12 Classic Vegan Cheese Recipes

Finding cheese substitutions may be the biggest obstacle for people wanting to eat a vegan diet. But here are your favorite classic cheese recipes veganized. From blue cheese to goat cheese to nacho dip, you'll never need to eat dairy again!

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Cheese is perhaps the hardest thing to give up when you're switching over to a plant-based diet. When I first went vegan in 2006, the options were limited (and not very good).

But so much has changed in the past 17 years! There is now incredible homemade and store bought options that truly rival traditional cheese.

It's never been easier than now to ditch the dairy.

In this guide you will find all of the classic cheese recipes veganized! Want more? Check out the Vegan's Guide to Replacing Cheese.

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Frequently Asked Quesitons

What is vegan cheese made out of?

Vegan cheese can be made out of all sorts of things such as nuts, cauliflower, nutritional yeast, potatoes, and much more. For more information, check out our Ultimate Guide on Vegan Cheese.

Does vegan cheese really taste like cheese?

Vegan cheese has a slightly different flavor than dairy cheese but is still yummy and perfect for all types of foods. These recipes are all omnivore approved!

What gives vegan cheese its flavor?

Seasoning and spices allow vegan cheeses to shine through with flavor. Nutritional yeast and tahini bring out the nutty, fermented flavors of traditional cheese. You will see a variety of techniques in the recipes below.

Tips and Tricks

For nut based cheeses: If you’re short on time, you can speed things up by pouring boiling water of the nuts and letting them soak for just one hour rather than the recommended 8 hours.
You will need a food processor and a high powered blender. Use high quality equipment to the the desired consistency. Make sure to let the cheese mixtures blend for as long as each recipe calls.
Other useful supplies include a cheesecloth and cheese molds. These can be easily found at most well stocked grocery stores.
Want variations? Add your favorite herbs and spices to the following recipes. The options are endless!

Vegan Cheese Recipes

Vegan Parmesan Cheese

Hemp hearts and nutritional yeast give this vegan parmesan cheese a rich & nutty flavor. It's perfect for topping everything from pasta to avocado toast. Best of all this recipe has just 5 ingredients & comes together in 2 minutes!

Photo Credit: No Sweat Vegan

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Vegan Feta Cheese

This easy herbed vegan tofu feta takes only 10 minutes of prep and a handful of budget-friendly staple foods to make! Great for meal prep, salads, appetizers and in main meals!

Photo Credit: Nutriciously

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Cheddar Cheese Ball

This vegan cheddar cheese wheel is the ultimate snack. Cheesy, creamy, and spicy, this easy vegan cheese recipe is made with cashews, sun-dried tomatoes, and onion powder for a savory flavor that is fitting for any occasion! Feel free to leave the jalapeños out to make this recipe kid-friendly!

Photo Credit: My Darling Vegan

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Vegan Cashew Ricotta in a small bowl on a wooden board

Cashew Ricotta Cheese

This homemade vegan Ricotta Cheese is made with just 5 simple ingredients and in under 5 minutes! Use it as a filling, spread, and topping for a delicious plant-based cheese alternative.

Photo Credit: My Darling Vegan

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Vegan Cottage Cheese

Vegan cottage cheese that tastes just like the one you used to eat, but without the dairy! Only 4 ingredients, 1 bowl, and 5 minutes to make a batch. It's creamy, rich in plant-based protein, naturally gluten-free and oil-free, and can be used any way you would use dairy cottage cheese.

Photo Credit: My Quiet Kitchen

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Vegan Blue Cheese

This vegan blue cheese is simply mind-blowing! Naturally cultured and prepared with just 5 ingredients, it makes use of traditional cheese-making techniques. The result is a sharp, creamy, and rich vegan blue cheese like you have never tried before!

Photo Credit: Full of Plants

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Vegan Nacho Cheese

Attention all movie fans, you no longer have to watch a movie without cheesy nachos. This vegan nacho cheese dip not only tastes great on a movie night. Thanks to the combination of the right ingredients, you get a stretchy, creamy nacho cheese dip that is perfect for dipping tortilla chips for “loaded nachos” as a starter or snack.

Photo Credit: Ve Eat Cook Bake

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Vegan Fondue

This vegan cheese fondue is made with homemade cultured cashew cheese. It’s creamy, tangy, cheesy perfection! Perfect for date night or any dinner party!

Photo Credit: The Curious Chickpea

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Vegan Goat Cheese

This vegan goat cheese is soft, tangy, creamy and salty. You can slice it, crumble it or bake it. It’s easy to make and looks gorgeous!

Photo Credit: Loving it Vegan

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Stretchy Vegan Mozzarella

Stringy, melty vegan “mozzarella cheese” made with 7 ingredients and simple methods! The perfect cheese for pastas, pizza, salads, and more!

Photo Credit: Minimalist Baker

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Sliceable Vegan Cheese

Amazing vegan cheese slices made from Chao (Fermented Tofu), dairy-free yogurt, nutritional yeast, and coconut oil. Super creamy, slightly chewy, and so cheesy!

Photo Credit: Full of Plants

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Vegan Cream Cheese

Make the best vegan cream cheese at home without cashews, coconut, or oil! Extra-firm tofu and a few other key ingredients come together to create a delightfully creamy-yet-firm, tangy, and spreadable dairy-free cream cheese!

Photo Credit: My Quiet Kitchen

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More Vegan Roundups

That’s it! 12+ vegan cheese recipes. You'll never have to eat dairy again!

Written by Sarah McMinn

@mydarlingvegan on Instagram

If you give one of these recipes recipe a try, snap a photo and share it on Instagram. Make sure to tag @mydarlingvegan so I can see your creations!

Frequently Asked Quesitons

Tips and Tricks

Vegan Cheese Recipes

More Vegan Roundups

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