Vegan Cashew Boursin Cheese (Oil-free, 5 ingredients)

4.88 from 39 votes

on Oct 02, 2019, Updated Dec 07, 2024

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Vegan cashew Boursin cheese is a spreadable garlic and herb cheese. It is also oil-free, Paleo, soy-free, yeast-free, and made with 5 ingredients.

vegan cashew boursin cheese on a piece of parchment paper, atop a marble cutting board

I won’t be trite and proclaim that there are two types of eaters in the world. Nevertheless, some of us do seem to prefer grazing all day, while others favor three square meals at set times.

I am an unequivocal grazer. A nibble of bread and hummus an hour after breakfast? Yes. Apple slices and peanut butter 30 minutes after lunch? Sure thing. Squares of dark chocolate here and there? Sounds right to me.

I love a sweet treat as much as anyone, but savory dips and spreads rank much higher on my list of grazing preferences most days. Today’s recipe may be my new ultimate: Cashew Boursin (Spreadable Garlic & Herb Cheese).

herbed vegan spreadable cheese made out of cashews on a colorful napkin

Healthful Features of Vegan Cashew Boursin
Ingredients for Cashew Boursin
How to Make Vegan Cashew Boursin Cheese
Step One: Quick-Soak the Cashews
Step Two: Blend the Cashews & Remaining Ingredients
Step Three: Transfer Cheese to Small Bowl
Step Four: Add the Herbs
Storage for the Cheese
How Should I Serve the Vegan Cashew Boursin Cheese?
FAQ
More Delicious & Easy Vegan Cheese Recipes to Try
Vegan Cashew Boursin Cheese {oil-free, 5-ingredients} Recipe

Healthful Features of Vegan Cashew Boursin

My easy new take on the classic French cheese spread is:

Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
Oil-free
Paleo
Soy-Free
Yeast-free
Gluten-free
Easy
Made with 5 ingredients (plus optional salt)

Ingredients for Cashew Boursin

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post. Toggle between US Customary (volume) and Metric (weights) for preferred measurement option.

Here’s what you need to make it:

raw cashews
nondairy milk
freshly squeezed lemon juice
garlic powder
snipped fresh herbs

You can decide if you would like to add salt.

How to Make Vegan Cashew Boursin Cheese

Note that the complete directions are also in the recipe card below.

Step One: Quick-Soak the Cashews

First up, soak the cashews. Impatient as I am, I prefer a quick soak. Specifically 15 to 20 minutes in boiling water, followed by cool rinse. The cashews always turn out perfectly plump and soft, ready for blending.

If you prefer, I have directions in the recipe notes for soaking the cashews for several hours in cool water to achieve the same results.

a comparison of raw cashews, soaked and unsoaked

Step Two: Blend the Cashews & Remaining Ingredients

Place the drained cashews, milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, and (optional) salt in a small blender (for example, a bullet-style blender) or a small food processor.

Blend away, stopping often to scrape down the bottom and sides of the container. Your goal is maximum creaminess, so take your time. It will take 3 to 4 minutes of stopping and starting, but it is worth it to get a velvety smooth texture.

With this small volume of cheese, blending in a larger blender or processor is not successful; the cashews get stuck under the blade. If you are doubling or tripling the recipe, a regular size blender or food processor will work just fine.

Step Three: Transfer Cheese to Small Bowl

Transfer the cheese to a small bowl and adjust the salt (and/or milk, lemon juice and garlic) to taste.

Last, stir in 3 to 4 tablespoons of fresh herbs (I use a combination of mostly parsley, plus a small amount of rosemary and thyme; I have a note in the recipe for exactly how much I use of each).

Step Four: Add the Herbs

I prefer to stir in the herbs by hand so that they do not get over-processed (no green cheese, please!). It is also easier to add a little bit at a time to get the proportions just right. It’s worth dirtying an extra small bowl!

You can enjoy the cheese spread immediately, but the flavors improve immensely if you allow the cheese to chill completely. The cheese will also become much more firm.

Storage for the Cheese

The cheese can be kept in a small airtight container, for spreading and dipping, or it can be molded into a small container. Line the container with plastic wrap or cheese cloth and then pack in the cheese, smoothing the top. Close the loose ends of the wrap or cloth around the cheese and chill.

When you are ready to indulge, unmold the cheese and dig in!

How Should I Serve the Vegan Cashew Boursin Cheese?

Serve the cheese as you would any other flavored cheese or spread, with bread, crackers, vegetables, and more. You will love this cheese for snacking and light meals. It makes a very impressive appetizer, too. Add cheesemaker to your list of talents :).

Happy snacking, everyone!

FAQ

How should I store the vegan cashew boursin cheese? Store the cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Freezing is not recommended.
What fresh herbs should I use to flavor the cheese, and how much? The amount of herbs will vary depending on the herbs you choose to use. A larger amount of parsely and chives can be used (3 to 4 tablespoons), but more powerful herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, should be added in much smaller portions (1/2 to 1 teaspoon at a time). I like to use 3 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon chopped thyme.
Can I soak the cashews overnight in room temperature water (instead of a quick soak)? Yes! If you prefer, soak the cashews in 2 cups cold water, at room temperature for 8 hours instead of using the quick soak method. Drain and rinse before using. I do not recommend soaking the cashews for longer than 8 hours (they can turn slimy).
Can I use a larger food processor or blender to blend the cheese? Yes, with a modification. I specify a small food processor or blender because the small volume of cheese is difficult to blend in a regular size food processor or blender. If you are making a large batch of the cheese (e.g., double or triple), a regular size food processor or blender will work great.
Can I use fresh garlic in place of the garlic powder? Yes, with a contingency. I like the simplicity of using garlic powder, plus it can be easier to control the pungency of the garlic (fresh garlic can vary in strength). But fresh garlic can be used, too. I do not recommend using raw garlic; the flavor is too strong and grows stronger as the cheese is stored. Instead, blanch the garlic in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes or roast the garlic. I recommend 2 to 4 cloves, to taste.

More Delicious & Easy Vegan Cheese Recipes to Try

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4.88 from 39 votes

Vegan Cashew Boursin Cheese {oil-free, 5-ingredients}

By: Camilla

A plant-based take on Boursin–a spreadable garlic and herb cheese spread–made with cashews. Quick and easy to prepare, it is vegan, Paleo, soy-free and yeast-free.

Prep Time: 10

Inactive Time: 4

Total Time: 4 10

Servings: ounces (228 g)/ 16 servings

Equipment

mini food processor (or a bullet style blender, or immersion blender)

Ingredients

▢ 4 ounces raw cashews, (about 1 cup)
▢ 3.5 tablespoons nondairy milk, (e.g., cashew milk, almond milk
▢ 2.5 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
▢ 2 teaspoons garlic powder
▢ fine sea salt to taste
▢ 3 to 4 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, see notes

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Place the cashews in a mason jar or glass bowl. Add 2 cups (500 mL) boiling water. Let stand for 15 to 20 minutes until very plump. Drain and rinse the cashews.
In a small food processor or handheld blender (i.e., bullet-style blender), process the cashews, milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Stop and scrape the sides and bottom of container multiple times until the mixture is very smooth and creamy-looking (be patient, this will take a good amount of stopping, starting, and scraping–about 3 to 4 minutes).
Scrape the cheese into a small bowl and stir in the herbs, to taste. Adjust the salt to taste.
Spoon into a small round or square dish that has been lined with cheesecloth or plastic wrap. Pack in the cheese and firmly enclose with the wrap or cloth. Refrigerate at least 4 hours until cold and firm.
Remove cheese from form and unmold onto a small plate. Enjoy with vegetables, crackers, bread, and more!

Notes

Storage: Store the cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Freezing is not recommended.

Herbs: The amount of herbs will vary depending on the herbs you choose to use. A larger amount of parsely and chives can be used (3 to 4 tablespoons), but more powerful herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, should be added in much smaller portions (1/2 to 1 teaspoon at a time). I like to use 3 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon chopped thyme.

Overnight Soaking: If you prefer, soak the cashews in 2 cups cold water, at room temperature for 8 hours instead of using the quick soak method. Drain and rinse before using. I do not recommend soaking the cashews for longer than 8 hours (they can turn slimy).

Blending Tip: I specify a small food processor or blender because the small volume of cheese is difficult to blend in a regular size food processor or blender. If you are making a large batch of the cheese (e.g., double or triple), a regular size food processor or blender will work.

Fresh Garlic: I like the simplicity of using garlic powder, but fresh garlic can be used, too. I do not recommend using raw garlic; the flavor is too strong and grows stronger as the cheese is stored. Instead, blanch the garlic in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes or roast the garlic. I recommend 2 to 4 cloves, to taste.

Nutrition

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