Vegan Cheese Ball
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Category
Appetizers, Party Recipes, Holiday Recipes, Sides, Vegan
Servings
14
Prep Time
5 hours
Calories
195
A classic at holidays and family events, the cheese ball never goes out of style. Our nutty vegan version gives the original a modern update with no dairy and a delicious ranch flavor.
Primal Kitchen
Ingredients
2 cups raw cashews
boiling water
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
-
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. dried dill (or dried herb of choice)
1/4 tsp. mustard powder
4 ounces vegan cream cheese
1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
Directions
Place cashews in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Let soak for 5–10 minutes.
Drain cashews and place in a food processor with lemon juice, Primal Kitchen Plant Based Ranch, and seasonings. Blend until smooth. Add cream cheese and blend until combined.
Place a clean tea towel in a bowl. Spoon the cheese mixture into the center of the towel. Pull up the ends of the towel and twist tightly, shaping the cheese into a large ball.
Refrigerate the cheese ball (still inside the towel/bowl) overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
When ready to serve, remove the cheese ball from the towel. Roll the cheese ball in the chopped nuts until covered completely.
Serve with raw vegetables, gluten-free crackers or pretzels, or grain-free tortilla chips.
Nutrition
- Calories per serving
- 195
- Carbs
- 8 grams
- Fat
- 17 grams
- Protein
- 5 grams
A more rustic, homespun take on fancier ways to please with cheese (looking at you, charcuterie), the cheese ball is a staple of holiday potlucks and family gatherings. Typically made with a blend of sharp cheddar and cream cheese or another semi-soft cheese shaped into a globe and coated with nuts, cheese balls can also include ranch or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. The ball is then placed on a huge plate scattered with sliced apples or pears, crackers, veggie sticks, or toasted pita triangles for dipping.
Of course, vegans and those avoiding dairy can view the cheese ball as a literal gut bomb. Thankfully, our vegan cheese ball is loaded with the flavor and creamy texture you remember, but without the dairy—so everyone can have a ball with it at your next party.
How to Make a Vegan Cheese Ball
There's nothing particularly difficult about making a vegan cheese ball, but fair warning: it must sit wrapped in a clean tea towel for at least four hours in the refrigerator before it can hold its circular shape. See the recipe below for details.
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