Product Review: 3 Must-Try Vegan Cheeses For Your Holiday Table

The holiday season is upon us, which means it’s time to enjoy delicious food with friends and family. And what better food to serve than creamy, tangy, artisan vegan cheese? In this review, I’ve highlighted three of my favorite vegan cheeses that will make scrumptious and popular additions to your holiday table. (And in case you were wondering, you won’t miss the dairy: promise!

1: Treeline Herb-Garlic Soft French-Style Nut Cheese

Let’s start with a brand made in Kingston, New York, only minutes from Catskill Animal Sanctuary: Treeline. Their French-Style Nut Cheese reminds me of the Boursin cheese I used to enjoy before going vegan. I’m so grateful that I can still enjoy the subtle herb flavor and creamy mouthfeel of a French-style cheese – without the cruelty of dairy.

Treeline’s cheese is soft and spreadable straight from the fridge. It has a delicate savory flavor thanks to the garlic and herbs, and the texture is smooth and creamy, with just a hint of grit from the cashews. It’s right at home spread on crackers or bread, and also makes an incredible sauce when melted over hot pasta. Looking for a recipe that features this cheese? Try my Wild Mushroom Risotto, where I stir this cheese in at the end of cooking to add depth of flavor and a rich, creamy texture.

Out of the three cheeses I’ve reviewed here today, this one is the mildest in flavor. So if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing cheese that isn’t too sharp or funky, I’d highly recommend Treeline’s Herb-Garlic Soft French-Style Nut Cheese!

2: Miyoko’s Creamery Classic Double Cream Chive

Based in California, the nut-based cheeses from Miyoko’s Creamery have achieved legendary status among vegan cheese lovers, and for good reason! The depth of flavor in these cheeses never ceases to blow my mind. And the Classic Double Cream Chive flavor is no exception!

This cheese slices well straight from the fridge but does soften a bit as it sits at room temperature. The texture is wonderfully smooth and creamy. And the flavor is deliciously sharp and pungent, not unlike my memories of an herbed goat’s cheese. The chives are used with a liberal hand, so if you love oniony flavors, you’ll love this cheese!

This cheese has the strongest, sharpest flavor out all of the ones I’ve reviewed today, and a little goes a long way. Serve this cheese to your cheese-loving friends and get ready for the rave reviews!

3: Treeline Classic Aged Artisinal Nut Cheese

For my final review, I’ve gone back to Treeline to review their Aged Artisinal Nut Cheese. Unlike the French-Style Nut Cheese I discussed, above, this cheese is semi-hard, sliceable even at room temperature, and quite different in flavor. I love all the cheeses I’ve reviewed today, but I have to say that this one is my favorite!

What makes this cheese so special is the rich, smoky flavor and dense, creamy texture. I’ve always had a weakness for smoky-flavored foods and drinks, and this cheese has that coveted smoky flavor and aroma that I love so much. Reminiscent of an aged cheddar or smoked Gouda, the smoky, savory flavor is the first thing I notice, followed by a very subtle tang. Eating it makes me crave a crisp, juicy apple, ideally accompanied by a tiny glass of port.

And while I could happily eat an entire wheel of this cheese all on its own, I’ve also discovered that it grates beautifully. I love grating up a chunk, then stirring it into a bowl of piping-hot soup for a subtle hint of savory, smoky flavor.

I hope you’ll try one (or more!) of these delicious vegan cheeses this holiday season; you can use these store locators to find out where to buy Treeline and Miyoko’s Creamery brand cheeses. And I’d love to hear about your own favorites in the comments. Happy Holidays!