MSG Free Dairy Free Cashew Cheese Ball
Cheese balls are the kind of party centerpiece that disappear fast, and this cashew-based version is creamy, tangy, and genuinely impressive — nobody will miss the dairy. Soaking the raw cashews softens them enough to blend into a silky, scoopable base that holds its shape beautifully after a stint in the fridge. Nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of smoked paprika layer in that savory, complex flavor without relying on any processed flavor enhancers — which means you know exactly what's going into every bite. The pecan, chive, and parsley coating adds a satisfying crunch and a pop of fresh color that makes it look like it came from a fancy cheese shop. It's a smart choice for anyone who wants to skip the ingredient anxiety that comes with store-bought dips and spreads, since every component here is whole and straightforward. Serve it with crackers or sliced vegetables and watch it become the most-talked-about thing on the table.
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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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