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Eat Well Aug. 2. 2022
Eat Well

Classic Cashew Cheese

Aug. 2. 2022
Eat Well
McKel Hill Kooienga, MS, RD

McKel Hill Kooienga, MS, RD

Founder of Nutrition Stripped®

This Classic Cashew Cheese is a delicious alternative to traditional soft cheese spreads made with raw cashews and nutritional yeast for a tasty treat.

Cashew cheese is perfect for those of you wanting an alternative to dairy, or for the adventurous foodies who want to give a new recipe a try. I promise this won’t disappoint — it’s full of flavor and not to mention nutrition from the main ingredients raw cashews and nutritional yeast.

Using the Foundational Five to Create This Classic Cashew Cheese

In case you’re new to the NS Community and the Mindful Nutrition Method, the Foundational Five system is part of how we teach you to build balanced meals. It makes it easy for you to give your body the nourishment you need while having the flexibility to enjoy the foods you love without stressing about food.

The Foundational Five is made up of five elements of nutrition including Protein, Fat, Non-starchy Carbohydrates, Starchy & Sugary Carbohydrates, and the Flavor Factor (which brings vibrancy, deliciousness, and enjoyment to your meals). 

You can download our free guide that walks you through our Foundational Five system for creating balanced meals that you can use to meal prep or cook fresh this week!

Nutritional Yeast Nutrition Benefits

Gives a Boost of Protein 

Nutritional yeast is a great source of plant-based protein. In just two tablespoons, you’re able to get about 8 grams! It’s a delicious way to boost the protein content of dishes. 

Encourages Optimal Energy Utilization

Nutritional yeast is also a wonderful way for plant-based eaters to get their B vitamins in. The B vitamins are essential for a plethora of different functions in the body. One of which includes facilitating enzymes in breaking down macronutrients so the body can utilize energy properly!

Ingredients Needed To Make This Classic Cashew Cheese

  • raw cashews
  • nutritional yeast
  • water
  • lemon juice
  • garlic
  • apple cider vinegar
  • dijon mustard

How To Make This Classic Cashew Cheese

First, soak your raw cashews until they’re soft in texture. Next, simply combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth!

Tips For Making This Classic Cashew Cheese

There are a few tips you should keep in mind to make your cashew cheese even better!

Have Some Fun with Flavor 

You can always add in some additional flavors to your Classic Cashew Cheese to switch things up a bit. Here are some of my favorite combinations!

Prep Some in Advance

This cashew cheese can be added to so many dishes, so it’s best to have it prepped in advance! Make it on a Saturday or Sunday and store it in an airtight glass container in the fridge. That way you can add it to grain bowls, pasta dishes, or even simply use it as a dip! 

FAQ About How To Make This Classic Cashew Cheese

What if I’m allergic to cashews?

Don’t sweat it! You can simply use almonds instead. The texture and taste will be a bit different but you’ll still keep the healthy fats, protein, and a bit of fiber from the nuts used.

Foundational Five Balanced Meal Breakdown

Non-starchy Carbohydrate

  • Add raw cucumbers, peppers, or carrots for dipping

Starchy Carbohydrate

  • Add whole wheat, whole grain, sprouted grain, or gluten-free crackers

Fat

  • Cashews

Protein

  • Cashews
  • Nutritional yeast

Flavor Factor

  • Nutritional yeast
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic
  • White wine
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Salt
  • Pepper

The Recipe

Serves 12

Print

Ingredients:

1 cup raw cashews (soaked)

1/4 cup filtered water

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons white wine (wine you’d drink) or use 1 Tbs. raw apple cider vinegar

1-2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, adjust to taste

Sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Step 1

Simply add all ingredients into your Vitamix or high-speed blender and blend until thick and creamy.

Step 2

It will be the consistency of thawed or stirred cream cheese. This will further harden after it’s been chilled.

Step 3

Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

This recipe is so delicious you may find yourself wanting to consume the whole bowl… use moderation and portion control with this recipe because it is calorie dense from using cashews—but also nutrient dense! Simply use 1-2 Tbs. as a serving or work it into your daily calories, etc. I’m all for flexibility.

Let’s Chat!

Have you ever made cashew cheese before? What would you use this on? Share below, I like hearing what you have to say! Or share on social media with #nutritionstripped.

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Want more? Try these other recipes!

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