Legume Free Dairy Free Cashew Cheese Ball
This crowd-pleasing appetizer proves that a showstopping party centerpiece doesn't need a single bean, lentil, or pea to deliver serious flavor. Soaked raw cashews are blended with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and warm spices until the mixture is impossibly smooth and creamy — the kind of texture that makes guests do a double-take when you tell them what's actually in it. A long blend in the food processor is the real secret here, breaking down the cashews completely so the result is rich and cohesive rather than grainy. After a chill in the fridge to firm up, the ball gets rolled in a fragrant coating of finely chopped pecans, fresh chives, and parsley that adds crunch, color, and a gorgeous herby finish. It's the sort of dish that looks like you spent hours on it but comes together with pantry staples and a little patience. Serve it with crackers or sliced vegetables for an elegant spread that works for casual snacking or a proper entertaining moment. Make it a day ahead and it only gets better as the flavors meld overnight in the fridge.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
For the cheese ball
- 2 cups raw cashews, soaked in cold water for at least 2 hours, then drained
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 2–3 tbsp water, as needed
For the coating
- ¾ cup pecans, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
For serving
- crackers or sliced vegetables, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Soak the cashews in enough cold water to cover by 2 inches for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight), then drain and rinse well.
- 2
Add the drained cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and smoked paprika to a food processor. Process for 3–4 minutes, scraping down the sides every minute, until the mixture is very smooth and creamy with no visible cashew pieces. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time if needed to help the mixture blend — it should be thick enough to hold a shape, not pourable.
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