Benefits of Homemade Vegan Cheese

Making cheese at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, so you can avoid preservatives and additives often found in store-bought alternatives. It also lets you customize flavours to your liking, from sharp cheddar to delicate brie. On top of that, homemade vegan cheese tends to be more cost-effective and cuts down on packaging waste, making it a more eco-friendly choice. While the cookbook focuses on taste and technique, many readers find the cheese-making process itself both rewarding and creative. Additionally, homemade cheese can be tailored to dietary needs, such as nut-free or soy-free variations, using seeds or tofu as a base. The ability to control the level of salt, fat, and acidity means you can create a cheese that perfectly suits your palate and health goals.

What Is This Cheese is Nuts! All About?

If you've ever craved a creamy, tangy cheese but wanted to skip the dairy, Julie Piatt's This Cheese is Nuts! might be exactly what you need. This cookbook brings the art of vegan cheese-making into your home kitchen with a straightforward, flavour-first approach. It covers everything you need to create delicious, dairy-free cheeses using whole food ingredients like nuts, seeds, and natural ferments. Piatt’s recipes prove that you can enjoy rich, satisfying cheese without any animal products—whether you’re a lifelong vegan or simply curious about plant-based options. The book also includes tips for selecting the best ingredients and troubleshooting common issues, making it accessible for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Key Ingredients for Vegan Cheese Making

The recipes in This Cheese is Nuts! rely on a variety of plant-based staples. Nuts such as cashews, almonds, and macadamias provide a creamy base and healthy fats. Nutritional yeast adds that signature cheesy flavour, while agar agar helps set softer cheeses. Aquafaba (the liquid from cooked chickpeas) can create light, airy textures, and fermented elements like rejuvelac or probiotic capsules develop complex, tangy notes. These ingredients let you replicate the taste and mouthfeel of traditional cheese without any dairy. For those with nut allergies, the book offers alternatives using seeds like sunflower or hemp, as well as tofu-based recipes. The key is to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite textures and flavours.

How to Use This Cookbook

This Cheese is Nuts! is organized to guide you from beginner to confident cheese maker. Early chapters cover foundational techniques and equipment, such as high-speed blenders, cheese moulds, and culturing methods. Later sections offer recipes for soft cheeses, hard cheeses, spreads, and even whole cheese platters. Each recipe includes clear instructions and tips for success, along with pairing suggestions for wines, fruits, and crackers—making it a great resource for entertaining guests. The book also provides guidance on how to store your creations, with most cheeses lasting one to two weeks in the fridge. Fermented varieties can keep even longer, developing deeper flavours over time.

Who Is This Cookbook For?

This cookbook is ideal for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone curious about plant-based cooking. It also appeals to food lovers who enjoy experimenting with fermentation and artisanal techniques. Whether you are lactose intolerant or simply want to reduce dairy consumption, This Cheese is Nuts! gives you the tools to create satisfying, gourmet cheese at home. The recipes are designed to be approachable, requiring minimal special equipment, and the clear instructions make it easy to achieve professional-quality results. It's a wonderful addition to any kitchen library, especially for those who love entertaining or want to impress guests with homemade cheese boards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special equipment?

Most recipes require basic kitchen tools like a high-speed blender, cheesecloth, and moulds. Some recipes call for a dehydrator or cheese press, but alternatives are provided. The book emphasizes that you can start with simple equipment and upgrade as you become more experienced.

Are the recipes nut-free?

Since the title emphasizes nut cheeses, many recipes do contain nuts. However, there are options using seeds or tofu for those with nut allergies. The book includes a dedicated section for nut-free alternatives, so everyone can enjoy homemade vegan cheese.

How long does the cheese last?

Homemade vegan cheese typically keeps for 1–2 weeks in the refrigerator, depending on the recipe. Some fermented cheeses can last longer, and the book provides specific storage tips for each variety to maximize freshness and flavour.

Can I use these recipes for a cheese platter?

Absolutely! The book includes a whole chapter on cheese platters and pairings, with suggestions for wines, fruits, crackers, and condiments. It's designed to help you create impressive spreads for parties or special occasions.

Embracing the art of vegan cheese-making opens up a world of culinary creativity. With This Cheese is Nuts!, you'll discover that plant-based cheese can be just as indulgent and satisfying as its dairy counterpart, while being kinder to animals and the planet.