BEST DAIRY FREE GOAT CHEESE RECIPE - ONE BOWL, NO BLENDER

Looking for the best dairy-free goat cheese recipe with no soaking and no blending required? You've come to the right place! We know real cheese here at Urban Cheesecraft so we will only share delicious recipes that are made of real food - vegan cheeses are no exception. We began offering dairy free cheese kits, books and recipes on our website back in 2016 after receiving requests from our students and customers, but also our own family members and friends looking for good substitutes. 

What is our secret to making this a one bowl, easy recipe? Blanched almond flour! You don’t need a blender; you don’t need to soak nuts or seeds. It can be made at the last minute and save you when you just don’t have a satisfying protein for yourself or a dairy free loved one.

This recipe is wonderful with homegrown or purchased herbs, though it can get spendy to buy all of these. Never fear, you can also use dry herbs, but you must cut the amounts down to 1/2 teaspoon of each. Feel free to experiment with other herbs you have at home or even herb blends like Herbs de Provence, Fine Herbes or even an Italian herb blend. 

We love DIY and saving money here so keep reading after the recipe for some tips on growing your own herbs! Our garden is currently bursting with spring herbs so we can’t help but pass on some herb garden inspiration. 

Best Dairy-Free Goat Cheese Recipe

The process is simple and yields a delicious, creamy cheese that rivals traditional goat cheese and makes an excellent substitute.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups blanched almond flour (or finely ground sunflower seed flour for nut allergies)
• 1/2 cup water or unsweetened dairy free yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to your taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• ⅛ teaspoon finely ground white pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix the Base: In a bowl, combine almond flour, water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, and sea salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.
2. Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Fold in the chopped fresh herbs and stir until herbs are evenly distributed.
3. Use or Refrigerate: If you will use this cheese as an ingredient, it is ready. We do recommend just 15 minutes of resting so the almond flour fully hydrates. If you would like to shape it for a cheese platter, place the cheese in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to hydrate and firm up. For a firmer texture and best herb and garlic flavor, leave it overnight.
4. Optional - Shape the Cheese: Line a ramekin or other small round container with plastic wrap or paper towel. Scoop the mixture into the ramekin. Press the top with a spoon or fingertips to shape it into a cheese round. 
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once set, remove the cheese from the ramekin and transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Dairy-free cheese is a great option for those with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance and vegan or dairy free diets but even if you eat dairy having a good non-dairy recipe is also very helpful for cooking for and hosting friends and family with mixed diets. 

This vegan goat cheese recipe is inspired by Urban Cheesecraft founder and cheesemaker Claudia Lucero's book, One Hour Dairy-Free Cheese.

Our dairy-free goat cheese made with blanched almond flour and fresh garden herbs offers a creamy, flavorful experience that's delicious, convenient and pretty much instant. It’s a great recipe to have in your back pocket. This cheese can be easily used as an ingredient on a salad or to fill pasta shells for example, but with the addition of some flavorful herbs, it can look beautiful on a cheese platter.  

Fresh herbs can play a crucial role in making dairy-free cheese taste like the real deal by adding layers of vibrant aromas and flavors that are familiar yet exciting.

A Cheesemaker’s Garden

Fresh herbs can significantly elevate the flavor profile of dairy-free cheese, making it more appealing and authentic. Herbs like basil, chives, parsley, thyme, and rosemary not only add freshness but also provide a burst of natural flavor that complements the creamy texture of almond-based cheese.

If you enjoy this cheese as much as we know you will, and you plan on making more, growing your own herbs at home is easy and rewarding. The inexpensive supply through the seasons will allow you to enjoy the freshest ingredients right from your garden for a fraction of the cost. 

 Growing Fresh Herbs at Home

Cultivating your own herbs ensures a steady supply of fresh ingredients for your dairy and dairy less cheeses. Here are some basic growing tips for the most commonly used herbs:

1. Basil: Plant in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Water regularly, but don’t overdo it.
2. Chives: Thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. These perennials are low maintenance and come back year after year.
3. Parsley: Prefers slightly moist soil and partial shade. It’s a biennial, providing leaves in the first year and flowers in the second.
4. Thyme: Needs well-drained soil and full sun. A hardy perennial that requires minimal care.
5. Rosemary: Requires full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant and perfect for low-maintenance gardens.

Starting with these herbs will give you a vibrant, aromatic selection to enhance your dairy-free cheese and other dishes.

Try our DIY Dairy-Free Wheels Kit and Sauces Kits for ingredients, and Claudia’s book, One Hour Cheese Dairy Free Cheese for more ideas and recipes.