Best Vegan Cheese Recipe EVER - Cranberry Dill Goat "Cheese" (2024)

Best Vegan Cheese Recipe EVER - Cranberry Dill Goat "Cheese" (1)
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BEST VEGAN CHEESE RECIPE – CRANBERRY DILL GOAT CHEESE

Looking for the best vegan cheese recipe ever? This cranberry dill vegan goat cheese with crackers isa wonderful snack to serve while entertaining your friends and family throughout the year!

There is absolutely no cholesterol in this “cheese”.

Rather, it is high in protein, antioxidants, monosaturated fat, magnesium and copper.

The combination of cranberry and dill brings a sophisticated dimension to the “cheese”.

Impress your friends and family with this special vegan cheese recipe for the holidays (it’s a favorite vegan Thanksgiving appetizer!) or anytime.

You will be glad you did!

Be sure tojoin our tribefor more healthy vegan appetizers and recipes from Blender Babes and our friends! If you try this let us know by rating it in the comments. HAPPY BLENDING!

Best Vegan Cheese Recipe EVER - Cranberry Dill Goat "Cheese" (3)

Best Vegan Cheese Recipe Ever - Cranberry Dill Goat Cheese

Yvonne Ardestani of My Eclectic Kitchen

5 from 3 votes

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Course Appetizer

Servings 6 - 1/4 cups

Calories 265 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews soaked overnight
  • 4 Tbsp coconut oil
  • ¼ cup cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp tahini
  • 2 Tbsp water
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped

Instructions

  • Place cashews in a large bowl and cover with 3 inches of filtered water to soak overnight in the refrigerator.

  • Drain the liquid, rinse under cold water and drain again.

  • Place cashews, tahini, coconut oil, lemon juice, sea salt and 2 Tbsp filtered water in a power blender and secure lid.

  • Blend from low to high until creamy, taking breaks to scrape the sides of the blender with a silicone spatula to ensure everything gets creamed.

  • Place a strainer over a bowl and line it with 3 layers of cheesecloth. Spoon the cashew mixture into the center of cheesecloth, fold sides of the cloth over the cheese and form into 6 inch spherical loaf. Twist the ends of the cloth and secure with rubber bands or twist ties. Set it in the strainer over a bowl and let it stand for 12 hours at room temperature.

  • After the 12 hours are up, discard the excess water and chill for at least 3 hours.

  • Chop the cranberries and dill.

  • Unwrap the cheese and place it into a bowl. Add the 2 Tbsp of dill into the bowl and mix to combine.

  • On a 12”X12” piece of parchment or wax paper, place the cheese horizontally in the center to form a log. Use the paper to roll the log neatly into about a 6-inch log.

  • Combine cranberry and remaining dill in a bowl. Sprinkle onto the cheese log, using the paper to roll the log, ensuring the cranberry and fill adhere to the cheese.

  • Chill the cheese log, or enjoy right away with a cracker!

  • All done! Enjoy!! Now take a photo, rate it, and share your accomplishments to enter our weekly photo contest! 🙂 Tag @BlenderBabes & #BlenderBabes

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 15.2gProtein: 6.3gFat: 21.9gSaturated Fat: 6.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 14.6gSodium: 439.2mgFiber: 1.7gSugar: 2.6g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

BLENDER BABES RECIPE TESTER NOTES

“I first tried this cheese when I attended Yvonne’s plant-based cooking class at Whole Foods.

I could NOT get over how incredible this vegan cheese tasted.

It was the best vegan cheese recipe I’ve ever tried!”

“Serve it with sliced zucchini, crackers, toasted breads, etc.

I served this cheese with wines when my mom, grandma, auntie, and I had our mini wine and cheese party, they all went wild for this recipe and couldn’t believe that it is vegan!

They said that they just can’tbelieve that it tasted so DELICIOUS cause they tried a few other Vegan Cheese by itself and disliked it, only found them good when cooked, melted, or in a sandwich. But for this recipe, they said it was really good to just eat it by itself!”

“I wasn’t too sure this would taste like goat cheese, but it sure is a close 2nd, and it was delicious.

I ate it myself, no one else around.

Can’t wait to have more for breakfast!

It is a nice soft spread for anything.

I loved it on tortilla chips. Perfection!”

“It was exactly what it said it was.

Others who I let taste it said it tasted like goat cheese and kept questioning what I made it from.

I loved the cranberry dill combo with the cheese taste, they were perfect together.

Others agreed.

Best vegan cheese recipe, will absolutely make this again!!!

Just not too soon, unless I am having people over, because I want to eat the whole thing!”

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CASHEWS

Although cashews are one of the lowest-fiber nuts, they are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

These include vitamins E, K, and B6, along with minerals like copper, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron, and selenium, all of which are important for maintaining good bodily function.

Some health benefits of consuming cashews are:

Heart Health
Research shows that eating more nuts, such as cashews, can lower your risk for cardiovascular disease.

This may occur by reducing blood pressure and “bad” cholesterol levels.

Nuts are naturally cholesterol-free and contain good amounts of heart-healthy fats, fiber, and protein.

They also contain arginine, which protects the inner lining of artery walls.

Other vitamins and minerals in nuts, like potassium, vitamins E and B6, and folic acid, also help to fight heart disease.

Blood Health
The copper and iron in cashews work together to help the body form and utilize red blood cells.

This in turn keeps blood vessels, nerves, the immune system, and bones healthy and functioning properly.

Eye Health
We’ve all heard that carrots are good for your eyes, but it might come as a surprise that cashews are too!

They contain high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, which act as antioxidants when consumed regularly.

These compounds protect the eyes from light damage (which can turn into blindness in the elderly), and can even help decrease the instance of cataracts.

Weight Loss
According to research, two servings of nuts a day is helpful in fighting against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Replacing animal fats and proteins with the mono-and polyunsaturated fats found in cashews is an excellent way to manage your weight and reduce the build-up of fat and cholesterol in the heart.

Best Vegan Cheese Recipe EVER - Cranberry Dill Goat "Cheese" (6)

Best Vegan Cheese Recipe EVER - Cranberry Dill Goat "Cheese" (2024)

FAQs

Is goat cheese considered vegan? ›

Goat cheese is not and has never been considered a vegan option because it comes from an animal. The only hotly debated animal products I've heard a lot about in the vegan community are honey and oysters.

Why is goat cheese vegetarian? ›

The reason so many Goat's Cheeses are vegetarian such as Tor and Golden Cross, is due to the fact that the rennet used does not come from the stomach of animals, but rather from plant-based enzymes that have their own coagulating properties.

What is a vegan substitute for cheese? ›

Aquafaba (the liquid inside canned chickpeas) and tofu are also used to make vegan cheeses. Because they are manufactured from nuts and seeds, they all have comparable nutritional profiles and advantages. Nuts and seeds are high in minerals, fibre, healthy fats, and protein.

Is goat cheese as bad as dairy? ›

Goat cheese is a nutritious dairy product that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Its lower levels of lactose make it a better choice for people with an intolerance to cow's milk.

Why is goat cheese not dairy? ›

Does Goat Cheese Have Dairy? Though goat's milk is still considered a dairy product, it is higher in certain fatty acids than other animal milks, including caproic and caprylic acid. While contributing to goat cheese's tangy character, these also make goat's milk easier to digest with a lower component of lactose.

Are goats killed for rennet? ›

Parmesan cheese is made with animal rennet which is an enzyme that comes from the fourth lining of the stomach of animals, typically calves, goats, and lambs. The animal is usually killed in the process. The rennet is then taken and dried so it becomes solid.

What cheese has no animal rennet? ›

Younger, soft cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, goat, and provolone often are not made with rennet.

Why don't we eat goat meat? ›

> Fairbanks guesses most folks simply have no experience with eating goat – or perhaps have had an unpleasant one eating curry cooked with older goat, which might have a gamey taste or tough texture. > Another hurdle for goat meat: Consumers don't see it on menus.

What do vegan use instead of butter? ›

What are good vegan butter substitutes? In baking, you can use vegan butter, applesauce, dairy-free yogurt, coconut oil, coconut butter, olive oil, nut butter, mashed banana and mashed avocado. In cooking, you can use olive oil, coconut oil, vegetable stock, or avocado oil to replace butter.

What do vegan use instead of eggs? ›

The 10 best vegan egg alternatives for eggless baking and cooking
  • Apple sauce. Using apple sauce is a fat-free way to replace eggs in baked goods. ...
  • Aquafaba. ...
  • Black salt (kala namak) ...
  • Egg substitute powders. ...
  • Flaxseed (aka linseed) ...
  • Ripe bananas. ...
  • Silken tofu & firm tofu. ...
  • Tapioca starch.

What cheeses are naturally vegan? ›

Vegans can eat cheese that is comprised of plant-based ingredients like soybeans, peas, cashews, coconut, or almonds. The most common types of vegan cheeses are cheddar, gouda, parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese that can be found in non-dairy forms.

Can vegans eat goat? ›

Goat is not vegan. A vegan dietitian reviewed this note on goat for Fig.

Can you eat goats cheese if you're dairy free? ›

First of all, we need to clear up a common misunderstanding: goat cheese is not completely lactose-free. It still contains some amounts of lactose. Although it is considerably less than with cow's cheese. This often makes goat's cheese more digestible for people with lactose intolerance.

Does goat cheese have animal rennet in it? ›

Most goat cheeses are made using traditional rennet, which is derived from animal stomachs. However, there are some goat cheeses made using vegetarian rennet, which can come from microbial or fungal sources.

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