Easy Crowd-Pleasing Vegan Smoked Cheese Ball Appetizer 🧀🎉
Ingredients:
For the Cheese Ball:
1.5 cups (225g) raw cashews, soaked 4+ hours or boiled 10 mins
1/4 cup (60ml) water or unsweetened plant milk
1/4 cup (35g) nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons refined coconut oil, softened but not melted
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1.5 teaspoons liquid smoke
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
For Coating (Choose one or mix):
1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives
2 tablespoons sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning
Directions:
1. Drain the soaked cashews thoroughly.
2. In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the drained cashews, water/plant milk, nutritional yeast, softened coconut oil, lemon juice, liquid smoke, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and smoked paprika.
3. Blend until very smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. The mixture should be quite thick.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.
5. Transfer the cashew cheese mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm enough to handle and shape.
6. While the cheese chills, prepare your coating(s) by placing them on a plate or shallow dish. Toast nuts if using.
7. Once chilled and firm, scoop the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use the wrap/paper to help you form it into a ball shape.
8. Unwrap the cheese ball and gently roll it in your chosen coating(s) until evenly covered. Press lightly to adhere.
9. Place the coated cheese ball back in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up slightly before serving.
10. Serve with crackers, vegetable sticks, or bread.
Recipe Information:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes (+ 4 hours soaking/chilling) | Cooking Time: 0 minutes (plus optional nut toasting) | Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes | Calories per Serving: Approx. 200 (varies with coating) | Number of Servings: 8-10
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