How to Make Vegan Cheese at Home for Pennies

Cheese is something that many people who are new to veganism often say they miss the most. You might be surprised! You can easily make creamy, delicious homemade vegan cheese at home. Best of all, it won’t cost much.

With the rise of pricey vegan cheeses in stores, it’s exciting to learn how to make your own DIY vegan cheese. This homemade version is cheap and really tasty. It’s a great choice for those looking for plant-based options. This guide shows you easy steps to make your own cheap, plant-based cheese. You can create it for just a few cents per serving. You might find that it’s easier to make than you initially thought.

So, get ready to enhance your cooking skills while saving a significant amount of money. You can enjoy the comforting taste of cheese, all while sticking to a vegan lifestyle!

Understanding the Core: Why Make Vegan Cheese at Home?

Store-bought vegan cheeses can cost a small fortune, and they’re often packed with additives.

Making your own offers:

• Huge savings: Spend a fraction compared to store-bought.
• Control over ingredients: Skip the preservatives and artificial flavours.
• Endless creativity: Customise flavours to your liking.
• Healthier eating: Many DIY versions are based on whole foods like nuts or oats.

Plant Based News shows that making your own vegan options can boost dietary variety and improve nutrient intake.

Pro Tip: Soak your cashews or seeds for 2-4 hours before blending for ultra-smooth results.

Quick-Reference Summary: Key Takeaways

• Start with basic, budget-friendly ingredients.
• Focus on simple techniques (blending, simmering).
• Experiment with spices for different cheese styles.
• Homemade versions can be frozen for longer shelf life.

Important: Nutritional yeast is essential — don’t skip it if you want that authentic “cheesy” flavour.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Vegan Cheese at Home for Pennies

1. Gather Your Essential Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy.

Most recipes use these basic items:

• Cashews or sunflower seeds
• Nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavour)
• Lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Tapioca starch (for stretchiness)
• Salt and pepper

Optional extras: Smoked paprika, miso paste, herbs

2. Basic Recipe: Quick Vegan Cheese Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cashews (or soaked sunflower seeds)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon tapioca starch
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until completely smooth.
2. Transfer to a saucepan and heat over medium heat.
3. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes stretchy.

Cost per batch: Approximately £1.50

3. Firm Vegan Cheese (Sliceable)

Want a cheese you can slice for sandwiches?

Extra Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil (solid form)
• 1 teaspoon agar powder (vegan gelling agent)

How to:

• After blending, simmer the mix with agar powder until thick.
• Pour into a mould and chill until firm.

Storage: Lasts up to 7 days in the fridge!

Easy Flavour Variations for Homemade Vegan Cheese

Once you master the basic recipe, it’s easy (and fun!) to create different types of vegan cheeses simply by adjusting the seasonings.

Flavour Ideas:

• Herb & Garlic: Add 1 teaspoon Italian herbs + extra garlic powder.
• Smoky Chipotle: Add 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder or smoked paprika.
• Spicy Jalapeño: Blend in a few slices of pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Basil: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil after blending.

Why it’s Brilliant:

• A single base recipe can yield multiple cheese styles.
• Keeps meals interesting and prevents flavour fatigue.

Pro Tip: Divide a batch into smaller portions before flavouring so you can have several varieties at once!

Budget-Friendly Equipment for Making Vegan Cheese at Home

You don’t need fancy gadgets to start — just a few basic kitchen tools.

Recommended Tools:

• Blender or food processor: Essential for smooth textures.
• Saucepan: Needed to thicken cheese sauces.
• Whisk or spatula: For stirring and smoothing.
• Small silicone moulds or containers: Perfect for shaping and storing firm cheeses.

Why it’s Brilliant:

• Most of these items are affordable and versatile for all kinds of cooking.
• Having the right tools ensures better texture and makes clean-up easier.

Pro Tip: If buying new equipment, look for second-hand options or online deals to save even more!

Best Practices & Additional Insights

• Budget alternative: Use sunflower seeds instead of cashews to save even more.
• Customisation magic: Add jalapenos for a spicy cheese, or herbs for a “Boursin-style” cheese spread.
• Freeze for convenience: Make double batches and freeze for up to 3 months.

Professional Insight: According to dietitians, homemade vegan cheeses using nuts and seeds offer healthier fats and fibre compared to many processed store-bought versions.

For more ways to save while eating plant-based, check out how to stock your vegan kitchen for under £50.

FAQs

1. Can I make vegan cheese without nuts?

Absolutely. Sunflower seeds, oats, or even silken tofu make great nut-free alternatives.

2. How do I get a smoky cheese flavour?

Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke during blending.

3. Is homemade vegan cheese healthy?

Yes, especially when made with whole foods. It’s naturally rich in healthy fats, fibre, and vitamins.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Creating homemade vegan cheese on a budget is not only achievable but also incredibly satisfying. With just a few basic and readily available ingredients, you can make your own DIY vegan cheese. This homemade version is not only affordable but also much healthier and more flavorful than many of the options you might find in stores.

Are you excited to begin this delicious journey? Start by selecting one of the simple recipes mentioned earlier. Once you have your ingredients ready, you can mix them together to create a delightful batch of vegan cheese. Imagine how your sandwiches, pizzas, and snack plates will be enhanced by the rich flavors of your homemade creation. Your taste buds will be grateful for the effort you put into making this cheese yourself!