Description
This Vegan Provolone cheese recipe creates a smooth, firm plant-based cheese using coconut milk and agar agar to achieve the perfect sliceable texture. Flavored with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and garlic powder, it offers a delightful dairy-free alternative that’s easy to make and perfect for adding a cheesy touch to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
Vegan Provolone Cheese Ingredients
- 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk (full-fat)
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 2 tablespoons agar agar powder (or 6 tablespoons agar agar flakes)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Molds: Spray a glass bowl or container with spray oil or rub a neutral-flavored oil on the molds to prevent sticking. This recipe yields about 2 cups of cheese.
- Combine Coconut Milk: Pour the full can of coconut milk into a saucepan.
- Add Hot Water: Fill the empty coconut milk can with 1/2 cup of hot water to melt remaining coconut milk residue, then add the water to the saucepan.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add 2 tablespoons agar agar powder, 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 1 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder to the saucepan and whisk to combine.
- Boil the Mixture: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture boils.
- Simmer and Activate Agar: Reduce heat to maintain a very gentle boil and stir constantly for 6 minutes until the mixture is very smooth. This boiling step is crucial to activate the agar agar for proper setting.
- Pour into Molds: Immediately pour the hot cheese sauce into the prepared molds.
- Cool and Set: Let the mixture cool uncovered at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firmly set.
Notes
- Ensure the mixture boils for the full 6 minutes to properly activate the agar agar.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the best creamy texture.
- Neutral-flavored oil like grapeseed or vegetable oil works best for greasing molds.
- Can be sliced and used similarly to traditional provolone cheese once set.
- Store leftover vegan cheese covered in the refrigerator and consume within 5-7 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dairy-Free Cheese
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
