Best Vegan Feta Cheese Recipe Dairy-Free

vegan-feta-cheese-recipe

Elevate Your Plant-Based Dishes with This Delicious Vegan Feta Cheese Recipe. Are you looking for a dairy-free alternative to feta cheese? Look no further! Our dairy-free feta recipe is tangy, and salty, and has the perfect crumbly texture.

Perfect for Greek salads, vegan pasta bakes, or any recipe that calls for salty cheese. Give your meals an extra boost of flavor with this easy-to-make feta cheese.  If you’re interested in more homemade plant-based cheese recipes, feel free to explore my complete vegan cheese recipe collection here.

Ingredients and Substitutions for Vegan Feta Cheese

Creating a delicious homemade vegan feta cheese is easier than you might think, and with a few key ingredients and substitutions, you can customize this recipe to your liking. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 14 oz firm tofu, drained: For the best vegan feta, use firm tofu. Silken tofu should not be substituted in this recipe, as it would result in a creamy texture that would not resemble traditional feta cheese.
Tofu soybeans
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup refined coconut oil, melted: Refined coconut oil is preferred for its neutral flavor, and it’s ability to be solid at room temperature.
  • 6 tbsp agar agar flakes (or 2 tbsp agar powder): This helps the cheese set. Tapioca starch can be used as an alternative, but the end result will be a little different.
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice gives a tangy flavor. White vinegar can also be used.
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
olive-oil
  • 2 tsp salt: Adjust to taste.
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1-2 tbsp of nutritional yeast can be added for an extra cheesy flavour. Keep in mind this may alter the color. 
  • 1 tsp of white miso paste may be added for an “aged cheese” flavor. 
  • 1 tsp white vinegar: Adds a sharpness that mimics real feta cheese.

For toppings:

  • Italian spice blend, Greek seasoning blend fresh ground black pepper, Za’atar, or even fresh herbs such as oregano and parsley. 
dry spices dried oregano dry basil garlic powder

Substitutions and Tips

  • Tofu: Press tofu using a tofu press to remove excess liquid. If you don’t have one, wrap the tofu in paper towels and place it under a heavy object on a cutting board. Silken tofu can be used for a smoother texture but will result in a softer cheese.
tofu press bamboo
  • Coconut Oil: If you want to avoid coconut oil, blending raw cashews with hot water in a high-speed blender is a great way to maintain the creaminess.
  • Agar Agar: Tapioca starch can be substituted, but the texture will be slightly different.
  • Seasonings: Customize your cheese with your favorite seasoning blends. Za’atar adds a Middle Eastern flair, while Italian or Greek blends can make the cheese more versatile for vegan recipes like vegan Greek salad.

Instructions and Tips

To make this vegan feta cheese, first press tofu to remove any excess water. In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the pressed tofu, cold water, melted refined coconut oil, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and white vinegar. Blend until smooth.

In a small pot, heat the agar agar flakes with ½ cup of water over medium heat until dissolved. Mix the agar agar solution into the tofu mixture and blend until thoroughly combined. Pour the mixture into a mold or container and let it set in the fridge.

pot on stove

Once set, transfer your homemade vegan feta cheese to an airtight container for storage. For a longer shelf life, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. This great recipe can be used in a variety of tasty recipes, from salads to sandwiches.

This vegan version of feta cheese is a game changer for anyone looking to explore vegan cheese recipes. It’s an awesome recipe that replicates the tangy and crumbly texture of real feta cheese. For a nutritional boost, you can also add chickpea miso to the mixture.

Making your own vegan feta at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you see the end result. It’s one of those vegan recipes that proves you don’t have to miss out on delicious flavors. Enjoy it in your favorite way, and be sure to give it a good shake with your preferred seasonings before serving!

One of my person favorite recipes to use this vegan feta in is a feta pasta bake. 

Easy Vegan Feta Cheese Recipe

The easiest way to make good vegan feta cheese is by using our simple tofu feta recipe. It is made with simple ingredients, and it’s my favourite way to prepare vegan feta.  When I don’t have as much time, I’ll make the easy tofu feta substitute since it requires minimal effort. It’s made by marinating small cubes of extra firm tofu in nutritional yeast, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, white miso paste. Other additions such as dried oregano, and olive brine can be added to enhance the flavor. 

feta cheese block with olive oil

*However, it’s important to note that it will not crumble or have the same texture as this recipe. The easy tofu feta will also not be suitable for a baked feta pasta dish with cherry tomatoes. If you want it to crumble like regular feta, using the recipe card in this article yields the best result. Either one of these tofu recipes is delicious on a classic Greek salad or even on vegan pasta salads. 

Toppings

Once the vegan feta cheese is made, it can be served as is, or topped with a variety of herbs and spices to add even more flavor. Some popular options include Italian spice blend, Greek seasoning blend, dried oregano or za’atar. Personally I think adding fresh herbs such as oregano on top takes this dairy-free cheese to the next level. 

parsley fresh woman chopping

What Is Agar Agar Powder?

Agar agar powder is a vegan substitute for gelatin, derived from marine red algae. It comes in the form of Agar agar powder is a vegan substitute for gelatin, derived from marine red algae. When purchased It comes in the form of flakes or powder and is a great thickener.

It is the key ingredient in this dairy free feta recipe, and it’s important to note that agar agar flakes are less potent than agar agar powder. This key ingredient changes the texture of the tofu making the cheese firm, and able to crumble up like the real thing. It can be found in the health isle of your grocery store, or in a specialty health food store. 

white powder with scoop

Is Regular Or Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil Okay For The Vegan Feta?

When making this vegan feta recipe, it is important to use refined coconut oil rather than cold-pressed coconut oil. Refined coconut oil is specifically chosen for this recipe as it will not impart any coconut flavor to the cheese and has the ideal consistency for making vegan cheese. Additionally, it’s essential to note that one tablespoon of agar flakes can be substituted with 1 tsp of agar powder. This ingredient can be found at most health food stores or easily ordered online on Amazon.

coconut oil with wooden spoon and whole coconuts

Helpful Tools

feta cheese on salad

How to Make This Vegan Feta Cheese Recipe

  1. Begin by draining all the water from the tofu and adding it to a high-powered blender along with garlic and onion powder, lemon juice, salt, olive oil, vinegar, coconut oil, agar agar powder or flakes, and water. Blend everything until it becomes smooth. You might need to use a blender tool to push down the mixture while it’s blending. If you melt the coconut oil before adding it to the blender, it makes the blending process a little easier.
  2. Next, pour the blended mixture into a pot on medium heat. Stir constantly to ensure that the mixture doesn’t burn. Once the cheese mixture begins to bubble or boil, continue cooking it for another 2-3 minutes.
  3. Remove the pot from heat and pour the plant-based vegan feta mixture into a heat-safe dish that has been lightly oiled. You can use a Pyrex glass baking dish measuring 6×8 or any other similar dish. Smooth out the mixture using the back of your spatula to get it into a nice, even shape.
  4. Now, add your preferred spice blend of choice, sprinkling it evenly on top of the cheese mixture.
  5. Allow the dairy-free feta cheese to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours.
  6. Once the cheese has fully cooled, use a knife to cut it into squares, cubes, or whatever shape you like your feta. You can then crumble it up on top of your favourite dish and enjoy!
Vegan Feta Cheese Recipe

Making your own vegan feta cheese is a fun and easy process that will allow you to enjoy a dairy-free alternative that is just as tasty as the original. This recipe is perfect for vegans, those with lactose intolerance, or anyone looking to cut down on their dairy intake.

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you make the best dairy-free feta cheese possible:

  • Use a high-powered blender for best results.
  • Melt the coconut oil before adding it to the blender for easier blending.
  • Stir constantly when cooking the cheese mixture on the stove to avoid burning.
  • Use a heat-safe dish that has been lightly oiled to prevent the cheese from sticking.
  • Allow the cheese to cool completely before cutting it into your desired shape.
  • Add your preferred spice blend on top of the cheese mixture for added flavour.
  • One tablespoon of agar flakes = 1 tsp agar powder.

FAQ: Vegan Feta Cheese Recipe

Can I use extra-firm tofu instead of firm tofu?

Yes, you can use extra-firm tofu instead of firm tofu. However, the texture might be slightly different.

Can I use agar agar powder instead of flakes?

Yes, you can use agar agar powder instead of flakes. Just be sure to use the right amount, as the ratio of powder to flakes can vary.

How long can I store the vegan feta cheese?

You can store the vegan feta cheese in the fridge for up to 5-7 days.

Can I use this vegan feta cheese in salads?

Absolutely! This dairy free feta cheese is perfect for salads, pasta dishes, and more.

Homemade Vegan Feta Recipe

Make your own dairy-free and vegan-friendly feta cheese with this easy recipe. This dairy-free feta has the perfect crumbly texture and is amazing on Greek salads, vegan feta pasta bakes, or any recipe that calls for a salty cheese!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Setting Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Cheese, Vegan Basics
Cuisine Greek
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz Firm tofu, drained
  • ½ cup Water
  • ½ cup Refined coconut oil, melted
  • 6 tbsp Agar agar flakes (or 2 tbsp agar powder)
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Onion powder
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp White vinegar

Optional Extras

  • 1-2 tbsp nutritional yeast (for extra cheesy flavor, it may alter the color)
  • 1 tsp white miso paste to add an "aged cheese" flavour if desired

Toppings

  • Italian spice blend or Greek seasoning blend or Za'atar

Instructions
 

Blending the ingredients

  • Drain all water from the tofu and add to a high powdered blender with garlic and onion powder, lemon juice, salt, olive oil, vinegar, coconut oil, agar agar powder or flakes, and water. (Add nutritional yeast or white miso paste not also if adding).
  • Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Stop to scrape the mixture down the sides as needed. You may have to work at it a little.

Heating the Feta

  • Pour the mixture from the blender into a pot on medium heat. Stir constantly so the mixture doesn’t burn.
  • Once the cheese begins to bubble or boil, continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and pour the plant-based vegan feta mixture into a heat safe dish that has been lightly oiled. I used a Pyrex glass baking dish 6×8. Smooth the mixture around using the back of your spatula to get it into a nice shape.

Toppings

  • Add your spice blend of choice sprinkling evenly on top of the cheese mixture.

Chilling the Cheese

  • Allow the cheese to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes then place in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours to solidify.
  • Once the cheese has fully cooled, use a knife to cut it into squares, cubes or whatever shape you like your feta. Crumble it up on top of your favourite dish and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Note: Nutritional information is approximate values and can vary significantly depending on the specific brands and quality of ingredients used. This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered professional nutritional advice.

Nutrition

Serving: 20g | Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Conclusion: Vegan Feta Cheese Recipe

Making your own vegan feta cheese is easier than you may think, and it’s a great way to enjoy your favorite dishes without compromising your dietary restrictions. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a creamy and tangy vegan feta cheese that will impress your friends and family.

2 thoughts on “Best Vegan Feta Cheese Recipe Dairy-Free

  1. Jennifer says:

    5 stars
    This vegan feta turned out great! Love the flavour and crumbles really nicely on my salads. Thank you essy! ☺️

5 from 1 vote

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