Name: Vegan Herb Cheese Ball Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-489883H29M21S
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 cups almonds, soaked (260 g); 4 oz cashew cream cheese (115 g); 1 tsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 tsp white miso; ⅓ cup water (80 ml); 2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp nutritional yeast; Crushed pistachios; Chopped chives; Fresh thyme

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 114 reviews

If you’re craving a show-stopping appetizer that’s both creamy and packed with fresh flavor, you’ve just found it with this Vegan Herb Cheese Ball Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that I love because it feels fancy but actually comes together pretty effortlessly. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a tasty snack that’s dairy-free and totally satisfying, this recipe is about to become your new go-to. Let me walk you through my personal tips and tricks so you nail it on your first try!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Creamy Texture: Thanks to soaked almonds and creamy cashew cheese, this cheese ball has a velvety consistency that’s irresistible.
Fresh Herb Flavor: The combination of fresh thyme and chives gives a burst of garden-fresh taste that’s perfect for any occasion.
Simple & Flexible Ingredients: You probably already have most ingredients on hand, and it’s easy to swap in what you like or have.
Great for Everyone: Completely vegan and can be tailored soy-free or nut-free with simple tweaks.

A round cheese ball covered in green crushed nuts and small green herb leaves sits in the center of a white plate with a brown edge, resting on a white marbled surface. The cheese ball is partially sliced open, showing a smooth, creamy white inside layer. Around the plate and cheese ball, there are sprigs of fresh green herbs and some crushed nut crumbs scattered on the surface. To the left, there are five square, golden-brown crackers lined up, with one cracker next to the plate holding a spread knife topped with soft white cheese mixed with bits of green herbs. The scene is light and bright, with a soft white cloth blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Vegan Herb Cheese Ball, vegan appetizer, dairy-free cheese ball, party vegan snacks, creamy herb cheese ball

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how the ingredients in this vegan herb cheese ball play so well together — the almonds give body, the miso adds a subtle umami kick, and the fresh herbs in the coating brighten every bite. Keep an eye out for raw almonds if you want to soak them yourself, and fresh herbs make such a difference here.

Flat lay of soaked whole almonds with skins intact, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth cashew cream cheese, a small white bowl filled with crushed vibrant green pistachios, fresh bright green chopped chives, fresh thyme sprigs with small green leaves, a small white bowl containing clear water, a small white bowl of freshly squeezed lemon juice with visible pulp, a small white bowl of white miso paste with soft texture, a small white bowl of golden nutritional yeast flakes, a small white bowl of fine white garlic powder, a small white bowl of coarse white salt, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Vegan Herb Cheese Ball, vegan appetizer, dairy-free cheese ball, party vegan snacks, creamy herb cheese ball

Almonds: Soak them overnight to soften, which makes blending so much easier and gives a smoother cheese texture.
Cashew Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess — you can grab store-bought or whip up your own for an even fresher flavor.
Garlic Powder: This gives a gentle garlic taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for that bright, tangy kick that’ll wake up the cheese ball.
White Miso: Adds depth and a salty, umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, chickpea miso works great too.
Water: Helps get everything blended perfectly smooth — don’t skip it!
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors.
Nutritional Yeast: This lends a hint of cheesy, nutty goodness to keep things vegan and flavorful.
Coating (Crushed Pistachios, Chopped Chives, Fresh Thyme): The finishing touch that adds texture, color, and fresh herbal notes.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Vegan Herb Cheese Ball Recipe is how easy it is to make your own! I like switching things up depending on the season or what I have in the pantry.

Nut-Free Version: I once made a sunflower seed version for a friend with nut allergies — just soak the seeds like the almonds, and it turned out creamy and delicious!
Herb Mix: Sometimes I swap fresh thyme and chives for parsley and dill, giving a completely different but equally fresh vibe.
Coating Variations: Instead of pistachios, crushed pecans or almonds work wonderfully, sometimes with dried cranberries added for a sweet contrast.
Sharpness Kick: I’ve replaced lemon juice with white vinegar when I wanted a tangier bite — totally up to your taste preference.

How to Make Vegan Herb Cheese Ball Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Blend the Almond Base

After soaking your almonds overnight (trust me, don’t skip this!), drain them well and toss them into your food processor. Add the water, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and cashew cream cheese. Blend it all up until silky smooth — this might take a minute or two, so don’t rush. Pause to scrape down the sides with a spatula to get everything well mixed. The smoother, the better, because that’s what makes your cheese ball dreamy.

Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters and Blend Again

Next, throw in your white miso, salt, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder. Blend again until everything’s fully incorporated and the mixture looks uniform. This step is where the magic happens — the miso and nutritional yeast give the cheesy, savory flavor that’s absolutely essential.

Step 3: Shape and Chill Your Cheese Ball

Lay a clean cheesecloth or tea towel inside a bowl, then scoop your vegan cheese mixture right onto it. Carefully gather the cloth’s edges and twist to trap the mixture, forming it into a round ball-like shape. Pop the wrapped ball into the fridge — I always let mine chill overnight, but 4 hours is the minimum. This resting time gives the flavors a chance to meld and lets the ball firm up perfectly.

Step 4: Coat Your Cheese Ball with Herbs and Nuts

When you’re ready to impress, crush your pistachios roughly and mix with chopped chives and fresh thyme. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball gently and roll it in this flavorful coating until it’s evenly covered. This step adds wonderful texture and a pop of color — my family goes crazy for it every single time!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your vegan herb cheese ball immediately with crunchy crackers, fresh bread slices, or as part of a festive appetizer platter. It keeps well at room temperature for a few hours, but I recommend refrigeration if you need to store leftovers.

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Herb Cheese Ball Recipe

Soaking the Almonds: I always soak my almonds overnight for the smoothest texture, but if you’re in a rush, soak them in hot water for 1 hour instead.
Using Cashew Cream Cheese: Homemade cashew cream cheese packs extra flavor, but store-bought brands work perfectly too — just choose a mild one so it doesn’t overpower.
Chilling Time: Don’t skimp on this — chilling makes the cheese ball firmer and easier to roll in herbs and nuts.
Coating Ingredients: Avoid crushing nuts too fine; a bit of crunch adds delight every time you bite in.

How to Serve Vegan Herb Cheese Ball Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with plenty of fresh thyme and chives because they add that fresh, slightly peppery brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy nut cheese. Sometimes, I like sprinkling just a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note that guests always notice.

Side Dishes

This cheese ball pairs amazingly with crunchy crackers or rustic bread slices. I also love serving it alongside fresh veggies like cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips, or cherry tomatoes to balance the richness with crisp freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to shape the cheese ball into little logs or mini balls and coat them differently — some rolled in herbs, others in nuts or even a mix of finely chopped dried fruit. Laying them out on a wooden cheese board with grapes and olives always wows my guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend wrapping any leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keeping them in the fridge. It holds up really well up to 5 days, and you’ll find the flavors even deepen after a day or two.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the cheese ball, wrap it double – first in parchment paper, then foil – to protect it. When thawed, it may be slightly softer, so I like chilling it a bit longer before serving for a firmer texture.

Reheating

This cheese ball really shines served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If it feels too firm straight from the fridge, just let it sit out for 15-20 minutes — it softens beautifully without losing flavor.

FAQs

Can I make the Vegan Herb Cheese Ball Recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! You can swap soaked almonds with soaked sunflower seeds or even pumpkin seeds to achieve a creamy texture. Just follow the same soaking and blending steps for a delicious nut-free version.
What is the best way to serve this cheese ball?

Serve it with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, and fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber or bell peppers. It also pairs well on a cheese platter alongside fruits and olives.
How long does the cheese ball last in the fridge?

Stored properly wrapped, it keeps well for up to 5 days. The flavors actually taste better after resting for a day, making it a great make-ahead appetizer.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of vegan?

You can, if you aren’t strictly vegan. But I find the vegan cashew cream cheese pairs so nicely with the nuts and herbs to create a lighter and fresher flavor that complements the herbs perfectly.
Is it necessary to soak the almonds overnight?

Soaking softens the almonds for better blending and a smoother cheese texture. If you’re pressed for time, soaking in very hot water for 1 hour can work as a shortcut.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Herb Cheese Ball Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for so many reasons — it’s easy, wholesome, and just downright delicious. I love how it feels like something special but is surprisingly simple, and it always impresses friends and family alike. If you’re looking to wow with a plant-based appetizer that everyone can enjoy, give this a try! I’ve shared all my tips here so you’ll have no trouble recreating that perfect creamy and herbaceous bite, just like I did the first time I made it.