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Vegan Queso Fresco (crumble-style cheese)
4.9 from 183 votes

Vegan Queso Fresco (crumble-style cheese)

This vegan queso fresco imitates crumbly, fresh cheese texture using soaked almonds, lemon juice, salt, nutritional yeast, water, and agar agar powder. The almonds are processed to a fluffy consistency with some texture before cooking with agar agar to set the cheese. Once chilled, the result is a firm, sliceable, vegan cheese alternative ready to crumble or serve.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Additional Time
1 hr 30 mins
Total Time
1 hr 50 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 115 kcal
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond raw slivered skin-free, soaked overnight or quick-soaked in hot water for 1 hour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¾ teaspoon salt fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon agar agar powder

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Drain the soaked almonds. Place in a food processor with the lemon juice, salt, nutritional yeast, and water. Process until light and fluffy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. It's okay to maintain a small amount of almond texture. Add the agar powder to the processor and pulse several times to incorporate.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a small sauce pan. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, whisking or stirring constantly. When you see some bubbling and know the mixture has reached boiling temperature, remove from heat and transfer to ramekins or a small bowl.
  3. Refrigerate until ready to use. Your almond queso fresco will be set and ready to use in about 30 minutes. 

Notes

  • This vegan queso fresco can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To freeze, wrap the cheese well to prevent air exposure; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories 115kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 5g (2%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 0mg (0%) Sodium 290mg (12%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 0IU (0%) Vitamin C 1.7mg (2%) Calcium 50mg (5%) Iron 0.7mg (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 115

% Daily Value*

Calories 115kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 290mg 12%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 0IU 0%
Vitamin C 1.7mg 2%
Calcium 50mg 5%
Iron 0.7mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.