Vegan Smoked Gouda

Today, we’re adding yet another cheese to our plant-based cheese collection, which already includes Vegan Mozzarella,  vegan cheddar cheese, vegan sweet cream cheese, vegan herbed cheese, vegan Pepper Jack Cheese. We’re delving into the realm of rich and smoky flavors with our recipe for Vegan Smoked Gouda Cheese. We’ve managed to maintained the creamy texture and robust taste of traditional smoked gouda. Plus as most our other firm plant-based cheeses, it grates, slices and melts to perfection.

Ingredients for the Vegan Smoked Gouda:

1. Raw Cashews: Boiled cashews serve as the creamy base of our vegan Smoked Gouda, providing a luxurious texture and rich flavor. Softening them makes them easier to blend into a smooth consistency, ensuring a velvety mouthfeel in the final product.
2. Soy Milk: Unsweetened and unflavored soy milk adds additional creaminess to the cheese while also contributing to its protein content. It helps to achieve the desired texture and consistency without overwhelming the other flavors.
3. Refined Coconut Oil: Coconut oil lends a subtle coconut flavor and helps solidify the cheese when chilled. Its high fat content provides richness and mouthfeel, mimicking the qualities of traditional dairy-based gouda cheese.
4. Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds acidity and brightness to the cheese, balancing the richness of the cashews and coconut oil. It also helps to activate the agar agar powder, ensuring proper setting of our plant-based cheese.
5. Liquid Smoke: Liquid smoke imparts that signature smoky flavor characteristic of smoked gouda cheese. Just a touch adds depth and complexity to the cheese, replicating the authentic taste of its dairy counterpart.
6. Vegan Worcestershire Sauce: Vegan Worcestershire sauce adds savory umami notes and a hint of tanginess to the cheese. It enhances the overall flavor profile and adds depth to the smoky and savory elements. I like Annie’s vegan Worcestershire.
7. Mesquite Seasoning: Mesquite seasoning provides an additional layer of smokiness and complexity to the vegan Smoked Gouda cheese, intensifying its flavor profile. It adds depth and richness, enhancing the overall taste experience.
8. Tahini: Tahini contributes to the creamy texture of the cheese while also imparting a subtle nutty flavor. It adds richness and depth to the cheese, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
9. Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and enhances the umami notes of the cheese. It is a staple ingredient in vegan cheese-making, adding depth and complexity to the final product.
10. Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These aromatic spices add savory undertones to the cheese, enhancing its flavor profile and adding depth. They help to create a well-rounded and balanced cheese with layers of complexity.
11. Salt: Salt brings out the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to balance the overall taste of the cheese. It adds depth and complexity, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
12. Tapioca Starch: Tapioca starch acts as a thickening agent, helping to bind the ingredients together and create a smooth, creamy texture. It also contributes to the stretchiness and meltability of the cheese when heated.
13. Agar Agar Powder: Agar agar powder is a vegan-friendly alternative to gelatin and helps to set the cheese into a firm, sliceable block. When dissolved in water and heated, it forms a gel-like substance that gives the plant-based smoked gouda cheese its structure and consistency.

The Method:

As it is the case for most of our firm vegan cheeses, begin by boiling the raw cashews in water for about 5 minutes to soften them. Drain and set aside.

In a blender, combine the softened cashews, soy milk, refined coconut oil, lemon juice, Tahini, liquid smoke, vegan Worcestershire sauce, Mesquite Seasoning, Nutritional Yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

In a small saucepan, dissolve the agar agar powder in water over low heat, stirring constantly until completely dissolved.

Once the agar agar mixture is smooth, pour it into the blender with the cashew mixture. Blend again until everything is well combined.

Then add the cashew mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Pour the cheese mixture into a ramekin container or mold of your choice. Smooth out the top with a spatula. then transfer it to the refrigerator to set for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

Once the cheese has set, carefully remove it from the mold and slice or shred it as desired.

With its rich, smoky flavor and creamy texture, Vegan Smoked Gouda Cheese is sure to become a favorite in your plant-based kitchen. Serve your homemade vegan smoked gouda on sandwiches, crackers, or alongside your favorite dishes. Enjoy the creamy texture and smoky flavor of this dairy-free cheese alternative! Store in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days.

Watch the detailed Recipe Video on YouTube