And I thought my cheese days were over.

Yeah, right. Vegan cheese to the rescue!

This recipe is a reader request, and I’m so glad I gave it a try.

Vegan cheese has somewhat eluded me since going completely dairy-free. And to be honest, I’m perfectly content with all my dairy-free alternatives, especially now that I have a trusty Vegan Parmesan Cheese recipe (which I put on practically everything these days).

But there is something to be said for a soft cheese. And what better time to try it than now, especially with Valentine’s Day right around the corner?!

This recipe is simple, requiring just 8 ingredients! And the method is easy as well: Soak cashews, blend with seasonings to flavor, wrap in cheesecloth to absorb liquid, and chill – that’s it!

This cheese does involve a bit of planning ahead, since it requires soaking cashews and then chilling your cheese. But the prep is so simple and quick that it’s one of those recipes that happens in the background while you’re doing other things.

So, where does the flavor come from? Good question.

Minced garlic and garlic powder add ‘zing’ and depth;

Lemon zest adds tart and brightness;

Lemon juice adds acidity;

Nutritional yeast adds cheesiness;

Salt adds flavor and, you know, saltiness.

Once it’s done chilling in the fridge, unwrap and coat with fresh dill. Serious yum, and so flavorful.

I hope you all love this cheese! It’s:

Creamy

Soft

Cheesy

Savory

Garlicky

Lemony

Herb-infused

& Entirely delicious

This would make the perfect cheese for a party or a romantic night in for two (cheese, wine, chocolate, strawberries, anyone?). Though it’s best chilled, it does well for a couple hours out of the refrigerator, and keeps for almost a week when properly stored, so you can keep enjoying it for days.

Spread it on crackers, vegetables, and sandwiches. Dollop it on top of soups. Add it to salads, pastas, and everything in between – you can’t go wrong.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a picture #minimalistbaker on Instagram. We’d love to see what you come up with. Cheers, friends!