Andy Montoya
Vegan cheese has come a long way, and with the growing vegan cheese industry, there are now many options for those who are vegan or dairy-free. But does vegan cheese melt on pizza? The answer is yes, there are several vegan cheeses that melt very nicely on pizza, including cashew cheese, chickpea cheese, and rice starch cheese. Some people also choose to make their own vegan cheese, with recipes that include cashews or white beans, and these can also melt well on pizza. The key to getting vegan cheese to melt on pizza is temperature—most vegan cheeses will melt in the oven at temperatures of around 400°F or higher.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegan cheese that melts on pizza | Miyoko's Creamery Vegan Pizza Mozzarella, cashew cheese, white beans cheese, coconut oil-based cheese, chickpea cheese, rice starch cheese, and more |
| Temperature to melt vegan cheese | 400°F, 425°C, 550°F |
| Vegan cheese that doesn't melt easily | Daiya shreds and slices, Follow Your Heart slices |
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What You'll Learn
Miyoko's Creamery Vegan Pizza Mozzarella
Miyokos Creamery Vegan Pizza Mozzarella is a popular choice for those looking to make a vegan pizza. The product comes in two forms: a pourable, liquid form and a block form. The liquid form is made from cashew milk and is designed to be poured directly onto the pizza and baked. This variety is unique because it is already liquid, so there is no melting required. Instead, the baking process causes the cheese to coagulate into a solid form. This results in a thin layer of cheese with a solid, yet bubbly and browned, texture. The liquid form is also suitable for drizzling on pasta or casseroles.
The block form, on the other hand, requires a bit more preparation. This variety is also crafted from cashew milk but comes in a solid block. To use it on pizza, the block must be firmed up in the freezer before grating. Even then, the shreds tend to be wet and stick together. An alternative is to thinly slice the mozzarella and place the slices on the pizza. This variety melts nicely, browns, and has minimal stretch. It also has a light mouthfeel due to its lower density compared to dairy cheese.
Both the pourable and block forms of Miyokos Creamery Vegan Pizza Mozzarella have been praised for their flavour and lack of any hint of fake vegan cheese taste. The liquid form, in particular, has been described as having a "perfect melt and stretch" and is loved by pizza professionals and enthusiasts alike. The block form has been noted to be the one that most closely resembles Italian mozzarella, making it perfect for those seeking a gourmet pizza experience.
Overall, Miyokos Creamery Vegan Pizza Mozzarella is a great option for those looking to create a delicious vegan pizza. With its convenient pourable form and versatile block form, this vegan cheese offers a tasty and meltable alternative to traditional pizza cheese.
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Cashew cheese
When making cashew cheese for pizza, it is important to consider the desired texture and consistency. For a thicker and stretchier version, agar can be added to the mixture. This version is ideal for stuffed-crust pizzas as it is easier to handle and can be shredded. However, for a liquid vegan mozzarella, a thinner consistency can be achieved by omitting agar and using olive oil instead of coconut oil. This liquid version is perfect for drizzling over pizzas, but it may require a thinner cheese layer to solidify during baking.
The melting capability of cashew cheese on pizza depends on the oven temperature. Baking pizzas with vegan cheese at a temperature of 550°F (290°C) for about 7 minutes ensures a successful melt. At lower temperatures, vegan cheese may require partial melting before adding it to the pizza. This can be achieved by stirring the cheese with boiling water or rubbing slices with water or olive oil to enhance melting during baking.
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Liquid mozzarella
Preparation
To prepare liquid mozzarella, raw cashews are soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or even overnight, to soften them. The cashews are then drained and blended with the remaining ingredients until a smooth and creamy mixture is formed. This process may involve blending, pausing, and blending again to ensure a grit-free consistency. The liquid mozzarella can then be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Usage
Customization
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Baked vs unbaked cheese
There are several options for baked and unbaked vegan cheese, with varying degrees of melting ability. Miyoko's Creamery is a well-known brand that offers a range of vegan cheese products, including cashew-based mozzarella and liquid pizza cheese. Their products are said to melt and stretch like dairy cheese, with a similar taste. The liquid cheese can be poured directly onto the pizza, and it bubbles and browns as it cooks, resulting in a gooey texture. However, it is important to keep the cheese layer thin to ensure it solidifies in the oven.
Another option for baked vegan cheese is to make it at home. There are recipes available for vegan mozzarella that can be easily prepared and melted on pizza. These recipes often include ingredients like cashews, coconut oil, or other neutral-tasting oils, and can be adjusted to suit individual tastes and dietary needs. Some recipes may require a high-speed blender to blend the nuts and seeds, but soaking them beforehand can also help with the blending process.
When it comes to unbaked vegan cheese, there are a few options available in stores. Violife is a popular brand that offers mozzarella-style shreds made from minimal ingredients. These shreds can be sprinkled on pizza and will melt when heated. Daiya is another brand that offers vegan cheese slices and shreds that can be used on pizza, although some reviewers find the taste lacking.
Some people also choose to use vegan cheese sauces instead of solid cheese. These sauces can be made at home or purchased pre-made and added to dishes like pizza, nachos, or pasta. They provide a creamy, cheesy flavor and can be customized to suit individual tastes.
In summary, there are a variety of baked and unbaked vegan cheese options available, both store-bought and homemade. Each option has its own unique characteristics, and the best choice depends on individual preferences for taste, texture, and convenience.
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Vegan cheese slices
One popular option for vegan cheese slices is cashew cheese. Cashew cheese can be made at home or purchased from specialty stores. When making cashew cheese at home, it is important to soak the cashews overnight or use a high-speed blender to achieve the desired texture. The resulting cheese melts and tastes creamy, making it a perfect addition to pizzas. Other nuts, such as sunflower seeds, can also be used in a similar process to create vegan cheese slices.
Another option for vegan cheese slices is coconut oil-based cheese. Refined coconut oil is commonly used in vegan cheese recipes due to its high saturated fat content, which allows the cheese to melt when hot and firm up when cool. However, some people may prefer to avoid coconut oil in their vegan cheese due to its firmness. Italian olive oil or other neutral-tasting oils, such as avocado oil, can be used as substitutes to achieve a creamier texture.
Store-bought vegan cheese slices are also available for convenience. Popular brands include Daiya, Chao, and Follow Your Heart. These slices can be used on pizzas, grilled cheese, burgers, and sandwiches. However, some people may find that these slices do not melt as well as homemade options. To improve meltability, it is recommended to rub a small amount of water, coconut oil, or olive oil on the cheese slices before adding them to the pizza.
Overall, vegan cheese slices have come a long way in terms of taste and meltability. With a variety of options available, both homemade and store-bought, those who are vegan or lactose intolerant can still enjoy the cheesy goodness on their pizzas without compromising their dietary preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, vegan cheese melts on pizza. Miyoko's Creamery has created a pourable vegan "mozzarella" that coagulates under heat. Other options include chickpea cheese, rice starch cheese, and cashew cheese.
Miyoko's Creamery Vegan Pizza Mozzarella is considered a scientific step forward for vegan cheese. It is pourable, melts and browns, and has a stringy, milk-based mozzarella-like consistency. It is also cashew-based, which is unique among vegan cheeses.
To make vegan cheese melt on pizza, you can bake or broil it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also partially melt the cheese before adding it to the pizza or rub a little water or olive oil on the cheese slice to make it melt faster and better.
