When I first tried vegan melted cheese spread, I was skeptical. I mean, how can you get that gooey, cheesy goodness without the cheese? But let me tell you, it was a game-changer. It’s not just for vegans; it’s for anyone who loves a creamy, savory spread.
Picture this: a cozy evening with friends, a warm loaf of crusty bread, and a bowl of this luscious spread. It brings people together, sparking conversations and smiles. Plus, it’s guilt-free and packed with flavor.
Whether you’re dipping veggies, drizzling it on nachos, or just spreading it on toast, this vegan cheese spread is versatile and delicious. It’s a little taste of comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients
I love how simple this recipe is. Let’s gather the essentials.
- 1 cup raw cashews soaked in water for 2 hours and drained
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh is best
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika adds a bit of warmth
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons tapioca starch gives it that gooey texture
Tools And Equipment
To whip up this vegan cheese spread, you’ll need a few things from your kitchen. A blender is a must to get that creamy texture. I like my high-speed blender for this. It makes quick work of the cashews.
A saucepan is key. It’s where everything comes together and turns gooey and wonderful. I use a non-stick pan to keep it smooth.
A spatula helps in blending and stirring. It’s great for scooping, too, when you’re pouring it out.
Measuring cups and spoons keep it precise. You don’t want too much or too little of anything.
That’s all you need, really. It’s simple but does the job so well.
Directions
It’s time to turn those simple ingredients into a delicious vegan cheese spread. Follow these steps and soon you’ll be enjoying a creamy delight.
Prep
First, soak one cup of raw cashews in hot water for about 30 minutes. This softens them up for blending. Drain and rinse once they’re done.
Create The Base
In your high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, half a cup of water, two tablespoons of nutritional yeast, two tablespoons of lemon juice, and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Add in half a teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Cook
Pour the mixture into a non-stick saucepan and set the heat to medium. Stir constantly with a spatula as it heats up. This avoids sticking and ensures it cooks evenly.
Blend
Keep stirring and soon you’ll see the spread start to thicken and get stretchy. This happens thanks to the tapioca starch magic, ensuring that gooey texture.
Cool And Thicken
Remove from heat and let it cool for a little bit. As it cools, the spread will get even more luscious and ready to enjoy with your favorite snacks or meals.
Serving Suggestions
I love smearing this melted cheese spread on toasted crusty bread.
It’s perfect for topping baked potatoes too!
Try it as a dip with your favorite veggies or chips—so tasty.
Throw it on a pizza crust for a quick, cheesy fix.
Drizzle over taco filling for a creamy finish.
Or just enjoy it right out of the saucepan because why not?
Make-Ahead Instructions
I love prepping this vegan melted cheese spread ahead of time. Makes life so easy!
First, blend all the ingredients until super smooth.
Then pour it into an airtight container.
Pop it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to five days.
When ready to use, heat it gently on the stove. Stir it well till it’s all melty and smooth again.
You can add a splash of water to adjust the thickness if needed.
Storage Tips
I wish the vegan melted cheese spread could last forever. Once you’ve whipped up this creamy delight, you might wonder how to keep it fresh.
Pop it in an airtight container. It’ll hang out happily in the fridge for up to five days.
Before you dive in again, warm it up gently on the stove. Add a splash of water if it gets too thick. It’s as simple as that.
And yes, it freezes too! Store it for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge before cozying it up on the stovetop.
Conclusion
Trying out vegan melted cheese spread has been a delightful journey for me. It’s amazing how something so simple can elevate any meal or snack.
Whether you’re vegan or just curious, this spread is a must-try for its creamy texture and savory goodness. I love how it brings people together, turning any gathering into a cozy, delicious experience.
The versatility of this spread keeps me coming back for more. From drizzling over tacos to spreading on toast, the possibilities are endless.
Plus, with easy storage and reheating tips, it’s a convenient option for busy days. So why not give it a whirl and see how it can add a touch of magic to your culinary adventures?
