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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.
Leslie
I pinned this quite awhile ago and just finally made it- and a caprese type salad. YUM! Has anyone tried freezing it? Thx!
Melissa Huggins
Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it! Yes, you can freeze it. You can shred it when it's frozen too. 🙂
mark
What is the "Brine" you mention? It is not included in the recipe!
Melissa Huggins
Hi there, the brine is the soaking water that has a pinch of salt and ice. Let me know if you have any other questions. Have a nice day! 🙂
Renee
Can I omit the tapioca flour?
Melissa Huggins
Hi Renee, you can but it will have a different consistency. The tapioca makes it very stretchy like cheese. It'll still be delicious though if you don't use it. You will need to add some sort of thickener to replace it...like cornstarch, all-purpose, or arrowroot flour. Do you have any of those?
Eryn
I've been on a vegan cheese experiment kick, and this was experiment #2! It was SUCH a success. I made two margherita pizzas for my household of 5 and they're basically gone. This came together very easily (I chose to soak the cashews in the fridge overnight), and it makes a good amount, too. The tang from the lemon juice and the yogurt balance out so well with the creaminess. All the non-vegan eaters thought it was just as good as regular cheese and requested I make it again. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Melissa Huggins
I'm so happy that everyone loved it. Thank you for giving it a try. 🙂
Rossella
Hi! Do you mean 1 and 1/4 cup of yogurt or just 1/4 cup? The former seems like a lot of yogurt based on the amount of cashews. Thank you very much
Melissa Huggins
Hi Rossella, it's 1 and 1/4 cup of yogurt. It does seem like a lot, but it works perfectly. Thank you for stopping by 🙂
Brianna Merrill
I used sunflower seeds in place of the cashews! Turned out great. Soak them the same way and rinse after you drain them.
Eugene
Hi! Is it possible not to add cashews to the recipe?
Melissa Huggins
Hi Eugene, I haven't tried it without nuts. You can use balanced almonds or macadamia nuts. Silken tofu may work, but I'm not 100% sure. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
Brianna Merrill
For a but free option I used sunflower seeds in place of the cashews! Turned out great. Soak them the same way and rinse after you drain them.
Clau
Hi, can you sub the cashew nuts and soy milk for this recipe, thanks!
Joe
I have made this recipe 3 times and love it. Last time I added the agar powder and the 1/2 cup of water to the blender and mixed. Then i added it all to the pot and wisked until it became stretchy. It works the same and is easier.
Melissa Huggins
Hi Joe, thank you for giving them a try! I'm so glad it worked out with adding the agar to the blender mixture. Thank you for sharing that tip. 🙂
Caleb
Would it be possible to bind with xanthan gum instead of agar powder?
Melissa Huggins
I haven't tried this recipe with xanthan gum. The agar helps with the texture too so I'm not sure if the xanthan will do the same. I wish I could be more help. I'd love to hear how it turns out if you try it. 🙂
Tamra C
I am late to the game on this recipe. But, boy oh boy am I happy!! I tried this last night because I was craving pizza. Thank you so much. I think I can finally complete by vegan journey and give up cheese! Have a powerful day!
Melissa Huggins
This is the nicest compliment! Thank you so much! Cheese was hard for me to give up too. I'm so glad there are so many options nowadays. Times are changing. 🙂
Shelby
Really good! Tastes shockingly like mozzarella! I used it mostly for pasta bakes. I froze the batch of cheese balls and thawed them slightly before throwing them into pasta bakes. They melt a lot.
Melissa Huggins
Glad to hear this, Shelby. I am happy to hear that you loved this dairy-free mozzarella version. 🙂
Glynis Robinson
Please can anyone tell me what is cruel about dairy cheese?
Tania
https://animalequality.org/issues/dairy/
Check this out!
Marna
I was wondering if I can substitute Kappa Carrageenan for the Agar powder and if so do I use the same measurement.
Thank you! Cant wait to try.
Melissa Huggins
Hi Marna, I haven't used kappa carrageenan before. I'm sorry I couldn't be more help.
Ann-Louise Hulter
Creamy, tangy and perfect to have on pizza!
Melissa Huggins
Thank you so much!
Debbir
I have a question sorry - has any tried batch cooking and freezing some? I LOVE mozzarella cheeses and want to go vegan so looking to stock up on quick fix foods in case I get any non vegan cravings 🙂
Melissa Huggins
I haven’t tried freezing it yet, but I think it’ll work. I’ve been meaning to try it because I want to experiment making mozzarella shreds. I’ll let you know when I do. Thanks for stopping by 😀
Elise
Can anyone please, PLEASE guide me to some resources for vegan cheeses that DON'T include nutritional yeast?? I am severely allergic to it, but it seems impossible to find an alternative. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.
Melissa Huggins
Hi Elise, You can try a small amount of miso paste for that umami flavor. 🙂