Bushra Griffith
Melting vegan cheese is a great way to add a cheesy kick to your nachos. However, vegan cheese has a different melting behaviour to dairy cheese due to the absence of casein, a milk protein that contributes to the melting properties of dairy cheese. This means that innovative methods, such as precision fermentation, are being developed to improve the melting abilities of vegan cheese. When melting vegan cheese, it is important to use a low temperature and shred the cheese beforehand, as pre-shredded cheese often contains starches that can make it difficult to melt. There are several methods for melting vegan cheese, including using a stovetop, oven, or microwave.
Characteristics of melting vegan cheese for nachos
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | 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 shredded vegan cheeses, Field Roast Vegan Chao slices |
| Technique | Stovetop stirring, oven baking with foil, microwaving, pre-melting and drizzling |
| Temperature | Low |
| Texture | Gooey, melty, stretchy, smooth |
| Thickness | Not too thick or too thin |
| Flavor | Smoky, spicy, strong, mild |
| Preparation | Shredding, slicing, boiling, softening, soaking, straining |
| Add-ons | Vegetable broth, nutritional yeast flakes, non-dairy milk, water, cornstarch, tapioca starch, cashews |
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What You'll Learn
- Use a stovetop: add vegan cheese shreds, vegetable broth, and nutritional yeast flakes to a saucepan
- Use a microwave: place shreds in a bowl with broth and yeast flakes, then heat for one minute
- Use a grill: the heat from the grill may be enough to melt the cheese
- Use a specific brand: some vegan cheese brands are better melters than others
- Use a recipe: make your own vegan cheese sauce with cashews, water, and tapioca starch
Use a stovetop: add vegan cheese shreds, vegetable broth, and nutritional yeast flakes to a saucepan
Melting vegan cheese for nachos can be challenging due to the absence of casein, a milk protein that contributes to the melting properties of dairy cheese. However, with the right techniques, you can achieve a delicious melted vegan cheese for your nachos. One effective method is to use a stovetop, which allows you to control the melting process and create a smooth and creamy cheese sauce. Here's a step-by-step guide to using a stovetop to melt vegan cheese for nachos:
Use a Stovetop:
Start by choosing a small saucepan that is suitable for stovetop cooking. Place the saucepan on your stovetop and turn the heat to medium. You can also use a nonstick pan to prevent the cheese from sticking. Now, it's time to add the ingredients.
Add Vegan Cheese Shreds:
For the best melting results, it is recommended to shred a block of vegan cheese at home. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain starches that can impede melting. Finely shredding your own vegan cheese can enhance its melting properties and create a smoother texture. Add the shredded vegan cheese to your saucepan. You can adjust the amount of cheese depending on how much you need for your nachos.
Vegetable Broth:
Add a suitable amount of vegetable broth to the saucepan. The vegetable broth will help create a creamy and flavourful sauce. You can adjust the amount of broth depending on your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less broth, and if you like it thinner, add a bit more.
Nutritional Yeast Flakes:
Nutritional yeast flakes are a great addition to vegan cheese sauces as they provide a cheesy, nutty flavour. They also have a similar colour to cheese, enhancing the visual appeal of your sauce. Add a generous amount of nutritional yeast flakes to the saucepan. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
Cooking and Stirring:
Once you have added all the ingredients to the saucepan, it's time to cook and stir. Continue cooking over medium heat and stir regularly. This step is crucial to achieving a smooth and creamy sauce. Stirring ensures that the ingredients combine evenly and prevents the cheese from burning or sticking to the pan. Cook and stir for around 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
Drizzling Over Nachos:
Once your vegan cheese sauce is ready, it's time to drizzle it over your nachos. Prepare your favourite nacho toppings, such as tortilla chips, beans, salsa, or guacamole. Just before serving, drizzle the melted cheese sauce over your nachos. Enjoy the delicious combination of warm, crispy nachos smothered in stretchy, gooey vegan cheese!
Using a stovetop to melt vegan cheese for nachos gives you control over the melting process and allows you to create a smooth and creamy sauce. By adjusting the ingredients and cooking techniques, you can customise your vegan cheese sauce to your taste and texture preferences. Enjoy experimenting with this method and impress your friends with delicious, cheesy vegan nachos!
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Use a microwave: place shreds in a bowl with broth and yeast flakes, then heat for one minute
Melting vegan cheese for nachos can be done in a microwave, stovetop, or oven. Each method requires a slightly different approach, but the key to mastering the melt lies in understanding the temperature, technique, and type of vegan cheese used.
Using a Microwave:
Place shreds of vegan cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. It is recommended to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains starches that can make it difficult to melt. Add vegetable broth and nutritional yeast flakes, then heat for one minute. Stir the mixture vigorously until it reaches a smooth consistency. If necessary, reheat in 15-second increments or until your desired consistency is achieved.
This method is a quick and easy way to melt vegan cheese, but it is important to monitor the process closely to avoid overheating or uneven melting. The use of vegetable broth and nutritional yeast flakes also adds flavor and helps to create a smooth, creamy texture.
When melting vegan cheese in the microwave, it is crucial to use short intervals and stir frequently to prevent overheating and ensure even melting. Additionally, the type of vegan cheese used can impact the melting process. Some brands are known for their better melting qualities, and shredding the cheese finely can also enhance its melting properties.
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Use a grill: the heat from the grill may be enough to melt the cheese
Melting vegan cheese for nachos can be a tricky business. Vegan cheese has a different melting behaviour compared to dairy cheese due to the lack of casein and dairy sugars. However, there are still ways to achieve that gooey, melty texture. One way is to use a grill. The heat from the grill may be enough to melt the cheese, but there are some things to keep in mind to ensure success.
First, it's important to choose the right type of vegan cheese. Some brands are known for their excellent melting qualities. For example, Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative is celebrated for its smoky flavour and meltability. Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda is another great option, as it has remarkable meltability and a unique flavour. If you're looking for a spicy option, try Sheese Cheddar Style with Jalapeño and Chilli Vegan Cheese, which melts beautifully.
When preparing the cheese, it's recommended to shred a block of vegan cheese at home rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain starches that can impede melting. Finely shredding the cheese can improve its melting properties and result in a texture closer to melted dairy cheese.
Once you have your shredded vegan cheese, you can place it on your nachos and use a grill to melt it. The heat from the grill should be enough to melt the cheese, but be careful not to overheat it. Vegan cheese has a different melting dynamic than dairy cheese, and too much heat can cause it to separate and become greasy.
Using a grill is a simple and effective way to melt vegan cheese for nachos. By choosing the right type of cheese, shredding it yourself, and controlling the heat, you can achieve perfectly melted, gooey vegan cheese for your nachos.
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Use a specific brand: some vegan cheese brands are better melters than others
When it comes to melting vegan cheese for nachos, one crucial factor to consider is the brand of cheese you're using. The melting behaviour of vegan cheese differs from dairy cheese due to the absence of casein and dairy sugars. However, some brands have mastered the art of creating vegan cheese that melts beautifully, enhancing the flavour of your favourite nacho dish.
One highly recommended option is the Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative, which received a 9.8 out of 10 rating for its melting capabilities in 2019. This cheese alternative offers a smoky flavour and is versatile enough to use in various dishes. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, the Sheese Cheddar Style with Jalapeño and Chilli Vegan Cheese is an excellent choice. It not only adds a spicy twist to your nachos but also melts beautifully, making it a popular choice for vegan pizzas. You can find Sheese products rebranded under supermarket names, such as Tesco's Jalapeno and Chilli vegan cheese.
Another brand worth mentioning is Chao, specifically their Creamy Original Slices. These slices are made with a coconut oil base, providing a smooth and meltable texture. They are perfect for sandwiches or grilled cheese and can easily be melted and drizzled over your nachos. If you're looking for a cheese alternative with a stronger, smokier flavour, Follow Your Heart's Smoked Gouda is an excellent choice. It melts nicely and is a bold addition to sandwiches or any recipe that calls for a standout cheesy element.
When it comes to pre-shredded vegan cheese, Violife stands out for its range of shredded cheeses that melt smoothly while retaining a solid cheesy flavour. These shreds are versatile and can be used in both hot and cold dishes without clumping together. Additionally, Violife Epic Mature Cheddar Flavour Vegan Cheese is highly recommended for pizza lovers due to its strong taste and superior melting capability.
Remember, the key to achieving the perfect melt with vegan cheese lies in understanding the temperature, technique, and type of cheese you're using. Finely shredding the cheese yourself, instead of using pre-shredded varieties, can also improve melting results.
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Use a recipe: make your own vegan cheese sauce with cashews, water, and tapioca starch
To make your own vegan cheese sauce with cashews, water, and tapioca starch, you'll need a high-speed blender and the following ingredients:
- Raw cashews
- Nutritional yeast
- Roasted red peppers in a jar (red peppers, water, salt, and citric acid)
- Water
- Tapioca starch
- (Optional) Hot sauce, lemon juice, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt
First, add the cashews to your blender, followed by the remaining ingredients. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture is completely smooth. After blending, taste and adjust the salt and acid balance to your liking.
The naturally occurring starch in cashews will help thicken the sauce and give it a velvety smooth consistency, while nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor. Tapioca starch is what makes this recipe special—when heated in liquid, it thickens and makes the sauce stretchy, reminiscent of real cheese.
This sauce is perfect for drizzling over nachos, but it can also be used for any other savory recipe that requires cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
The best type of vegan cheese to melt for nachos is one that is thinly sliced, so that steam can escape and help the cheese evaporate. It is also recommended to shred a block of vegan cheese at home, rather than buying pre-shredded cheese, as pre-shredded cheese often contains starches to prevent shreds from sticking together. Some brands that melt well are Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative, Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda, and Violife Epic Mature Cheddar Flavour Vegan Cheese.
The best methods to melt vegan cheese for nachos are stovetop stirring, oven baking with foil, and cautious microwaving. For the stovetop method, add a splash of non-dairy milk or water to a non-stick pan to prevent sticking, and cook over medium heat until the cheese melts, around 3 to 5 minutes. Stir regularly, until it's smooth. For the microwave method, place vegan cheese shreds in a microwave-safe bowl. Add vegetable broth and nutritional yeast flakes. Heat in the microwave for one minute, then stir vigorously until smooth. Reheat in 15-second increments if necessary.
To make melty, stretchy, gooey vegan nacho cheese from scratch, you will need cashews, water, and tapioca starch. First, soak the cashews for four hours or overnight. If you need to eat the nachos immediately, boil the cashews for 10 minutes until soft and tender, then drain. Next, blend the softened cashews, water, and all the remaining ingredients until smooth. Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it becomes a cheesy gooey mass.
