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Vegan Garlic and Herb Cheese Recipe

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4 from 1 review

This Vegan Cheese with Garlic and Herbs is a creamy, flavorful plant-based cheese made from coconut milk, agar agar, and aromatic herbs. Perfectly set and deliciously garlicky, this homemade vegan cheese is easy to prepare on the stovetop and ideal for slicing or spreading. It’s a great dairy-free alternative that can enhance your vegan or vegetarian dishes with a smooth, cheesy texture and vibrant herbal notes.

Ingredients

Vegan Cheese Ingredients

  • 1 (13.5 oz) can full fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons agar agar (powder or 6 tablespoons flakes)
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence (or other dried herbs of choice)
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 spray oil (for the glass container)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Molds: Spray a glass bowl or container with spray oil or rub it with a neutral-flavored oil to prevent the cheese from sticking. This recipe will yield about 2 cups of vegan cheese.
  2. Pour Coconut Milk: Empty the can of coconut milk into a medium saucepan to start heating.
  3. Add Hot Water: Fill the empty coconut milk can with 1/2 cup of hot water to loosen any remaining coconut cream. Add this water to the saucepan with the coconut milk.
  4. Add Remaining Ingredients: To the saucepan, add salt, nutritional yeast, agar agar, lemon juice, herbs de Provence, and minced garlic. Whisk all ingredients thoroughly until combined.
  5. Boil the Mixture: Turn the heat to medium and continuously whisk the mixture until it comes to a boil.
  6. Simmer and Stir: Reduce heat so the mixture is barely boiling and continuously stir for about 6 minutes until the mixture becomes very smooth and slightly thickens.
  7. Pour into Molds: Immediately transfer the hot cheese mixture into the prepared glass molds or bowls.
  8. Cool and Set: Let the mixture cool uncovered at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Then cover it and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up completely.
  9. Store: Once fully set and cooled, cover the cheese and store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It will keep fresh for up to one week.

Notes

  • Use agar agar powder or flakes depending on availability; flakes require longer to dissolve so adjust stirring time accordingly.
  • For stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the amount of minced garlic or use roasted garlic for a milder taste.
  • This cheese is best served chilled and can be sliced or spread on crackers, sandwiches, or salads.
  • If your coconut milk is separated, stir thoroughly before heating to ensure smooth consistency.
  • Be sure to stir constantly during boiling to prevent burning or clumping.