Vegan Parmesan Flavored Shredded Cashew Cheese (Soy & Gluten-Free)

Vegan Parmesan Flavored Shredded Cashew Cheese 
(Soy & Gluten-Free)

We all love cheese, whether vegan or not but we don't usually make it. It is a convenience item we buy when we need it but what if you could make it and have it as simply as going to the store and buying it? Pretty nice idea right...but its true! This recipe shows you how to have not only a delish vegan cheese but also have an incredibly simple one at that. Nothing makes a recipe better than combining those two elements and make your life a little easier. Save your money on those store bought vegan cheeses and make something homemade at home, all known ingredients and better for anyone looking for an allergy free option. You can't go wrong with this vegan cheese and make it over and over with different flavors to change up your tastes whenever you want. Serve mixed into recipe or wherever you love cheese. Enjoy!

Vegan Parmesan Flavored Shredded Cashew Cheese 

Ingredients

-1 cup raw blanched whole cashews
-1 1/2 cups water and extra for soaking
-4 Tablespoons agar agar flakes
-1/4 cup nutritional yeast
-1/4 cup vegan parmesan cheese
-1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Take your cashews and place them in a dish and cover with water to soak the cashews. Do this for at least 4 hours or even a a day or two. Rinse and drain the cashews when they have been soaked.

The day you want to make the cheese. Bring the 1 1/2 cups of water and agar agar flakes to a boil in a small saucepan. Cook for five minutes, whisk constantly until the agar is dissolved completely. Once done boiling, set aside to get ready to use.

Agar Agar Flakes

Put the drained cashews into a blender with all the remaining ingredients. 

Ready to Blend Soaked Cashews with Ingredients

Ready to Blend Soaked Cashews with Ingredients

Place the set boiled liquid into a measuring cup (for easy pouring). Pour in the liquid *CAREFULLY* and blend on high until very smooth. You may need to scrap down sides as needed. 

Almost Smooth Vegan Cheese Base

Blending Vegan Cheese Base

Finished Vegan Cheese Base

(At this point you can stir in other flavorings you may like. Herbs, jalapenos, cracked pepper, etc.)

Pour into a storage dish that has been lined with plastic wrap.

Prepared Container

Ready to Chill Vegan Cheese

Place in the fridge and chill until it has firmed up but spreadable. 

Set-Up Vegan Cheese

Remove the vegan cheese by pulling the plastic wrap up. You can cut sections off and shred as needed.

Ready to Shred Cheese

You can store it in an airtight glass or plastic container in the refrigerator. Serve mixed into recipes or shredded and used in anywhere you love cheese. Enjoy!

Ready to Use Vegan Cheese

-Amy