Patrick Oconnell
Melting vegan cheese can be a tricky business. The wrong temperature or cheese type can lead to a dry, clumpy mess. But, when done right, it can transform a simple dish into a gourmet delight. So, how do you get that perfect melt? Well, it depends on the dish. For nachos, pre-melting and drizzling is the way to go. For casseroles, it's best to add the cheese for the last 5-10 minutes of baking so it doesn't burn. For grilled cheese, a stovetop approach works, with a splash of non-dairy milk or water to prevent sticking. And if you're making pizza, high temperatures will get that cheese melting beautifully. As for cheese type, some brands are known for their excellent melting qualities, like Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda and Violife Epic Mature Cheddar. But, if you're shredding a block yourself, that can also improve melting. Now you're ready to get melting!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese brands | Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative, Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda, Violife Epic Mature Cheddar Flavour Vegan Cheese, Sheese Cheddar Style with Jalapeno and Chilli Vegan Cheese, MozzaRisella, Violife, Daiya |
| Melting techniques | Shredding, pre-melting and drizzling, baking with foil covering, applying pressure |
| Storage | Store in a sealed container or bowl at room temperature, do not freeze |
Explore related products
$17.36 $20.79
What You'll Learn
Use the oven
Using the oven is a great way to melt vegan cheese. However, it is important to note that vegan cheese has a different melting dynamic to dairy cheese due to the absence of casein, a milk protein that contributes to the melting properties of dairy cheese.
When melting vegan cheese in the oven, it is recommended to shred the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese, as pre-shredded cheese may contain starches that impede melting. Finely shredding the cheese can also enhance its melting properties.
If you are adding melted cheese to a casserole, bake the casserole without the cheese for most of the bake time. For the last 5 to 10 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven, drizzle the top with melted cheese, and return it to the oven. This allows the cheese to melt without burning or drying out.
For grilled cheese sandwiches, place your desired vegetables in a greased baking pan and drizzle with oil. Roast until tender, then place the bread slices on a baking sheet and spread with a mixture of mayonnaise and garlic. Change the oven setting to broil, spoon the vegetables over the bread slices, and sprinkle with cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted.
When melting vegan cheese in the oven, you can also try covering the dish with foil, which can produce a glossier melted cheese and enhance the cheese pull effect. Additionally, specific brands of vegan cheese, such as Violife, Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda, and Sheese Cheddar Style, are known for their excellent melting qualities.
The Art of Melting Cheese Wax
You may want to see also
Use the stovetop
When melting Go Veggie cheese on a stovetop, it's important to note that different cheeses melt differently, so be cautious when substituting one type of cheese for another. The amount of heat applied is crucial; overheating can cause the proteins in the cheese to tighten up, resulting in a rubbery texture. Cheeses with lower fat content and low moisture levels, such as Parmesan or Romano, will only partially melt and may not be ideal for achieving a creamy sauce. Instead, opt for cheeses with higher moisture content and lower melting points, like Swiss or Cheddar.
To melt Go Veggie cheese on a stovetop, start by heating a saucepan over medium-low heat. Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan ensures even heat distribution and prevents scorching. Next, add the cheese gradually, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula in a circular motion. Finely shredded cheese, especially when done at home, tends to melt better and enhances the flavor. If you desire a thinner consistency, add a splash of non-dairy milk or water to the saucepan. For an even smoother melt, whisk the cheese vigorously as it melts.
When melting vegan cheese, it's recommended to use a smaller amount as a little goes a long way. Finely shredding the cheese can also improve its melting properties, resulting in a texture closer to melted dairy cheese. Avoid pre-shredded vegan cheeses, as they may contain starches that hinder melting. Additionally, applying pressure to vegan cheese sandwiches can help achieve a gooier texture.
For a thicker and gooier consistency, melt the cheese over low heat for a longer duration, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If you're aiming for a thin and runny consistency, use less liquid or reduce the melting time. Conversely, for a thick and lumpy sauce, stir vigorously and add more liquid. You can also add a splash of wine or beer to enhance the flavor of the melted cheese.
Fixing Alfredo Sauce: When Parmesan Cheese Won't Melt
You may want to see also
Add to sandwiches
Adding Go Veggie Cheese to Sandwiches
Go Veggie Cheese can be a great addition to sandwiches, adding a melty, gooey, and cheesy texture to your meal. There are a few ways to achieve this, and the method you choose will depend on the type of sandwich you are making.
For grilled cheese sandwiches, it is recommended to shred the cheese yourself, rather than using pre-shredded cheese, as this can contain starches that may impede melting. Finely shredding the cheese will enhance its melting properties, resulting in a texture closer to that of melted dairy cheese. You can also add a splash of non-dairy milk or water to a non-stick pan to prevent sticking.
For an open-faced sandwich, you can roast vegetables and drizzle them with oil before tossing them with bread slices that have been spread with a mixture of mayonnaise and garlic. Sprinkle the vegetables with cheese and broil 3-4 inches from the heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
If you are making a cold sandwich, such as a veggie BLT or vegan club sandwich, you can simply add sliced cheese, or pre-melt the cheese and drizzle it over the top.
Some recommended brands of Go Veggie Cheese for sandwiches include Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative, Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda, and Field Roast Vegan Chao slices. These cheeses are known for their good melting qualities and unique flavors.
Melting Velveeta Cheese Blocks: The Quickest Way
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use pre-shredded cheese
If you're using pre-shredded vegan cheese, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure optimal melting. Firstly, it's recommended to use a moderate amount as excessive quantities can overwhelm the dish, and melting technique is critical for the best results. Pre-shredded cheese may contain starches that hinder melting, so it's best to use a finely shredded variety as this can enhance its melting properties, resulting in a texture closer to that of melted dairy cheese.
When melting pre-shredded vegan cheese, you can use a stovetop or microwave method. For the stovetop method, add a splash of non-dairy milk or water to a non-stick pan to prevent sticking. Then, add the pre-shredded cheese and stir continuously over medium heat until you achieve a smooth consistency. This method is ideal for drizzling over nachos, casseroles, or pizzas.
If you prefer using a microwave, place the pre-shredded cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and add vegetable broth and nutritional yeast if desired. Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the cheese is thoroughly melted. This method is suitable for drizzling over casseroles, pizzas, and other dishes.
It's worth noting that some brands of pre-shredded vegan cheese melt better than others. For example, Vevan Mozza-Shred is known for its melting capabilities and can enhance various recipes, such as pasta sauces and fondue. Additionally, Daiya and Follow Your Heart are popular brands that offer a range of flavours, including cheddar and mozzarella.
Melting Cheese Triangles: A Quick Guide
You may want to see also
Use with nachos
To make the perfect veggie nachos, you'll need to choose the right type of cheese, melt it to the ideal consistency, and add flavour with spices and toppings.
Choosing the Right Cheese
The best cheeses for nachos are those with a high moisture content that haven't been aged. Aged cheeses have lower water content and melt at a higher temperature, making them more prone to becoming tough and oily. Young, high-moisture cheeses that are great for nachos include mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, queso blanco, and young cheddar.
Melting the Cheese
To melt the cheese, you can use a saucepan, microwave, or oven. The key is to heat the cheese slowly and gently to avoid overheating, which can cause the cheese to become grainy, thick, or clumpy. Use low heat and stir constantly. If using a microwave, melt the cheese in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, and use low power to prevent burning.
Adding Flavour and Texture
To enhance the flavour of your melted cheese, you can add spices such as chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like cilantro, chives, or parsley. If your cheese sauce becomes too thick, you can add a small amount of milk or heavy cream and stir until smooth. Conversely, if it becomes too thin, add shredded cheese to thicken it.
Toppings
Once you have your perfectly melted cheese, it's time to assemble your nachos! Layer your favourite toppings, such as diced veggies or meatless chili, to create a customisable and delicious veggie nacho experience.
Microwaving Parmesan Cheese: Melting or Messy Mishap?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Go Veggie cheese melts best when it is shredded at home and thinly sliced. You can also add a splash of non-dairy milk or water to a non-stick pan to prevent sticking.
Applying pressure to sandwiches can help the cheese melt and achieve a gooier texture. Covering Go Veggie cheese-topped dishes with foil while baking can also produce a glossier melt and enhance the cheese pull effect.
Some brands of Go Veggie cheese that melt well include Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda, Violife Epic Mature Cheddar Flavour, and MozzaRisella.
