How to Make Vegan Cheese and Other Dairy Alternatives

For those looking to embrace plant-based living or reduce their reliance on dairy, the world of vegan cheese and dairy alternatives offers endless possibilities. Whether for health reasons, ethical choices, or environmental concerns, making your own dairy alternatives allows for customization and control over ingredients.


This guide dives deep into the art and science of creating delicious, satisfying vegan cheese and other dairy substitutes at home.

Understanding the Basics of Vegan Cheese
Vegan cheese is more than just a dairy-free alternative; it’s a culinary innovation. It uses plant-based ingredients to replicate the taste, texture, and functionality of traditional cheese. Here are the foundational elements:

Base Ingredients: Vegan cheese typically starts with a base like nuts (e.g., cashews, almonds), seeds (e.g., sunflower, sesame), soy, or starches (e.g., tapioca, potato). These bases mimic the creaminess of dairy cheese.

Fermentation and Culturing: Many advanced vegan cheeses achieve their depth of flavor through fermentation. Probiotic capsules or specific cultures are added to the base to introduce tang and complexity.

Thickening Agents: Agar-agar, tapioca starch, and kappa carrageenan are often used to provide firmness and elasticity to vegan cheeses.

Flavor Enhancers: Nutritional yeast, miso paste, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar bring the umami and tang that mimic the sharpness of dairy cheese.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Basic Vegan Cheese
Choose Your Base

• Cashews are the most popular option due to their creamy texture and mild flavor.
• For nut-free options, use sunflower seeds or silken tofu.

Soak and Blend

• Soak your chosen nuts or seeds overnight for better blending.
• Blend with water, nutritional yeast, a pinch of salt, and lemon juice to create a smooth paste.

Add Thickening Agents

• Incorporate agar-agar for firmness or tapioca starch for stretchiness. Cook the mixture briefly to activate these agents.

Let It Set

• Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate until firm. For cultured cheeses, allow the mixture to ferment at room temperature for 24-48 hours before refrigerating.

Creating Other Dairy Alternatives at Home
Beyond cheese, plant-based dairy alternatives like milk, yogurt, and butter can be crafted with minimal effort. Each option is customizable to suit dietary needs and flavor preferences.

Vegan Milk:

• Almond, oat, soy, and coconut are the most common bases for homemade plant milk.

How-To:

• Blend 1 cup of soaked nuts or oats with 4 cups of water.
• Strain through a nut milk bag or fine cheesecloth.
• Sweeten or flavor with vanilla, dates, or cocoa powder as desired.

Vegan Yogurt:

• Start with plant-based milk and a vegan yogurt starter or probiotic capsule.

How-To:

• Heat the milk slightly and mix with the starter.
• Ferment the mixture in a warm environment for 8-12 hours.
• Chill before serving, and sweeten with fruits or agave syrup.

Vegan Butter:
Coconut oil, plant-based milk, and a touch of salt are key components.

How-To:
Blend coconut oil with plant milk and a small amount of apple cider vinegar.
Chill until solid, then whip to achieve a buttery texture.

Advanced Techniques for Gourmet Vegan Cheeses
For those ready to level up their vegan cheese game, gourmet techniques can yield astonishingly complex flavors and textures.

Culturing with Probiotics:

• Incorporating probiotics allows vegan cheeses to develop tangy, aged flavors akin to traditional dairy cheese.
• Use probiotics for cashew-based or soy-based cheeses and ferment them for up to a week to intensify the flavor.

Aging for Texture and Flavor:

• Similar to traditional cheesemaking, vegan cheeses can be aged for weeks or months. Wrap them in cheesecloth and store them in a cool, humid environment.

Smoked and Meltable Varieties:

• Adding liquid smoke or smoked paprika can imbue vegan cheese with a rich, smoky flavor.
• Tapioca starch and coconut oil help achieve a meltable texture for pizza or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Environmental and Health Benefits of Dairy Alternatives
Embracing plant-based dairy has far-reaching benefits for both individuals and the planet. Here’s why making the switch matters:

• Lower Environmental Impact: Dairy farming is resource-intensive, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water usage. Plant-based alternatives are significantly more sustainable.
• Healthier Options: Vegan dairy is cholesterol-free and often lower in saturated fats. Additionally, you can fortify homemade alternatives with vitamins and minerals like calcium and B12.
• Ethical Considerations: For those concerned about animal welfare, vegan dairy removes the need for animal exploitation.

Essential Tips for Perfect Results

• Experiment with Ratios: Adjust water-to-base ratios for desired creaminess or thickness.
• Invest in Quality Tools: A high-speed blender, cheese molds, and nut milk bags enhance results.
• Flavor Gradually: Start with small amounts of tangy or savory ingredients, taste, and adjust.
• Store Properly: Most homemade dairy alternatives have a shorter shelf life than store-bought versions. Refrigerate and consume within a few days for optimal freshness.

Conclusion
Making vegan cheese and other dairy alternatives at home is an empowering and rewarding endeavor. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can craft delicious, nutritious, and eco-friendly substitutes tailored to your tastes. By incorporating these recipes and methods into your culinary repertoire, you’re not just cooking — you’re contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future.