Oats Free Dairy Free Cashew Cheese Ball
This creamy, crowd-pleasing appetizer proves that a showstopping cheese ball doesn't need a single drop of dairy to earn its place at the center of the table. Soaked raw cashews blended with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of smoked paprika create a surprisingly rich, tangy base that mimics the savory depth of a classic cheese ball beautifully. The mixture gets chilled until firm, then rolled in a fragrant coating of finely chopped pecans, fresh chives, and parsley — giving every slice that satisfying crunch and herby brightness. Every ingredient here is naturally free of oats, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden grain-based fillers sneaking into your spread. It's elegant enough for a holiday party but simple enough to throw together on a weeknight, and it keeps in the fridge for up to three days if you want to get ahead. Serve it alongside crackers or sliced vegetables and watch it disappear faster than you'd expect from something so effortlessly wholesome.
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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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