Vegan Mozzarella Cheese from Cashews

Prep: 3 minCook: 5 min4 servingsmediumvegan
Vegan Mozzarella Cheese from Cashews

Creamy cashew-based vegan mozzarella made in a blender and stovetop. Hot water and tapioca starch create a stretchy, mozzarella-like texture that forms threads when whisked over medium-high heat. Ready in minutes for pizzas, pastas, or fresh preparations.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • ¼ cup raw cashews
    blanched almonds1:1nut-based

    similar creaminess, slightly different flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup water, hot
  • 1 small clove garlic
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    white vinegar3/4acid

    similar acidity and tang

    Full guide →
  • 7 teaspoon tapioca starch
    cornstarch1:1thickening-agent

    similar stretching properties

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Add cashews, hot water, garlic, salt, lemon juice, and tapioca starch to a high-powered blender.

  2. 2

    Blend until creamy and smooth with no cashew pieces remaining.

  3. 3

    Transfer mixture to a small saucepan over medium-high heat.

  4. 4

    Whisk vigorously and continuously, scraping the sides often to prevent clumping.

  5. 5

    Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and begins forming threads similar to mozzarella cheese, slightly thicker than strings.

  6. 6

    Remove from heat once satisfied with thickness and thread formation.

  7. 7

    Transfer to a glass bowl and cool. Use immediately or refrigerate for later.

Tips

Tip 1

Use a high-powered blender like Vitamix for smoothest results

Tip 2

Continuous whisking prevents clumping and ensures proper texture development

Tip 3

Watch for thread formation to determine doneness rather than relying on time

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days. Can be reheated gently over low heat.

Make Ahead

Prepare up to 5 days ahead and store in refrigerator. Reheat gently before use if desired.

Serve With

Use fresh or slightly warm. Suitable for pizza, pasta, or other dishes requiring mozzarella.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not stop whisking to avoid clumping and uneven texture

Watch

Do not use a standard blender instead of high-powered to avoid grainy texture

Substitutions

raw cashews
blanched almonds1:1nut-based

similar creaminess, slightly different flavor

Full guide →
lemon juice
white vinegar3/4acid

similar acidity and tang

Full guide →
tapioca starch
cornstarch1:1thickening-agent

similar stretching properties

Full guide →
tapioca starch
arrowroot powder1:1thickening-agent

similar texture, slightly less stretchy

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →