KETO LOW-CARB CREAM CHEESE (HEART HEALTHY)
In preparing this fresh Keto Low-Carb Cream Cheese, I soon discovered that I absolutely love them! Cashew or almond-based vegan cream cheese gives you all the same texture and tanginess that you enjoy from the dairy version. Albeit, there’s a distinctive “dairy” flavour to dairy-based cheeses. That is the only difference, really. While this is vegan, Keto-lovers, in general, can enjoy this cheese.
In vegan cheeses you also get the added benefit of the rich, animal-free protein from the almonds or cashews!
This vegan cream cheese can be used just as you would use any cream cheese, such as on grain-free bagels, served with fruit, added to recipes or served as a savory dip.
I made enough cream cheese in my last batch that I was able to prepare both a dip and a fruit tart.
To make the Bacon, Basil, and Olive Oil Dip, simply place the cream cheese on a plate, sprinkle with compliant, crispy bacon, sprinkle with basil, and drizzle with olive oil (quality stuff!)
WHAT IS THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF THIS KETO LOW-CARB CREAM CHEESE?
This recipe for this Keto Low-Carb Cream Cheese includes raw cashews, which are low in sugar and rich in fiber, heart-healthy fats, and plant protein. They are also a good source of copper, magnesium, and manganese — nutrients important for energy production, brain health, immunity, and bone health. Consuming raw cashews may also help prevent blood disease, helps to protect our eyes, and helps to make our skin glow.
Nutritional yeast is another ingredient. It is naturally low in sodium and calories, and it is fat-free, sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan! Nutritional yeast also helps to lower bad cholesterol thus protecting the body from free radical damage.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF CASHEWS?
Cashews are a delicious and nutritious nut that can provide a range of health benefits. They’re full of vitamins and minerals that are important for maintaining good health. One of the most notable benefits of cashews is their high concentration of healthy fats. These fats can help to reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering your levels of LDL cholesterol.
Cashews are also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, copper, and iron. Magnesium is important for maintaining healthy bones and muscles, while copper is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Iron is important for producing red blood cells and preventing anemia.
In addition to these benefits, cashews are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your body against damage from free radicals. They’re also high in protein and fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. So, if you’re looking for a healthy snack, cashews are a great choice!
WHAT IS THE TASTE PROFILE OF KETO LOW-CARB CREAM CHEESE?
The predominant taste sensations of this Keto Low-Carb Cream Cheese are tanginess (from the lemon) and umami (roundness and depth of flavour) from the nutritional yeast. It’s chemo-sensory sensation is creaminess. So rich and delicious.
WHAT NON-ALC WINE HARMONIZES WITH KETO LOW-CARB CREAM CHEESE?
With the predominant taste sensation of this Keto Low-Carb Cream Cheese being tanginess and umami, choose a non alcoholic wine with equal tanginess. The delicate nature of this cheese also makes it harmonize with lighter whites rather than fatty ones. If you want an ideal pairing between the cream cheese and a crisp, dry white non-alc wine, add salt to the cheese recipe. This way the hint of saltiness in the cheese will nicely offset the acidity in the white wine. The tanginess from the lemon will complement the non alcoholic wine’s acidity. Examples of crisp, dry white wines include Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, dry Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, or even Vinho Verde.
If you add another taste sensation to the cream cheese then the NA wine partner will change as well. For example, if you use the cream cheese to make a dip and drizzle the dip with olive oil, choose a big, buttery white non-alc wine, such as de-alcoholized Chardonnay. This way the fattiness from the dip will harmonize with the buttery texture of the Chardonnay. If you add smoked salmon to the dip you’re adding far more saltiness. In this case choose a crisp, white non-alc wine zinging with acidity like a bone-dry Riesling. The non alcoholic wine’s super bright acidity will nicely offset the saltiness in smoked salmon.
Zero Alcohol Wine Tips:
ALCOHOL AND KETOSIS:
To support your Keto diet or low-carb lifestyle, opt for quality, non-alcoholic wines that are low-carb and low in sugar. Additionally, alcohol does not align with a keto diet or low-carb lifestyle. Moreover, your liver processes alcohol before nutrients, pausing ketone creation and slowing the ketosis process. Furthermore, your body will metabolize alcohol as fuel before utilizing food, which can decelerate fat burning and may lead to the storage of carbs, fat, and protein as excess body fat. Moreover, alcohol consumption stimulates the appetite, potentially causing overeating.
ALCOHOL AND HEALTH:
Did you know that when you consume alcohol, your liver has to work extra hard to break it down? This can result in damage to your liver. Furthermore, it can elevate your risk of health issues such as inflammation and cancer, particularly with heavy consumption. Additionally, alcohol can disrupt your blood sugar levels, leaving you feeling dehydrated and disrupting your body’s normal functions.
NON-ALCOHOLIC WINE AND HEALTH BENEFITS:
Non-alcoholic wines with minimal carbs and sugar are advantageous for your health. They not only aid in weight management, blood sugar control, and hydration but also contain essential nutrients and antioxidants from grapes that can decrease your risk of health conditions like heart disease. Consequently, since they lack alcohol, they’re ideal for socializing without any adverse effects, promoting feelings of happiness and reduced stress.
WHAT KETO LOW-CARB RECIPES CAN I ENJOY?
Keto Low-Carb Chicken Soup (Heart Healthy)
Keto Low-Carb Tomato Basil Chicken Quarters
Keto Low-Carb Chicken Marsala (Heart Healthy)
Keto Low-Carb Salmon with Lemon, Honey, Thyme
Keto Low-Carb Bacon-Covered Meatloaf (Heart Healthy)
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED TO PREPARE THIS RECIPE?
Equipment Needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Glass jar for storing the cream cheese
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Oven (if needed to keep the cream cheese at room temperature)
Please note that these values are estimates and actual values may vary depending on the specific brands and sizes of ingredients used.
HOW DO YOU MAKE KETO L0W-CARB CREAM CHEESE?
KETO LOW-CARB CREAM CHEESE
- Total Time: 24 hours
- Yield: 2 cups (16 ounces) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Discover the deliciousness of Keto Low-Carb Cream Cheese. This vegan alternative offers the same texture and tanginess as dairy cream cheese.
Ingredients
2 cups raw cashews (or raw almonds) soaked overnight in filtered water
2 tablespoons coconut yogurt (see notes)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
Filtered water as needed to blend
Instructions
- Sterilize all the equipment you intend to use including inside the mixer bowl, spoons, etc. Sterilize the glass container to be used to store the cream cheese. Set aside.
- Place nuts in bowl and cover with boiling water.
- Cover and refrigerator for 24 hours.
- Drain water from soaked cashews.
- Place cashews in blender or food processor and blend until smooth. It can take some time.
- Stop to scrape down the sides as often as needed; you can add water as needed to make it smooth. Add the yogurt, pulse more to mix.
- Transfer mixture to your glass jar. Cover.
- Let sit out at room temperature for 24 hours. (If your house is air-conditioned in the summer, put the glass jar in the oven with the light on to keep it a room temp.
- When done, add salt. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- In following the Keto diet or low-carb lifestyle you are able to enjoy dairy products. But if you’re looking to improve your heart health, it’s worth substituting some of those dairy products with vegetarian versions like this cream cheese.
- The nutritional value of this recipe is based on the Keto version and is approximate. One serving offers 4 net carbs.
- (Note: The nutritional information provided is a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the nutritional accuracy of any recipe on this site. We cannot know what brands you use or how accurately you follow the recipe or what you like to add creatively to the dish. Use the information as a general guideline only.)
- Here are some tips for making this delicious vegan cheese:
- You can use any coconut yogurt of choice. Just be sure to check the net carbs on the nutritional label before purchasing.
- When you are letting the cheese sit out to develop the tanginess, I usually don’t wait 24 hours. Taste the cheese occasionally. The longer the cheese sits out the tangier it becomes. If left too long the cheese will taste more like yogurt than cream cheese.
- This recipe makes cultured cashew cream cheese with a texture more like “whipped” dairy cream cheese. For a firmer texture like block cream cheese, press out some of the liquid from the cheese. Do this by placing a cheesecloth in a sieve over a bowl. Place the cream cheese in the cheesecloth. Place the cheese in the refrigerator for 24 hours, allowing more liquid to drain from the cheese.
- Prep Time: 24 hours
- Category: KETO LOW-CARB
- Method: Resting
- Cuisine: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, BRUNCH, DINNER
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 0
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