Macadamia Cheese Spread

If you’re a nut lover, this Macadamia Cheese Spread will make you go nuts!

Macadamia nuts create a rich, creamy, and nutritious alternative to dairy cheese. This spread is perfect as a base for tapas, a topping for fresh summer salads, or simply enjoyed as a dip.

Macadamias are tree nuts with a distinct buttery texture and delicate flavor. Originally from Australia, they are now cultivated worldwide. These nuts are packed with powerful plant compounds and essential nutrients. Rich in monounsaturated fats, they help balance cholesterol and support heart health.

Unlike many other nuts, macadamias are naturally low in sugar and carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for those managing blood sugar levels—especially individuals with type 2 diabetes. They’re also loaded with antioxidants, which help combat free radicals, reducing the risk of premature aging and chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Additionally, their high fiber content promotes digestion, keeps you full longer, and supports weight management.

I first encountered macadamias years ago in Argentina when a colleague handed me some nuts in a shell. Curious, I tried cracking one open with my thumbs—an impossible task! Even with a nutcracker, it wouldn’t budge. In the end, I resorted to a hammer to break it open.

My real journey with macadamia nuts in cooking began in São Paulo, where I experimented with this Macadamia Cheese Spread. My friends loved its taste, consistency, and flavor. One even exclaimed, “It tastes like Philadelphia cheese spread!” Since then, I’ve made this recipe in many variations across different countries, and it never fails to impress. Macadamias may be the fattiest of all nuts and slightly pricey, but their rich, creamy texture makes them well worth trying.

This Macadamia Cheese Spread is completely lactose-free and made with macadamia nuts, nutritional yeast, and other simple yet delightful ingredients. The best part? It requires just 15 minutes of preparation after a 24-hour soaking, which transforms its high oil content into a luxuriously smooth spread.

While cashews are often the go-to for vegan cheese, they require 3 to 4 hours of soaking. In contrast, macadamias yield a thick, buttery, and cheesy spread in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for dipping, spreading, or even eating straight from the bowl!

This Macadamia Cheese Spread is a fantastic alternative to soft cheeses—spreadable, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Enjoy it on toasted bread, crackers, as a dip, or even as a dollop on your favorite dish. Need a quick and satisfying snack? Pair it with a healthy treat and indulge in its creamy goodness.

Print Recipe

Macadamia Cheese Spread

Snack – Dadaji Fusion Recipes

By Dada Shivananda – Serves: 6 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes – Cooking Time: 0 minutes – Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutritional Benefits: Macadamia nuts are high in healthy monounsaturated fats, with about 75% of their fat content coming from these beneficial fats. They provide vitamin B1, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Additionally, macadamia nuts are a natural source of palmitoleic acid, an omega-7 fatty acid that supports skin, hair, and nail health. The healthy fats in these nuts can help lower levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides, boosting heart health. Rich in flavonoids and tocotrienols (a form of vitamin E), they also offer anti-cancer benefits and help fight free radicals that contribute to chronic illnesses and premature aging.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 cup macadamia nuts, soaked for 24 hours
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• Salt flakes, to taste

Instructions

1

Soak the macadamia nuts in water for 1 hour, then discard the water and rinse them.

2

Soak the nuts in fresh water for 24 hours to remove any surface toxins.

3

Blend the soaked nuts until smooth.

4

Transfer the blended mixture to a cheesecloth and allow it to drip for 24 hours.

5

Place the resulting cheese in a blender and add nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, freshly chopped thyme, coconut oil, and salt flakes.

6

Blend the mixture, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides until it is smooth and even.

7

Serve with toast, pancakes, or vegetables.

Nutrition

• 280.0 Calories
• 5.3g Carbohydrates
• 0.0mg Cholesterol
• 29.4g Fat
• 3.2g Fiber
• 3.5g Protein
• 13.2g Saturated fat
• 392.0mg Sodium
• 1.1g Sugar
• 0.0g Trans fat

Notes

Do not discard the soaking water entirely, as a portion of it will be used during blending.