Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vegan-Friendly: This cheese ball is completely dairy-free, made with almonds and nutritional yeast, making it perfect for those on a plant-based diet.
- Simple and Quick: With only a few ingredients, this appetizer comes together in just 30 minutes of prep time, making it a great option for last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: Add your own twist with spices like smoked paprika or dried fruits for a hint of sweetness.
- Perfect for Parties: Its impressive look and delicious flavor make it ideal for any social event or family gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw almonds
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (chives or parsley)
- Salt to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
1. Soak the Almonds
- Soak the raw almonds in water for 6-8 hours or overnight. Once soaked, drain and rinse them well.
2. Blend the Ingredients
- In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked almonds, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and your choice of fresh herbs (such as chives or parsley).
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
3. Shape the Cheese Ball
- Using plastic wrap, shape the mixture into a ball. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up.
4. Optional Coating
- Before serving, roll the cheese ball in chopped nuts or additional herbs for extra texture and flavor.
5. Serve
- Serve the chilled almond cheese ball with crackers, fresh veggies, or as part of a charcuterie board.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a sweet touch.
- Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside whole grain crackers, crudités, or as a dip for toasted bread.
- Pair with a glass of white wine or a refreshing sparkling water for a well-rounded appetizer.
FAQs
1. Can I use roasted almonds instead of raw?
Yes, you can use roasted almonds, but be mindful that they might affect the flavor and texture slightly. Raw almonds help maintain a smoother texture for the cheese ball.
2. What if I don’t have nutritional yeast?
If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can substitute with vegan parmesan or ground cashews for a similar cheesy flavor.
3. How long can I store this cheese ball?
You can store leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 5 days.
4. Can I add other spices to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize the flavor by adding spices like smoked paprika, onion powder, or fresh garlic for an extra kick.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this cheese ball is great for make-ahead preparation. Just make it a day before your event, and it will be ready when you need it.
6. Can I freeze the almond cheese ball?
While it is best served fresh, you can freeze the cheese ball. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
7. How do I make this sweeter?
For a sweeter twist, add some dried cranberries or raisins to the mixture or use a bit of maple syrup instead of lemon juice.
8. What herbs are best to use in this recipe?
Chives, parsley, or basil work well. You can even combine them for a more aromatic flavor.
9. Can I serve this cheese ball with something other than crackers?
Yes, try serving it with bread slices, apple slices, or grilled vegetables for a refreshing twist.
10. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Almond Cheese Ball is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
This Delicious Almond Cheese Ball is a perfect appetizer for any occasion. Creamy, nutty, and full of flavor, it’s an easy-to-make and visually impressive dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a simple snack, this vegan cheese ball will steal the show with its unique texture and taste. It’s customizable, easy to prepare, and packed with wholesome ingredients.
So, next time you’re in need of a crowd-pleasing appetizer, reach for this almond cheese ball and enjoy the compliments that come your way!
Delicious Almond Cheese Ball Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 1 cheese ball
Description
Delight your guests with this creamy and nutty Almond Cheese Ball, a vegan-friendly appetizer that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Blending wholesome ingredients like almonds and nutritional yeast, this cheese ball has a rich, cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Ingredients
2 cups raw almonds
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh herbs (chives or parsley)
Salt to taste
Instructions
- Soak the Almonds: Soak the raw almonds in water for 6-8 hours or overnight. Once soaked, drain and rinse them well.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked almonds, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and your choice of fresh herbs (such as chives or parsley). Blend until smooth.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Use plastic wrap to shape the mixture into a ball. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Optional Coating: Before serving, roll the cheese ball in chopped nuts or additional herbs for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the chilled almond cheese ball with crackers, fresh veggies, or as part of a charcuterie board.
Notes
Flavor Variations: Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
