this and that is always the biggest hurdle.
Melissa Huggins
Hi Sheryl, I am glad you found my recipe. 🙂 Hope you and your husband enjoy this always.
Patrice Anita
Can this be frozen for longer term storage=e? Thank you.
Mirth
Completely amazing. Served it with a zucchini carpaccio for a special occasion entree. Brilliant. Lactose sensitive parents LOVED it and so did vegan sceptic partner. Success beyond my wildest expectations. Thank you!
Melissa Huggins
Thank you for dropping by to give this feedback Mirth, you made my day!I am so pleased that you all loved this recipe. ❤
Mary
Do you have to use soy milk? I can't do soy.
Melissa Huggins
Hi Mary, I like to use soy because it's thicker and creamier, but you can use any unsweetened plant milk that you like. Just choose one that's on the creamy side if possible. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Andrea
Thank you for this recipe!!
Melissa Huggins
You're most welcome, Andrea! 🙂