Patrick Oconnell
Daiya Foods is a company that produces dairy-free, plant-based cheese. The company's products are popular among vegans and people with lactose intolerance. While some people enjoy the taste of Daiya cheese, others find it underwhelming, especially when consumed raw. However, it is generally agreed upon that Daiya cheese melts well and is ideal for dishes like macaroni and cheese, pizza, and sandwiches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | The taste of Daiya cheese is described as buttery and salty, with a soft texture. Some users have said it is dead on in terms of cheese flavor, while others have said it is not an exact match. |
| Melting | Daiya cheese is known for its melting capabilities, often melting better than standard melting cheeses. It is suitable for dishes like mac 'n' cheese, pizza, cauliflower and potato gratins, and lasagna. |
| Price | Daiya cheese is considered overpriced by some users, with a bag of cheese sticks costing $6 or $7, which is four times the price of dairy cheese sticks. |
| Health | Daiya cheese is dairy-free, vegan, and suitable for those with lactose intolerance and soy intolerance. However, it is considered highly processed and contains a significant amount of salt and fat. |
| Brand | Daiya is considered a leading brand in the vegan cheese market. |
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What You'll Learn
Use it in sauces for baked mac 'n cheese, cauliflower and potato gratins and lasagna
Daiya cheese is a great vegan alternative to regular cheese and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some tips on how to use Daiya cheese in sauces for baked mac n cheese, cauliflower and potato gratins, and lasagna:
Mac n Cheese:
Daiya Deluxe Cheddar Mac & Cheese is a classic comfort food made with rice pasta and a creamy, dairy-free cheese sauce. To prepare this dish, simply boil 6-8 cups of water in a medium saucepan, stir in the pasta, and cook for 5-8 minutes or until tender. Drain the water, return the pasta to the pot, and squeeze the cheese pouch over the hot pasta. Stir until well blended and serve! Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Cauliflower Gratin:
For a delicious and cheesy cauliflower gratin, preheat your oven to 360°F. Melt some butter in a saucepan, add flour to create a roux, and then slowly pour in milk while stirring continuously until you have a smooth white sauce. You can use a neutral-tasting non-dairy milk, such as coconut milk, and adjust the consistency with more milk if needed. Add salt and spices to taste. In a casserole dish, place your cauliflower florets, cover them with the white sauce, and sprinkle with Daiya Cheddar Style Slices or shreds. You can also add some breadcrumbs on top for extra texture. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and tender.
Potato Gratin:
Potato gratin, or au gratin potatoes, is a creamy and cheesy dish that can be easily made vegan with Daiya cheese. Thinly slice your potatoes (Yukon Gold potatoes are a great option for their buttery flavor) and arrange them in a casserole dish. Prepare a cheese sauce by melting butter, adding flour to create a roux, and then slowly adding milk while stirring until you have a smooth sauce. Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes and bake until tender. You can also add some shredded Daiya cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy dish.
Lasagna:
Daiya cheese is also perfect for creating a delicious, vegan lasagna. You can use Daiya Mozzarella Style Shreds, vegan ricotta, and even add some Daiya Cream Cheese Style Spread for a creamy texture. Layer the lasagna noodles with your favorite tomato sauce, the Daiya cheeses, and any vegetables or vegan meatballs of your choice. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and enjoy!
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Use it in pressed sandwiches, quesadillas, and hangover omelets
Daiya cheese is a popular vegan alternative to dairy cheese, offering a similar taste and texture to traditional cheese. It is made from plant-based ingredients such as oats, chickpeas, and coconut cream, and is designed to melt and stretch, making it a versatile option for various dishes.
One way to use Daiya cheese is in pressed sandwiches. The cheese binds nicely with the bread and transforms into a gooey, brie-like consistency when melted. You can also use Daiya cheese in quesadillas. The melting properties of the cheese, combined with its flavour and texture, make it a convincing alternative to traditional cheese in this dish. For best results, try using the pepper jack shreds.
Daiya cheese can also be used in hangover omelets. Simply toss a generous pinch of mozzarella into your omelet to add a creamy, cheesy flavour. Don't be afraid to season aggressively to compensate for the natural saltiness that Daiya lacks.
In addition to these dishes, Daiya cheese can be used in a variety of other recipes, including grilled cheese sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, sauces, and casseroles, quiches, frittatas, biscuits, polenta, enchiladas, and bean dips.
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Use it on pizza
Daiya's dairy-free cheese is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. It is a plant-based cheese that is rich, creamy, and melts flawlessly, providing the same ooey-gooey satisfaction as regular cheese.
When using Daiya cheese on pizza, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is recommended to put the cheese on top of all the other ingredients. This way, the cheese will melt more effectively and create a gooey, stretchy texture.
Daiya cheese works well on a variety of pizzas, including those with thin, crispy crusts and a balanced amount of toppings. The cheese can be paired with different sauces, such as a zesty tomato basil sauce or a creamy bechamel.
For a gluten-free option, Daiya offers a crust made with tapioca starch, rice flour, potato starch, and other gluten-free ingredients. The pizza should be baked in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 160°F (71°C) until the crust is golden brown and no longer floppy.
While Daiya cheese is a convenient option for those with dietary restrictions, it may not be for everyone. Some people find it to be overly processed, oily, and expensive. However, with the right preparation and combinations, Daiya cheese can be a tasty alternative to traditional cheese on pizza.
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Use it in cheese sticks
Daiya cheese sticks are a great option for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant. They are dairy-free and plant-based, made with the Daiya Oat Cream™ blend, which includes ingredients like water, oat flour, pea protein, coconut oil, and more.
Daiya cheese sticks are a convenient and tasty snack option. They come individually wrapped, making them easy to pack for on-the-go consumption. The portion size is similar to that of regular cheese sticks, and they can be enjoyed straight from the package or paired with crackers.
While Daiya cheese sticks can be enjoyed as they are, they can also be used as an ingredient in various recipes. Here are some ideas to elevate your Daiya cheese stick experience:
- Melty Cheese Sticks: Daiya cheese is known for its melting capabilities, so feel free to get creative with grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, or even pizza toppings. The cheese melts evenly and creates a velvety texture without the risk of oily residue, making it perfect for grilled cheese lovers.
- Cheese and Cracker Platter: For an easy and elegant appetizer, serve Daiya cheese sticks with your favorite crackers. The cheese sticks pair well with crackers and provide a satisfying bite. Add some grapes or sliced apples to the platter for a touch of freshness.
- Cheese Stick Dip: Daiya cheese sticks can also be used as a dip for pretzels, chips, or raw vegetables. Simply cut the cheese stick into smaller pieces or melt it slightly to create a dip with a creamy, gooey texture. Season the dip with your favorite herbs and spices to elevate the flavor.
- Cheesy Snack Platter: Create a snack platter with Daiya cheese sticks as the star attraction. Pair them with nuts, dried fruits, crackers, and sliced vegetables. This option is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a satisfying snack at home.
Remember, while Daiya cheese sticks provide a good source of calcium, they may also contain high amounts of sodium and saturated fat. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet, and always check the ingredients and nutrition facts to make an informed choice.
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Use it in quiches, frittatas, biscuits, polenta, enchiladas and bean dips
Daiya cheese is a great vegan-friendly alternative to traditional cheese. While it may not be the best option for a cheese board, it is perfect for incorporating into cooked dishes.
One way to use Daiya cheese is in quiches, frittatas, biscuits, polenta, enchiladas, and bean dips. For example, you can use the pepper jack shreds in a frittata or omelet, or toss a generous pinch of mozzarella into a hangover omelet. Daiya's mozzarella shreds and cheddar slices are also great for making enchiladas.
Daiya cheese can also be used to make a bean dip. Simply melt the cheese and blend it with Pico de Gallo to make a smooth and cheesy dip. For a more complex flavor, add in some tomato, white onion, cilantro, jalapeno (or serrano chile), lime juice, and salt.
When using Daiya cheese in these types of dishes, it is important to season aggressively to compensate for the natural saltiness that the cheese lacks. Additionally, when melting Daiya cheese, it is recommended to use a lactose-free milk with a small fat content to help bind the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
You don't have to pretend! Daiya cheese is a delicious vegan alternative to dairy cheese. It's creamy, rich, and melts just like regular cheese.
Daiya cheese has a strong cheese flavor. It's been described as buttery and salty, with a soft texture.
Daiya cheese is perfect for making vegan pizza, macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, and sauces for baked mac 'n' cheese, cauliflower and potato gratins, and lasagna.
Daiya cheese is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. It's also soy-free and can be used to make gluten-free dishes.
