Sesame Free Dairy Free Cashew Cheese Ball
Creamy, tangy, and rolled in a gorgeous pecan-and-herb crust, this plant-based cheese ball is the kind of appetizer that disappears fast at any gathering. Soaking raw cashews until soft and then blending them with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar creates a surprisingly rich, cheesy base that holds its shape beautifully after a stint in the fridge. A hint of smoked paprika and garlic powder gives it real depth, so nobody at the table will feel like they're missing out on anything. The coating of finely chopped pecans, fresh chives, and parsley adds a satisfying crunch and a pop of color that makes it look like it came straight from a fancy cheese shop. For anyone navigating sesame-free eating, this recipe is a natural fit — every ingredient is straightforward, with no tahini, sesame oil, or hidden sesame lurking in the mix. Serve it with crackers or sliced vegetables and watch it become the centerpiece of the snack spread.
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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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