Kamil Perry
Dairy-free cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional cheese, often made with yeast, vegetable oils, and starches. It is a popular option for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant, allowing them to enjoy their favorite cheesy dishes without the dairy. While dairy-free cheese is a great substitute, one common issue people face is getting it to melt. Some brands, like Violife, melt better than others, such as Follow Your Heart. There are also some tricks to help dairy-free cheese melt, like microwaving it first before moving it to the oven or stove, or turning on the broiler element in the oven.
Does Dairy-Free Cheese Melt?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Melting Ability | Varies by brand, some melt better than others |
| Taste | Can taste similar to real cheese |
| Texture | Can be creamy and gooey |
| Cooking Method | Melts better in the microwave than the oven |
| Type | Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Colby Jack shreds melt well |
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What You'll Learn
Dairy-free cheese melting techniques
Dairy-free cheese can be a tasty alternative for those who have ditched dairy but still want to enjoy their favourite dishes. While dairy-free cheese does melt, it behaves differently from regular cheese due to the lack of casein and dairy sugars. It also doesn't brown in the same way as dairy cheese. However, there are various techniques and products you can use to achieve the perfect melt.
Oven baking
Oven baking dairy-free cheese is a common method. Sources suggest heating the oven to 400˚F (200˚C) or 425˚F for 5 minutes to achieve the best melting results. However, it is important to note that dairy-free cheese may not brown like traditional cheese due to the absence of dairy sugars and proteins.
Microwave
The microwave is another option for melting dairy-free cheese. Some sources recommend microwaving for 30 seconds on high before moving the dish to the oven or stovetop to jump-start the melting process and reduce cooking time. However, it is important to exercise caution when microwaving to avoid overcooking or drying out the cheese.
Stovetop
The stovetop method involves adding a splash of non-dairy milk or water to a non-stick pan to prevent sticking, followed by the dairy-free cheese shreds. Stir continuously over medium heat until a smooth consistency is achieved. This method is ideal for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, where even melting is desired.
Choosing the right product
The type of dairy-free cheese you use can also impact its melting ability. Some brands, such as Violife, Moocho, and Chao, are known for their meltability and flavour. Finely shredding the cheese yourself, rather than using pre-shredded cheese, can also improve melting. Additionally, adding spices and ingredients like dairy-free yogurt, chili powder, and hot sauce can enhance the flavour and texture of melted dairy-free cheese.
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Dairy-free cheese alternatives
Dairy-free cheese, including vegan cheese, is a plant-based alternative to traditional cheese, often made with yeast, vegetable oils, and starches. While dairy-free cheese can be a great option for those who want to reduce or eliminate dairy from their diets, one common issue is that it doesn't always melt in the same way as dairy cheese.
Some dairy-free cheese options melt better than others, and finding the right product can be a matter of trial and error. For example, Violife, a well-known dairy-free cheese brand, is known for its melting capabilities and is often recommended as a good option for pizzas, as it melts similarly to dairy cheese. Another option is the brand Moocho, which offers a cultured cheese alternative that has a very "real" cheese flavour and melts well, although it may not be as widely available as other brands.
To improve the melting of dairy-free cheese, some people recommend using a microwave, as it can help jump-start the melting process and reduce overall cooking time. For example, when making a grilled cheese sandwich, microwaving the ingredients for 30 seconds before moving them to a skillet can help achieve a melted, creamy texture. Similarly, when making pizza, using a combination of an oven and a broiler can help improve melting.
Some brands of dairy-free cheese that are specifically designed to melt well include Vevan, which offers a range of shredded and sliced cheese alternatives, and Chao, which has a unique flavour and melts nicely. Other brands, like Follow Your Heart, have a texture similar to pizza cheese but may not melt as well as other options. It's worth noting that some dairy-free cheeses, like Go Veggie!, may not melt as easily, so experimenting with different brands and techniques can be helpful.
In addition to these dairy-free cheese alternatives, there are also "natural" alternatives to traditional cheese that can provide a satisfying cheesy flavour. These can include various ingredients and options that don't fall into the category of traditional cheese alternatives.
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Dairy-free cheese taste comparison
Dairy-free cheese has come a long way, and there are now many options available that can satisfy your cheese cravings. The flavour of dairy-free cheese varies depending on the ingredients used, with vegetable derivatives and spices being key to creating unique taste profiles.
Taste Comparisons
Dairy-free cheese alternatives have come under scrutiny for their taste and texture, with some people in the dairy-free community lamenting how horrible the cheese alternatives are. However, in a taste test conducted by an unbiased group of dairy-free and dairy consumers, all the dairy-free mozzarella alternatives sampled were rated as "passable", with some people even stating "they were all okay!"
In another taste test, the garlic and herb version of The Laughing Cow was preferred over the original, which was deemed a bit gelatinous. While the garlic and herb flavour had a nice undercurrent of spice, the texture was a bit off-putting. CHAO creamery, an offshoot of Field Roast, also makes dairy-free cheese slices with a nice cheesy flavour, but they are quite salty. Boursin's dairy-free garlic and herb cheese spread has an immaculate flavour, but the texture is a bit too buttery.
Melting Comparisons
When it comes to melting, dairy-free cheese can be a bit tricky. While most of the cheeses in one taste test did melt a little, some melted better than others. Chao was a clear winner in terms of flavour and melting ability. Violife and Tofutti were tied for second place, with Violife's Colby Jack flavour mentioned as melting incredibly well. Moocho, a cultured cheese from the makers of Tofurkey, also melted pretty well and had a very "real" cheese flavour.
Tips for Melting
If you're looking to melt your dairy-free cheese, it might be better to use the microwave instead of the oven, as it tends to do a better job. You can also try microwaving your recipe before moving it to the oven or stove to jump-start the melt and reduce cooking time. For pizza, try tearing the cheese into pieces and scattering them around the pie for an even cover of melted cheese.
Other Dairy-Free Cheese Options
In addition to the brands mentioned above, there are several other dairy-free cheese options available, including:
- Vevan: Offers shredded and sliced cheese alternatives, including Ched, Mozza, and P'Jack, as well as an UnCreamCheese spread.
- Whole Foods 365: Their vegan shredded cheese was mentioned as having a good taste, but it didn't melt as well as some of the other brands.
- Good Planet: Mentioned as one of the top 5 vegan shredded cheese brands.
- Parmela Creamery: Light in taste and one of the top 5 vegan shredded cheese brands.
- Miyokos: Offers dairy-free mozzarella, but the coverage was more spotty in the taste test.
- Trader Joe's: Offers vegan mozzarella-style shreds, but they didn't melt very well, according to one reviewer.
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Dairy-free cheese melting temperatures
Dairy-free cheese does melt, but it behaves differently from regular cheese due to the absence of casein and dairy sugars. It also does not brown like traditional cheese when cooked. To achieve the perfect melt, understanding the temperature, technique, and type of dairy-free cheese is crucial.
Dairy-free cheese melts at slightly lower temperatures than regular cheese. The ideal temperature range for melting dairy-free cheese is between 100-120°C (212-248°F). An oven temperature of 425°F will help you achieve the creamiest results. For stovetop cooking, a preheated pan with a lid to trap steam is recommended. An oven temperature of 450°F is suitable for a vegan pizza, melting the cheese evenly and creating a bubbling texture.
Microwaving dairy-free cheese is an effective method to jump-start the melting process, reducing the cooking time in the oven or on the stovetop. However, it is important to exercise caution during microwaving to avoid overcooking the cheese.
The type of dairy-free cheese also impacts melting behaviour. Some brands are specifically known for their meltability, such as Violife, which offers a range of flavours that melt well. Moocho, a cultured cheese with a "real" cheese flavour, is another option that melts nicely. For a unique flavour, Chao is a good choice that melts well and tastes great raw. Daiya Mozzarella Style Shreds offer a creamy, rich, and melty texture similar to traditional mozzarella. For a smooth, meltable texture, Chao Creamy Original Slices are made with a coconut oil base, which is an ingredient that contributes to a similar melting point as dairy fats.
The texture and taste of dairy-free cheese are also important factors in achieving a good melt. Tapioca flour is often used to create a gooey, slightly elastic feel, while protein content plays a role in creating an authentic, meltable texture. Finely shredding the cheese can also improve meltability.
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Dairy-free cheese recipes
Dairy-free cheese has become increasingly popular, with many people seeking out these plant-based alternatives to traditional cheese. The good news is that there are many options available, and you can even make your own at home!
Dairy-Free Cheese Options
There are several dairy-free cheese brands on the market, such as Vevan, Violife, Moocho, and Chao. These cheeses come in a variety of flavours and textures, including sharp and bold Ched, soft and mild Mozza, and creamy P'Jack. They can be purchased shredded or sliced, making them convenient for various recipes.
Making Your Own Dairy-Free Cheese
If you want to try making your own dairy-free cheese, there are several recipes available online. One simple recipe involves blending boiled potatoes and carrots (sweet potatoes are recommended) with a small amount of the water used for boiling. Add nutritional yeast, cashews, your preferred seasonings, and dairy-free milk (oat or cashew milk work well). This creates a cashew cheese that can be used as a spread or sauce.
Another easy recipe for dairy-free feta involves blending, setting, and baking. You can also make feta with tofu, creating a protein-packed cheese that melts in your mouth. Adding ingredients like rosemary and garlic can enhance the flavour and texture.
Melting Dairy-Free Cheese
When it comes to melting dairy-free cheese, the microwave is often the best tool. Dairy-free cheese sometimes doesn't melt as well as dairy cheese, so microwaving it first can help jump-start the melting process before moving it to the oven or skillet. This works well for grilled cheese sandwiches or pizza, where you want the cheese to be melted and gooey.
So, whether you're looking for a shredded, sliced, or melted dairy-free cheese, there are plenty of options to choose from. With these recipes and products, you can still enjoy the flavours and textures of cheese without the dairy!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, dairy-free cheese does melt, although it may not spread as much as dairy cheese. Some dairy-free cheeses melt better than others, and some may take longer to melt.
Dairy-free cheese can be melted in a microwave, oven, or on a stovetop. Some sources recommend using a microwave to jump-start the melting process before moving the food to an oven or stovetop. Others recommend using an oven's broiler setting to help dairy-free cheese melt.
Some dairy-free cheese brands that melt well include Violife, Moocho, and Chao.
