Randy Chandler
Vegan cheddar cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional cheddar cheese, which is usually made from cow, goat, or sheep milk. It is made using a variety of ingredients, such as vegetable proteins, vegetable oils, nuts, and nutritional yeast. The process of making vegan cheddar cheese shares some similarities with traditional cheesemaking but without the use of animal milk. Recipes for vegan cheddar cheese often include ingredients like coconut milk, soy milk, nutritional yeast, agar powder, tapioca flour, and various spices to achieve the desired flavor, color, and texture. The cheese is then cooked, chilled, and sliced or grated, creating a versatile product that can be enjoyed in various dishes.
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients
Vegan cheddar cheese is made from plant-based ingredients and is a good alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet. The ingredients used to make vegan cheddar cheese vary depending on the recipe and the desired texture, taste, and consistency. Here are some of the commonly used ingredients:
Non-Dairy Milk
Non-dairy milk is used as a base for vegan cheddar cheese. Different recipes call for different types of plant-based milk, such as coconut milk, soy milk, or pea protein milk. The choice of milk can impact the richness, thickness, and flavor of the cheese. It is important to use plain, unsweetened, and unflavored milk to avoid altering the taste of the cheese.
Vegan Yogurt
Vegan yogurt is added to the cheese mixture to provide a tangy flavor and contribute to the overall texture. It is often used in combination with non-dairy milk to create a creamy and slightly acidic base.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a key ingredient in vegan cheddar cheese. It adds a nutty, cheesy flavor and a golden color to the cheese. Additionally, it provides a boost of B vitamins and umami notes. Nutritional yeast helps enhance the overall cheesiness of the final product.
Agar Powder or Tapioca Starch/Flour
Agar powder, derived from seaweed, is essential for creating the right consistency, texture, and firmness in vegan cheddar cheese. It acts as a thickening agent and helps the cheese set and solidify. Tapioca starch or flour is often used in combination with agar to improve the meltability of the cheese and provide a stretchy consistency similar to regular cheddar.
Spices and Seasonings
Various spices and seasonings are added to enhance the flavor and color of the cheese. These can include paprika, turmeric, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, salt, and white miso paste. These ingredients contribute to the tanginess, cheesiness, and overall taste of the vegan cheddar cheese.
Oils and Fats
Coconut oil or other plant-based oils are used to add richness and creaminess to the cheese. The type and amount of oil can impact the texture and melting properties of the final product. Additionally, tahini or cashew butter can be used for their creamy texture and rich flavor.
Acidic Ingredients
Sweeteners
Some recipes call for sweeteners, such as dates or agave syrup, to balance out the flavors and add a touch of sweetness to the cheese.
The specific quantities and combinations of these ingredients can vary depending on the recipe and the desired characteristics of the final product. Experimenting with different ingredients and ratios can lead to creating a vegan cheddar cheese that suits one's taste preferences and desired texture.
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Preparation
Vegan cheddar cheese is made using vegetable proteins, such as soy, nuts (cashews and macadamias), and vegetable oils (coconut oil). It can also be derived from agar, tapioca, peas, and arrowroot. The process shares some similarities with traditional cheesemaking but without the use of animal milk.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients:
- Non-dairy milk (soy milk, coconut milk, or any other plant-based milk)
- Vegan yogurt
- Turmeric powder (a pinch for colour)
- Nutritional yeast (adds cheesiness and umami)
- Agar powder (for consistency, texture, and firmness)
- Tapioca flour/starch (for stretch and structure)
- Salt
- Paprika (for colour)
- Apple cider vinegar (for tang)
- Lemon juice
- Refined coconut oil
- Cornstarch
- White miso
- Tahini or cashew butter
- Tomato paste
- Olive brine or pickling brine
- Kappa carrageenan (optional, for melting)
Method
- Prepare your choice of non-dairy milk. If using coconut milk, use a 13.5 oz can of full-fat coconut milk and 1/2 cup of water. Alternatively, use any plant-based milk with oil instead of coconut milk. Ensure that the milk is plain, unsweetened, and unflavoured.
- Add all the ingredients to a blender. You can adjust the amounts of certain ingredients to suit your taste, such as adding more nutritional yeast for a stronger flavour.
- Blend until the mixture is well incorporated and smooth. The smoother the mixture, the better the final product.
- Pour the blended mixture into a pot and cook on the stove over medium-high heat.
- Stir continuously with a spatula until the mixture thickens. This should take around 5-10 minutes.
- Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat. If using kappa carrageenan, you only need to heat it with the other ingredients for a maximum of one minute.
- Pour the mixture into a lightly oiled container. You can use silicone molds or a prepared dish lightly sprayed with oil.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or until firm. You can also leave it overnight for better flavour.
- Enjoy your vegan cheddar cheese! You can slice, grate, cube, or spread it however you like.
Tips
- If you want a firmer cheese, you can add more agar powder (2 tablespoons).
- For a melty and stretchy cheese, use kappa carrageenan instead of agar powder.
- If you are using cashews, soak or boil them before blending to soften them.
- You can add other spices and ingredients to customize the flavour, such as onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, or tahini.
- The cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days and frozen for up to 3 months.
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Cooking
To make vegan cheddar cheese, you will need a combination of some of the following ingredients: non-dairy milk, vegan yoghurt, coconut oil, lemon juice, refined coconut oil, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, paprika, turmeric, salt, water, agar powder, tapioca flour/starch, tomato paste, olive brine, and tahini or cashew butter.
Some recipes call for raw cashews, which need to be soaked in boiled water for around 10 minutes or soaked in water for 4 hours or more, to be added to the mixture. The cashews should be drained and rinsed before use.
Once you have your ingredients, add them to a blender or food processor and blend until the mixture is smooth. If you are using cashews, you will need to add them to the blender along with lemon juice, refined coconut oil, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, paprika, turmeric, salt, and water. If you are not using cashews, you can add non-dairy milk, vegan yoghurt, salt, nutritional yeast, agar powder, tapioca flour, turmeric, and paprika to the blender.
After blending, pour the mixture into a pot and cook on the stove on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously with a spatula until it starts to thicken. Once it has thickened, remove it from the heat and pour it into a lightly oiled container. Chill the mixture in the fridge for 1-2 hours or until firm.
You can then enjoy your vegan cheddar cheese sliced, grated, cubed, or melted!
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Setting
The setting for making vegan cheddar cheese can vary depending on the recipe and equipment used. However, here is a general overview of the setting and equipment required:
Kitchen or Food Laboratory:
The process of making vegan cheddar cheese typically takes place in a kitchen or food laboratory setting. This space should be clean and sanitary, with ample counter space for preparing the ingredients and cooking the cheese.
Standard Kitchen Equipment:
Basic kitchen equipment is required, including a stove, blender or food processor, pots and pans, spatulas, and containers for storing the final product. Some recipes may also call for a grill or oven for melting and grilling the cheese.
Ingredients:
The ingredients for vegan cheddar cheese vary but typically include non-dairy milk, vegan yogurt, nutritional yeast, agar powder or flakes, tapioca flour or starch, and seasonings such as salt, paprika, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar. Some recipes may also use coconut milk, coconut oil, or other plant-based oils. It is important to have all the ingredients measured and prepared before starting the cheese-making process.
Refrigerator and Storage Containers:
A refrigerator is essential for chilling and setting the vegan cheddar cheese. Airtight containers or wraps are also necessary for storing the cheese after it has been prepared.
Work Space:
A clean and organized work space is crucial for the cheese-making process. This includes having a designated area for preparing the ingredients, cooking the cheese, and allowing it to cool and set. Proper safety equipment, such as oven mitts and heat-resistant gloves, should also be within easy reach.
Optional Equipment:
Depending on the recipe and desired texture, additional equipment such as a mold or silicone trays may be used to shape the cheese. A food scale might also be useful for measuring ingredients accurately.
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Serving suggestions
Vegan cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
Snack Platters and Appetizers
Vegan cheddar cheese can be a great addition to snack platters or appetizer spreads. Serve it with crackers, crusty bread, grapes, or arugula. It can be sliced, cubed, or spreadable, depending on your preference.
Sandwiches and Wraps
This cheese is also delicious in sandwiches, whether they are cold, grilled, or breakfast sandwiches. It can be sliced, spread, or grated and added to your favourite sandwich fillings. You can also use it in wraps, adding a tangy and creamy element to your favourite wrap recipes.
Salads and Soups
Vegan cheddar cheese can add flavour and texture to salads and soups. Crumble it over your favourite salad or grate it on top of a bowl of soup. You can also try adding it to a vegan chili for an extra cheesy kick.
Pizza and Pasta
While vegan cheddar cheese may not have the same melting properties as traditional cheese, it can still be a tasty topping for pizza. Grate it over your favourite pizza base or use it in place of traditional cheese in a calzone or deep dish pizza. For pasta dishes, try mixing grated or melted vegan cheddar into your favourite pasta recipes for a creamy and cheesy touch.
Tacos, Burritos, and Nachos
Vegan cheddar cheese can be a tasty addition to Mexican-inspired dishes. Use it in tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. For nachos, it is important to note that a specific melty and stretchy nacho cheese recipe might be more suitable, as regular vegan cheddar may not have the desired melting properties.
Cooking and Baking
Vegan cheddar cheese can be used in a variety of cooked and baked dishes. Try adding it to mashed potatoes, pierogies, or grilled cheese sandwiches. It can also be a tasty addition to burgers, providing a cheesy flavour boost.
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Frequently asked questions
Common ingredients include non-dairy milk, vegan yoghurt, salt, nutritional yeast, agar powder, tapioca flour, turmeric, paprika, coconut oil, and lemon juice.
Turmeric powder and paprika are used to enhance the colour of the cheese.
Agar powder is a seaweed-based product that helps create the right consistency, texture, and firmness in vegan cheese.
The ingredients are blended and cooked on a stove. Once gooey and stretchy, the mixture is poured into a container and chilled in the fridge.
It has been described as tangy, creamy, cheesy, silky, robust, sharp, and mild.
