Savory Almond Herb Cheese Spread
This delicious, creamy almond spread is a delightful vegan alternative to traditional cheese, perfect for those looking to enjoy plant-based options without compromising on flavor. Inspired by the popular vegan 'feta' cheeses, this spread is rich, tangy, and infused with aromatic herbs. With a texture that ranges from creamy to slightly crumbly depending on your baking preference, it's versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you're serving it at a party or enjoying it yourself, this spread pairs beautifully with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables. Try it at your next gathering and watch it become a favorite among family and friends!
N/A
Servings
82
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole blanched almonds
1 cup (Soaked for 24 hours)
Lemon juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (For blending)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (For herb oil topping)
Garlic clove
1 (Minced)
Salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (To taste)
Fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Fresh rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Place the whole blanched almonds in a medium bowl and cover with at least 3 inches of water. Let them soak for 24 hours. After soaking, drain and rinse the almonds.
2
In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked almonds, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic clove, salt, and 1/2 cup of water. Blend for about 6 minutes, or until the mixture is incredibly smooth and creamy.
3
Prepare a strainer lined with a triple layer of cheesecloth. Spoon the almond mixture onto the cheesecloth, gather the sides, and twist to form a tight ball. Secure the ball with a twist tie and refrigerate for 12 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired. Remove the almond ball from the cheesecloth and shape it into a 6-inch round like a wheel of brie (around 3/4 inch thick). Alternatively, place it in a decorative bowl for baking.
5
Bake the almond cheese for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly golden brown. Allow to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate to chill completely.
6
In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the fresh herbs. Heat over medium-low until warmed through, ensuring it does not simmer. Cool to room temperature, then drizzle the infused oil over the chilled almond spread before serving.
7
Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
7.2g
Fat
3g
Carbs
2.8g
Protein
1g
Fiber
0.3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Almond Herb Cheese Spread?
It is a creamy, plant-based alternative to traditional cheese made primarily from soaked blanched almonds, lemon juice, and herbs.
Is this almond cheese spread vegan?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan and dairy-free.
Is the Savory Almond Herb Cheese Spread gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including almonds and herbs, are gluten-free.
How long do the almonds need to soak?
The almonds should be soaked in at least 3 inches of water for 24 hours.
What type of almonds should I use?
You should use whole blanched almonds to ensure a smooth, creamy texture and a bright appearance.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency for the spread?
Blend the soaked almonds with the other base ingredients in a food processor or blender for about 6 minutes until incredibly smooth.
What is the purpose of using cheesecloth in this recipe?
The cheesecloth is used to strain the almond mixture and allow it to be formed into a tight ball, helping the flavors meld and the texture to set.
How long does the mixture need to refrigerate before baking?
The almond ball should be refrigerated for 12 hours while secured in the cheesecloth.
At what temperature should I bake the almond cheese?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for baking the spread.
How long does the baking process take?
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly golden brown.
What size should I shape the almond cheese into?
Shape it into a 6-inch round wheel, roughly 3/4 inch thick, similar to a wheel of brie.
How do I make the herb oil topping?
Combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with fresh thyme and rosemary in a saucepan and heat over medium-low until warmed through.
Which fresh herbs are used in the topping?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme and 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary.
Should the spread be served hot or cold?
The spread should be allowed to cool after baking and then refrigerated to chill completely before serving.
What should I serve with this cheese spread?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
How many calories are in a serving of this spread?
There are approximately 82 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 7.2 grams of fat.
How much protein is in the Savory Almond Herb Cheese Spread?
There are 2.8 grams of protein per serving.
Are there carbohydrates in this recipe?
Yes, there are 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in the spread?
The spread contains 0.3 grams of sugar per serving.
How much fiber does a serving provide?
Each serving provides 1 gram of fiber.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic?
Yes, it uses one minced garlic clove for flavor.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: almonds, lemon juice, olive oil (used twice), garlic, salt, fresh thyme, and fresh rosemary.
Can I use unblanched almonds?
While you can, the skins on unblanched almonds will result in a grittier texture and a darker color; blanched is preferred.
Is this spread suitable for a party?
Absolutely, its elegant presentation with herb-infused oil makes it a great party appetizer.
Does the almond cheese have cholesterol?
Since it is made from plant-based ingredients, it typically contains no cholesterol.
What texture does the baking provide?
Baking helps the spread set, giving it a texture that ranges from creamy to slightly crumbly.
How much olive oil is used in total?
A total of 5 tablespoons of olive oil is used: 3 for blending and 2 for the herb topping.