THE BASICS: HOMEMADE VEGAN CHEDDAR CHEESE [AND GRILLED CHEESE] | PLANTIFULLY BASED

cashews

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: tofu

Sunflower seeds are often less expensive and can provide a similar creamy texture.

nutritional yeast

🥗Healthier: brewer's yeast

💰Cheaper: dried cheese powder

Brewer's yeast is a healthier option with similar flavor, while dried cheese powder can be cheaper.

coconut oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Olive oil is a healthier fat, while vegetable oil is often more affordable.

Soak red lentils in water for about 5 minutes to remove dirt and starch.

Drain the lentils and place them in a medium-sized saucepan with 1.5 cups of water.

Boil the lentils on medium-high heat for about 20 minutes until they turn mushy and pale yellow, with the water evaporated.

In a blender, add 1/4 cup of unsweetened non-dairy milk and the cooked lentils. Blend for 30 to 45 seconds until thick and smooth.

Add another 1/4 cup of non-dairy milk, 2 tablespoons of tapioca flour, 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt to the blender. Squeeze in a little lemon juice.

Blend again for about 45 seconds until well incorporated and pourable. If too thick, add another tablespoon of non-dairy milk.

Transfer the mixture to a stove over medium heat and stir frequently for about 5 minutes until it thickens and becomes gooey.

Let the cheese cool slightly; it will thicken more as it cools.

To make a grilled cheese, melt some vegan butter and mix in garlic powder to coat the bread.

Spread about a quarter of the vegan cheddar cheese on one slice of plain white bread, then top with another slice.

Butter the second slice before placing it in the pan, and spray the pan with cooking spray.

Cook the sandwich on low heat until golden and toasty, flipping as needed to achieve desired crispiness.

Cut the grilled cheese on a diagonal before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens