Randy Chandler
Vegan cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional dairy cheese, often made from nuts, seeds, vegetables, and coconut oil. It has gained popularity with the rise of veganism and environmental awareness. However, one challenge in developing vegan cheese is replicating the melting profile of dairy cheese due to the absence of casein, a milk protein that contributes to the melting, stretching, and bubbling properties unique to animal milk. This has led to innovations like precision fermentation to create vegan casein and improve melting properties. While some vegan cheeses may not melt as easily as dairy cheese, specific brands and cooking techniques can enhance their meltability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Melting point | Vegan cheese has a different melting behaviour compared to dairy cheese due to the lack of casein and dairy sugars. |
| Melting behaviour | Some types of vegan cheese may bubble, while others may struggle to melt and turn into a liquid state. |
| Taste | The overall taste of melted vegan cheese may be good. |
| Best melting vegan cheese | Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative, Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda, and Violife. |
| Melting techniques | Stovetop stirring, oven baking with foil, and cautious microwaving. |
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What You'll Learn
Melting vegan cheese: techniques
Melting vegan cheese can be a tricky task, but with the right techniques, you can achieve that perfect, dreamy texture. Vegan cheese has a different melting behaviour compared to dairy cheese due to the absence of casein, a milk protein, and dairy sugars. However, this doesn't mean you have to give up on your favourite cheesy dishes. Here are some techniques to help you master the art of melting vegan cheese:
Stovetop Stirring
This technique is ideal for sandwiches, roasted vegetables, or casseroles. Start by adding a splash of non-dairy milk or water to a non-stick pan to prevent sticking. Then, add your favourite finely shredded vegan cheese to the pan. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cheese melts and achieves a smooth, creamy texture. This method ensures even melting and prevents the cheese from sticking or burning.
Oven Baking with Foil
If you're making a pizza, lasagna, or any baked dish with vegan cheese, this technique is a game-changer. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature, usually around 430°F/220°C for pizza. Grate or shred your chosen vegan cheese and sprinkle it on top of your dish. Cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven. The foil helps capture the heat and creates a steamy environment, facilitating better melting and a glossier, cheesier finish.
Microwaving
The microwave is a convenient option for melting vegan cheese. Start by placing your shredded or grated vegan cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short intervals, starting with one minute, and then stir vigorously. Continue heating in 15-second increments, stirring in between, until the cheese reaches your desired consistency. This method is ideal for quickly melting small amounts of cheese for dips, nachos, or as a topping for other dishes.
Steaming
Vegan cheese loves steam! When making grilled cheese sandwiches or quesadillas, the cheese is steamed between the bread and other ingredients, helping it melt beautifully. You can also apply pressure to the sandwich by using a sandwich press or weighing it down, enhancing the melting process and creating a gooey texture.
Choosing the Right Cheese
Not all vegan cheeses are created equal when it comes to melting. Look for brands known for their meltability, such as Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative, Follow Your Heart (especially their Smoked Gouda), Violife (their Epic Mature Cheddar and shredded varieties), and MozzaRisella. Finely shredding the cheese yourself, rather than using pre-shredded cheese, can also improve melting.
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Oven-baking, stovetop stirring, and microwaving
Vegan cheese can be melted using various cooking techniques, including stovetop stirring, oven-baking, and microwaving. However, it is important to note that vegan cheese does not contain casein, a milk protein that significantly contributes to the melting, stretching, and bubbling properties of dairy cheese. This results in a different melting dynamic, and innovative methods are being explored to improve the melting properties of vegan cheese.
Oven-baking
To achieve the perfect melt for your dish, it is recommended to preheat the oven to a temperature between 350°F and 475°F. This temperature range is suitable for dishes such as casseroles, baked pasta, and pizza. For casseroles, it is important to note that the oven temperature should not be too low, as this can dry out the cheese, affecting its ability to melt properly. Once the desired temperature is reached, sprinkle the vegan cheese over the dish or mix it within. Covering the dish with foil can help trap steam and aid in melting, but it should be removed towards the end of the baking process to allow the cheese to brown, if desired.
Stovetop stirring
Stovetop stirring is another effective method for melting vegan cheese. To do this, add a small amount of non-dairy milk or water to a non-stick pan to prevent sticking. Then, add the desired amount of vegan cheese shreds and continuously stir over medium heat until a smooth consistency is achieved. For optimal melting, it is recommended to stir constantly and avoid high heat, as this can make the cheese tough. This method is suitable for creating a cheese sauce or melting cheese slices for sandwiches or burgers.
Microwaving
When using a microwave to melt vegan cheese, it is important to use a microwave-safe bowl and heat the cheese in short intervals of 15 to 30 seconds, stirring in between, to ensure even melting and avoid overheating. The addition of vegetable broth and nutritional yeast flakes is optional but can enhance the flavor. Microwaving is a quick and convenient method for melting vegan cheese, especially when short on time, but careful attention is required to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.
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The role of temperature
Firstly, it's important to note that the melting characteristics of vegan cheese differ from those of cow's cheese. Vegan cheese may not melt at similar temperatures or to the same extent as dairy cheese. This is where temperature plays a key role. When preparing dishes like pizza, setting the oven temperature to 430°F/220°C can effectively melt vegan cheese.
Temperature also comes into play when melting vegan cheese in sandwiches. For grilled cheese sandwiches, the steaming effect created by placing the cheese between other ingredients helps it melt. In contrast, when melting vegan cheese on veggie burgers in the microwave, a lower temperature and shorter cooking time are necessary to prevent overcooking the burger while the cheese remains rigid.
Additionally, temperature influences the melting process when using pre-shredded vegan cheese. Pre-shredded varieties may contain starches that hinder melting, so allowing slices to come to room temperature before placing them on cheeseburgers can aid in the melting process. Finely shredding a block of vegan cheese at home and adding a splash of non-dairy milk or water to the cooking process can also enhance melting.
The temperature's role in melting vegan cheese extends beyond the direct heat applied. Understanding the ideal temperature range for specific types of vegan cheese is essential. Some varieties, like Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative, Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda, and Violife shreds, are known for their superior melting qualities. However, others, like Daiya slices, may not melt as well, requiring adjustments in temperature and cooking techniques.
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The challenge of replicating dairy cheese melting behaviour
Vegan cheese has a different melting behaviour compared to dairy cheese due to the absence of casein, a milk protein that significantly contributes to the melting, stretching, and bubbling properties of dairy cheese. The complex molecular structure of casein is unique to animal milk, making it difficult to replicate in vegan cheese. This results in a different melting dynamic, with vegan cheese often requiring specific techniques and temperatures to achieve a similar melted state as dairy cheese.
Innovative methods are being explored to improve the melting properties of vegan cheese. One such method is precision fermentation, which uses microbes or fungal strains to create vegan casein. However, differences in melting behaviour are also attributed to the absence of dairy sugars and proteins in vegan cheese. The melting behaviour of vegan cheese can be influenced by factors such as temperature, technique, and the type of vegan cheese used.
Some brands of vegan cheese are known for their excellent melting qualities. For example, the Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative and Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda have been praised for their meltability and flavour. Violife, a brand of shredded vegan cheese, has also gained recognition for its melting capabilities, especially on pizzas. MozzaRisella, a mozzarella-like option, is another well-known choice for its meltability on pizzas in UK restaurants.
To enhance the melting of vegan cheese, it is recommended to use less, shred it finely, and avoid pre-shredded varieties. Cooking techniques such as stovetop stirring, oven baking with foil, and cautious microwaving can also improve melting. When baking pizzas, a temperature of 430°F/220°C is ideal for melting vegan cheese. Grilled cheese sandwiches benefit from steaming, as the cheese is sandwiched between other ingredients, aiding in melting.
While advancements have been made, replicating the melting behaviour of dairy cheese remains a challenge for vegan cheese producers. The early plant-based cheese products often had undesirable textures, and modern formulations have yet to fully overcome the issue of recreating the melting profile of traditional dairy cheese. Rheology, a tool for comparing and benchmarking products, has been used to study the differences in melting behaviour between plant-based and dairy-based cheeses, providing insights for innovators working on plant-based alternatives.
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The best melting vegan cheeses
Vegan cheese has a different melting behaviour compared to dairy cheese due to the absence of casein, a milk protein that contributes to the melting, stretching, and bubbling properties of dairy cheese. However, there are several brands of vegan cheese known for their excellent melting qualities. Here are some of the best melting vegan cheeses:
Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative
The Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative is an all-round winner, receiving a 9.8 out of 10 rating for its melting capabilities. It has a smoky flavour and is suitable for a variety of dishes, including homemade pizzas and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda
Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda is another highly-rated vegan cheese, also scoring 9.8 out of 10 for melting. It is perfect for homemade pizzas or grilled cheese sandwiches, and can add a sophisticated touch to mac n cheese.
Violife Epic Mature Cheddar Flavour
Violife's Epic Mature Cheddar Flavour is a fantastic melting option, with a strong taste and superior melting capability. It's perfect for pizzas and can also be enjoyed raw on crackers or straight from the block. Violife also offers a range of shredded vegan cheeses that melt smoothly.
Field Roast Vegan Chao Slices
Field Roast Vegan Chao slices are an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to their good meltability and unique flavour from fermented soybeans. They have a slightly firm texture when served cold but melt nicely into a classic grilled cheese.
MozzaRisella
MozzaRisella is known for its mozzarella-like meltability and is used in several UK high street restaurants.
To improve the melting of vegan cheese, it is recommended to shred the cheese finely, use less, and avoid pre-shredded types. Cooking techniques such as stovetop stirring, oven baking with foil, and cautious microwaving can also help achieve a better melt.
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Frequently asked questions
Vegan cheese does not contain casein, a milk protein that contributes to the melting properties of dairy cheese. This means that vegan cheese has a different melting behaviour and a higher melting point compared to dairy cheese.
The absence of casein, a milk protein, in vegan cheese means that it lacks the same melting, stretching, and bubbling properties as dairy cheese. Additionally, the absence of dairy sugars and proteins in vegan cheese also contributes to its different melting behaviour.
There are several techniques to improve the melting of vegan cheese. These include shredding the cheese finely, avoiding pre-shredded types, using stovetop stirring, oven baking with foil, and cautious microwaving. Using melted vegan cheese is also an option, as it can be drizzled over pizzas and quesadillas.
