Vegan Feta Cheese

Another day in the den and another vegan cheese recipe. This vegan feta cheese is a versatile addition to your plant-based kitchen. By using a combination of wholesome ingredients, we’ve created a cheese that’s not only delicious but also nutritious and satisfying. This dairy-free alternative captures the essence of traditional feta cheese with its rich flavor and crumbly texture. We’re adding this recipe to our vegan cheese collection, which already features  Vegan Mozzarella,  vegan cheddar cheese, vegan sweet cream cheese, vegan herbed cheese, vegan Pepper Jack Cheese, and smoked gouda. This dairy-free cheese alternative is also nut-free.

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Ingredients for the Vegan Feta Cheese:

The Vegan Feta Cheese Base

1. Firm Tofu: Firm tofu serves as the base for our vegan feta cheese, providing a neutral flavor and a creamy texture. It’s the perfect canvas for absorbing the tangy and savory flavors of the other ingredients.
2. Water: Water helps to thin out the mixture and achieve the desired consistency for the cheese. It also aids in blending the ingredients together smoothly, ensuring a creamy and uniform texture.
3. Refined Coconut Oil: Refined coconut oil adds richness and creaminess to the cheese, mimicking the texture of traditional feta cheese. When melted, it helps to bind the ingredients together and solidify the cheese when chilled.
4. Salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the flavor of the cheese and balancing its tanginess. It adds depth and complexity to the overall taste profile, replicating the savory notes of authentic feta cheese.
5. Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These aromatic spices contribute to the savory flavor profile of the cheese, adding depth and complexity. They complement the tanginess of the other ingredients and help to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
6. Tahini: Tahini adds richness and creaminess to the plant-based feta cheese, while also imparting a subtle nutty flavor. It enhances the overall texture and mouthfeel, making the cheese more indulgent and satisfying.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides the characteristic tanginess of dairy-free feta cheese, adding a bright and zesty flavor to the cheese. It helps to balance the richness of the other ingredients and create a more authentic taste experience.
8. Agar Agar Powder: Agar agar powder acts as a vegan-friendly alternative to gelatin and helps to set the cheese into a firm and sliceable block. When dissolved in water and heated, it forms a gel-like substance that gives the cheese its structure and consistency.

The Marinate

1. Olive Oil: Olive oil forms the base of the marinade, infusing the feta cheese with rich, savory flavor. It also helps to preserve the cheese and create a luscious, mouthwatering texture.
2. Dried Thyme and Dried Oregano: Dried thyme and oregano add aromatic herbal notes to the marinade, enhancing its flavor profile. They contribute depth and complexity to the overall taste experience, complementing the creamy texture of the cheese.
3. Garlic: Garlic adds a bold, savory flavor to the marinade, infusing the feta cheese with its aromatic essence. It provides depth and complexity, elevating the overall taste of the cheese.
4. Lemon Juice and White Vinegar: Lemon juice and white vinegar provide acidity to the marinade, balancing the richness of the olive oil and enhancing the flavor of the feta cheese. They add brightness and freshness, complementing the savory herbs and spices.
5. Agave Syrup: Agave syrup adds a touch of sweetness to the marinade, balancing the acidity of the lemon juice and vinegar. It helps to round out the flavors and create a harmonious taste profile.
6. Salt and Pepper: A pinch of salt and pepper to taste enhances the overall flavor of the marinade, adding depth and complexity. They help to balance the other ingredients and ensure a well-seasoned finish to the dairy-free feta cheese.

The Method for the Vegan Feta Cheese:

The Vegan Feta Cheese Base:

To make our vegan feta cheese, we just need to follow a few simple steps:

In a food processor, add in the tofu, coconut oil, tahini, apple cider vinegar, agar powder, salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and water. Puree everything until all the ingredients are well combined.

Pour the mixture into a saucepan on low heat, and whisk for about 7 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth.

Grease a rectangle glass container (this will help cut the cheese into cubes) and pour in the plant-based feta cheese mixture making sure to smooth out the top to even it out.

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 cut in into small cubes.

The Marinate

In a mason jar or salad dressing shaker, add the vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, thyme, oregano, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Close the lid and give the marinate a good shake to incorporate the ingredients.

Add the cubed plant-based feta pieces into the jar and let it soak up all of the marinate. The longer the cheese stays in the marinate the longer it absorb the flavors. You can store this Vegan Feta Cheese in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days.

Watch the Recipe Detailed Video on YouTube