This creamy cashew ricotta is simple to make in a food processor. Raw cashews should be presoaked overnight or, if necessary, gently precooked before blending. Use this dairy-free ricotta anywhere you would use traditional ricotta: on pizza, in manicotti or stuffed shells, in lasagna, or as a spread for crackers. The recipe yields about one cup of cheese and can easily be doubled or tripled.
Yes, it’s entirely possible to make a delicious dairy-free ricotta at home. For extra flavor, fold in chopped parsley, chives, basil, or dill before serving.
Method Overview
- Presoak or precook the cashews
- Roast the garlic until soft and aromatic
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor until creamy
Creamy Cashew Ricotta
4 1/4-cup servings
186 kcal
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews, presoaked (or precooked)
- 6 garlic cloves, roasted and peeled (do not use raw garlic)
- 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon water
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
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Presoak or precook the cashews so they are soft and easy to blend; see notes for details.
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Place an untrimmed garlic bulb—with at least five cloves—into a small covered baking dish or a garlic roaster. Roast until the cloves are soft and fragrant, about 15 minutes.
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Add the presoaked (or precooked) cashews to the food processor bowl along with five roasted and peeled garlic cloves. Add the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon of water, salt, and black pepper.
Run the processor until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This will take several minutes depending on your machine.
Notes
Place the cashews in a quart-sized jar or a bowl and cover with at least 2 cups of water. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Drain and rinse before using. Presoaked cashews blend to a very smooth texture.
To Precook Cashews
Simmer the cashews gently in at least 2 cups of water for about 15 minutes. Drain, rinse, and allow to cool slightly before adding to the food processor.
Variations: Stir in chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, chives, or dill for a flavored ricotta. Adjust salt and lemon to taste.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 12 g
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Protein: 6 g
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Fat: 14 g
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Sodium: 111 mg
Nutrition information above is for a 1/4-cup serving.
Are cashews healthy?
If you follow a plant-based diet, you likely use cashews often and may wonder about their health effects. Cashews are a nutritious nut that contribute beneficial minerals such as copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and zinc, along with healthy fats. Research suggests that including raw, unsalted nuts such as cashews as part of a balanced diet can support healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure and may be associated with lower risk of chronic metabolic conditions when consumed in moderation.
As with any high-calorie food, portion control matters—cashews are calorie-dense, so a small serving provides concentrated nutrients and energy.
If you enjoy this Creamy Cashew Ricotta, try experimenting with fresh herbs or use it as a base for savory spreads and pasta fillings.