Mustard Free Dairy Free Cashew Cheese Ball
Party appetizers can be a minefield when you're avoiding mustard, since so many store-bought dips, spreads, and cheese logs sneak it in through spice blends or prepared condiments. This cashew-based cheese ball keeps things clean and completely mustard-free while still delivering the rich, tangy, savory flavor you want on a cracker. Soaking the raw cashews before blending is the key step — it transforms them into an impossibly smooth, creamy base that genuinely mimics the texture of a classic cheese ball. Nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika layer in depth and a subtle sharpness that makes every bite feel indulgent. The pecan, chive, and parsley coating adds crunch and a pop of color that looks stunning on a serving board. It firms up beautifully in the fridge, so you can make it ahead and just roll it in the coating right before guests arrive. Serve it with crackers or sliced vegetables and watch it disappear faster than anything else 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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