Patrick Oconnell
Vegan cheese is a great alternative to dairy cheese, and the good news is that it melts, too! There are many different types of vegan cheese, and they don't all melt in the same way, but there are some tricks to get that gooey, melty goodness. For example, if you're using an oven, a higher temperature of around 425ºF is best for that perfect melt. If you're using a microwave, heat the cheese in short bursts, stirring in between. And if you're making a toastie or grilled cheese, Violife slices melt beautifully between two slices of bread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Melting ability | Yes, vegan cheese does melt, but not all varieties melt to the same extent or at the same temperature as dairy cheese. |
| Best melting methods | Oven, microwave, stovetop, or sandwich press. |
| Oven temperature | Between 100-120°C for nachos, 425°F for gooey perfection, or 475°F for pizza. |
| Stovetop temperature | Medium-high heat. |
| Microwave method | Heat for 30-second increments, stirring after each increment. |
| Sandwich press | Violife shreds melt well in a sandwich press. |
| Recommended brands | Violife, Vevan, Applewood, Miyokos, and Chao. |
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What You'll Learn
Vegan cheese melting methods
Vegan cheese can be made to melt smoothly and evenly, enhancing the flavor and texture of your dishes. Here are some methods to achieve that perfect melt:
Baking
Vegan cheese will melt when exposed to high temperatures in an oven. For optimal melting, set your oven to temperatures between 350°F to 450°F. If you're making pizza, an oven temperature of 430°F/220°C will melt the vegan cheese nicely. You can also cover the dish with foil to trap steam, which aids in melting.
Steaming
Vegan cheese melts when steamed within layered dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches or quesadillas. You can also apply pressure to these sandwiches to facilitate better melting and achieve a gooier texture.
Stovetop
To melt vegan cheese on a stovetop, set the heat to medium-high and stir occasionally. This method is perfect for making cheese sauces to top off your pasta recipes or fondue.
Microwave
Vegan cheese can also be melted in a microwave. Place the cheese shreds in a microwave-safe bowl and add vegetable broth and nutritional yeast if desired. Heat in 15-second or 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the cheese is thoroughly melted.
Choosing the Right Cheese
Some vegan cheese brands are known for their excellent melting qualities. MozzaRisella, for instance, is famous for its mozzarella-like meltability and is used in pizzas in various UK restaurants. Violife, Follow Your Heart, and Chao are other options that melt well. It is also recommended to shred the cheese block at home, as pre-shredded cheese may contain starches that impede melting.
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Store-bought vs homemade vegan cheese
Store-bought vs. homemade vegan cheese
Vegan cheese is a delicious alternative to dairy cheese, and it often looks and tastes similar to its dairy counterpart. It is made with plant-based ingredients such as nuts, seeds, tofu, oats, or beans, and thickened with starch or flour. There are endless varieties of vegan cheese available today, including shredded cheese, liquid cheddar or mozzarella-style sauce, sliced Swiss cheese, and even vegan parmesan.
When it comes to store-bought vs. homemade vegan cheese, there are some key differences to consider. Firstly, convenience. Store-bought vegan cheese is readily available and can be purchased from most supermarkets and health food stores. It is a convenient option for those who do not have the time or inclination to make their own cheese. On the other hand, homemade vegan cheese requires some preparation and planning, as you will need to source the ingredients and follow a recipe. However, making your own vegan cheese can be a fun and rewarding experience, and it allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your taste.
Some popular store-bought vegan cheese brands include Kite Hill Foods, which offers an almond-based cream cheese with a subtle tang, and Tofutti, which tastes just like dairy cream cheese, according to some consumers. These store-bought options provide a convenient and tasty solution for those who want a quick and easy option.
Homemade vegan cheese, on the other hand, can be made with simple ingredients such as cashews, coconut oil, salt, garlic, and olive brine. This creates a creamy, spreadable, and delicious cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. Making your own vegan cheese allows for customization and experimentation with different ingredients and flavors. For example, adding paprika and turmeric will give the cheese a vibrant color, while optional add-ins like black pepper, lemon zest, or fresh herbs can enhance the flavor and create unique combinations.
Ultimately, the decision between store-bought and homemade vegan cheese depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Store-bought cheese offers convenience and a wide variety of options, while homemade cheese allows for customization and control over ingredients. Both options provide tasty and realistic alternatives to dairy cheese, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the cheesy goodness without compromising their values or dietary restrictions.
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Vegan cheese that melts well
Vegan cheese has come a long way, with many options now melting just like regular cheese. There are a few factors to consider when choosing a vegan cheese that melts well. Firstly, the type of dish you are preparing will determine the best cheese for melting. Different cheeses melt better for different uses. For example, some cheeses melt better on pizza, while others are better for grilled cheese sandwiches. The temperature at which the cheese is melted is also important, as plant-based cheeses generally need to be heated at higher temperatures to achieve the best melt.
- Vevan Foods' Mozza-Shred and Ched-Shred are great options for melting, as they come in shreds that can be easily sprinkled on dishes. Their Mozza-Melts are also designed to melt well and can be torn into smaller pieces and arranged on pizzas or other dishes.
- Violife is a well-known brand that offers shredded cheese in various flavours, including cheddar, Colby Jack, and Mexican-style. These shreds melt well when stirred into sauces or placed under an oven broiler.
- Follow Your Heart offers a variety of vegan cheeses, including a Smoked Gouda that melts well and is perfect for pizzas or grilled cheese sandwiches. Their "mozzarella" is also mentioned as melting decently.
- Miyokos Creamery offers a cashew-based mozzarella that melts amazingly in grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Applewood offers a Smoky Cheese Alternative that melts beautifully and is perfect for toast, pizzas, pastas, baked potatoes, or fondue.
- Sheese offers a Cheddar Style with Jalapeno and Chilli Vegan Cheese that melts well and is perfect for adding a spicy kick to pizzas.
- Field Roast's Vegan Chao Slices melt nicely into a classic grilled cheese sandwich and have a slightly firm texture when served cold.
- Trader Joe's offers a vegan feta alternative that is made in Greece and sold in brine. It crumbles well and is great for sprinkling on salads.
When melting vegan cheese, it is important to note that different methods may work better for different cheeses. For example, some cheeses may melt better in the oven or on the stovetop, while others may do well in the microwave. Experimenting with different melting methods and temperatures can help achieve the best results for each type of vegan cheese.
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Vegan cheese that doesn't melt well
While there are many vegan cheese options available, the melting capabilities of these products vary. Some may bubble, while others may struggle to melt and turn into a liquid state. The texture of vegan cheese is often cited as an issue, with one source stating that "stretching and melting is such an important part of cheese. [When it comes to] non-dairy cheeses, this is an area where everyone struggles."
However, there are some vegan cheeses that are reported to melt well. For example, the Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative received a 9.8 out of 10 rating for how well it melts. Other options that melt well include Violife, which is great for grilled cheese and quesadillas, and Follow Your Heart's Smoked Gouda, which is perfect for homemade pizza or grilled cheese sandwiches.
On the other hand, some vegan cheeses may not melt as well. For instance, one source mentions that Whole Foods' house brand vegan cheddar did not melt well for them. Additionally, some people may find that making their own vegan cheese with tapioca starch or using chickpeas instead of cashews results in a product that doesn't melt as desired.
It's worth noting that the melting capabilities of vegan cheese can also depend on the cooking method and temperature. For example, when using an oven, baking dishes at 425°F can help achieve gooey perfection, and when using a stove, medium-high heat with occasional stirring is recommended.
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Vegan cheese melting temperatures
While vegan cheese does melt, not all vegan cheeses are created equal when it comes to melting capabilities. Some may bubble, while others may struggle to melt and turn into more of a liquid state. The melting capabilities of vegan cheese also depend on the method of heating used, be it in the oven, on the stove, or in the microwave.
In general, plant-based cheese must be heated at higher temperatures than dairy cheese to achieve the creamiest and best results. For optimal melting, it is recommended to bake dishes in the oven at 425°F (218°C). For those craving the familiar gooey globs of cheesy goodness on their pizza, it is suggested to crank the oven up to 475°F (246°C). However, when melting cheese in a pan on the stove, it is advised to use a medium-high heat and stir occasionally.
When using a microwave to melt vegan cheese, it is recommended to heat in 30-second increments, stirring after each increment, until the desired level of melt is achieved. The sauce can be adjusted by adding more milk or water if it becomes too thick, or more cheese if it is too thin.
There are also differences in melting capabilities between different brands of vegan cheese. For example, Violife, Earth's Own, and Miyokos Creamery have been praised for their melting abilities, while the Whole Foods house brand vegan cheddar fell short of expectations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, vegan cheese does melt. However, not all vegan cheeses are created to melt, and some may not melt well or take a long time to do so.
There are several ways to melt vegan cheese. You can use a stove, oven, microwave, or sandwich press. If using an oven, set it to a low temperature of around 100-120 degrees Celsius. For a microwave, heat in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval. On a stove, use medium-high heat and stir occasionally.
Some good melting vegan cheeses include Violife, Aldi shreds, and Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative.
No, vegan cheeses generally do not melt at the same temperatures or in the same way as dairy cheese. Vegan cheese may require higher temperatures to achieve optimal melting.
Yes, you can melt vegan cheese on pizza. Try using a high oven temperature of around 425-475 degrees Fahrenheit for the best gooey results.
