Andy Montoya
Cheese is often considered the most important part of a pizza, but what if you want to make a pizza without it? Whether you're lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply out of cheese, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. From dairy-free cheese substitutes to creative toppings and sauces, you can still enjoy a delicious pizza without sacrificing taste or texture. In this article, we will explore various options for replacing cheese on pizza, including vegan cheese alternatives, creative toppings, and unique sauces that will keep your pizza tasty and satisfying.
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What You'll Learn
Vegan cheese substitutes
There are several vegan cheese substitutes available that can be used on pizza. Some of the more common ones include:
- Cashew cheese: This is one of the easiest and tastiest options. It can be made at home or bought from stores. Miyoko's cashew milk mozzarella is a popular option, and there are also recipes for cashew ricotta and liquid cashew mozzarella.
- Biocheese: This is a good option in terms of taste and texture, and it melts well.
- Greenvie: This brand offers a range of cheese alternatives, including mozzarella, gouda, and smoked-style cheese that melts.
- Kite Hill Ricotta: This is made with almond milk and is a good option for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant.
- Daiya: This cheese comes shredded and melts like regular cheese. It is available in various types, such as mozzarella, cheddar, and pepper jack.
- Teese: This is a store-bought vegan cheese that becomes gooey when heated, making it perfect for recipes that call for melted cheese.
- Vegusto No Muh Piquant: This is a sliceable cheese alternative that can be used on pizza.
- Tahini: Made from sesame seeds, tahini is a great plant-based substitute for cheese and can be used in salads, sandwiches, and dips.
- Zucchini cheese: This is a good option for those allergic to nuts. It can be made at home and used as a cheese spread or in slices.
In addition to these substitutes, there are also some creative ways to make a pizza without cheese. For example, using a thicker sauce with corn starch can help hold toppings in place. Flatter toppings, such as sliced tomatoes or sausage, will also stay on the pizza better. Folding over the edges of the dough can also help prevent toppings from falling off.
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Thicker sauce and flatter toppings
If you want to replace cheese on a pizza, one option is to use a much thicker sauce. This can be combined with flatter toppings to help keep the ingredients in place. Corn starch can be added to the sauce to help it thicken further around the toppings as it cooks. You can also mix the toppings into the sauce to prevent them from overcooking.
Flatter toppings such as sliced tomatoes, sausages, or bacon cut from rashers, will stick better to the pizza than round toppings. You can also fold over the edges of the dough to help stop things from falling off.
There are many dairy-free cheese alternatives that can be used as toppings for pizza. These include Kite Hill Ricotta, which is made with almond milk and is suitable for vegans and lactose-intolerant individuals. Cashew cheese is another popular option, with some recipes resembling ricotta or mild cheddar cheese. You can also make your own cheese spread using zucchini, although this is not suitable for vegans as it contains gelatin.
If you are looking for a more creative option, you can try a "Mexican pizza" by using refried beans as a base and adding salsa on top. Another option is to use hummus as a spread, which is especially good for vegetarian pizzas.
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Whisked eggs
Whisking the Eggs:
First, crack the desired number of eggs into a bowl and whisk them until the whites and yolks are fully incorporated and the mixture is consistent in colour and texture. You can add a pinch of salt and black pepper to the eggs for extra flavour, as this was a common practice in some regions.
Cooking the Vegetables:
If you plan to include vegetables on your pizza, it is recommended to cook them before adding the eggs. You can cook them in the same pan you will use for the eggs. Melt some butter or oil in the pan over medium heat, add your chosen vegetables, and cook until they are soft. Some suggested vegetables include mushrooms, onions, and zucchini.
Adding Sauce and Eggs:
Once your vegetables are cooked, it's time to add the sauce. You can use a traditional pizza sauce or get creative with other options such as bechamel, sweet potato sauce, or even mayonnaise. Add the sauce to the pan and cook for about a minute. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in your whisked eggs. Allow the eggs to cook for a couple of minutes until the bottom is slightly set.
Creating the "Crust":
To create a unique egg "crust," use a spatula to gently lift the edges of the eggs while tilting the pan. This motion will allow the uncooked eggs on top to flow underneath, creating a thicker and fluffier base. You can also try folding over the edges of the dough to help contain the toppings and give it a more defined shape.
Adding Toppings:
When the eggs are almost set, it's time to add your favourite pizza toppings. You can add proteins such as pepperoni, chicken, or bacon, and even some cheese if desired. Just cover the pan with a lid for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese. Get creative with your toppings, but be mindful not to overload the eggs, as too many wet ingredients can make them soggy.
Using whisked eggs as a base for your pizza is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic dish with a twist. It's a great option for those who are vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking for a creative alternative to traditional pizza.
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Dairy-free cheese
One popular option is cashew cheese, which can be purchased or made at home. It is one of the easiest and tastiest options, and can be made into a ricotta style cheese or a creamy cheese similar to a dip or spread. Other nut-based options include almond milk-based cheeses, such as Kite Hill Ricotta, and Miyoko's cashew-based cheeses. If you are allergic to nuts, you can make zucchini cheese at home.
There are also dairy-free options made from rice, such as rice starch cheese, or soy, like Biocheese. Some other options include Daiya, which is a frozen pizza with less cheese, and Moocho, which is a dairy-free mozzarella-style shred that tastes like low-moisture mozzarella.
If you are looking for a more creative option, you can try whisked eggs, mayonnaise, or a sweet potato sauce.
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No cheese
There are several ways to make a pizza without cheese. One option is to use a thick sauce, such as a bechamel sauce if you're okay with dairy, or a sweet potato sauce. Folding over the edges of the dough will also help to keep the toppings in place.
Another option is to use a vegan cheese substitute, some of which now melt like regular cheese. Commercially, there are several options, including Biocheese, Greenvie, and Vegusto No Muh Piquant. If you would prefer to make your own, there are recipes for vegan cheese sauces that can be made quickly and easily at home, without the need for expensive equipment. These sauces often include ingredients such as miso, vegan mayonnaise, and salt.
If you are happy to include eggs in your pizza, you could try whisking up an egg wash to hold your other ingredients in place, or even cracking an egg over the top of your pizza before cooking it.
Finally, you could try a completely different type of pizza, such as a Mexican-style pizza with refried beans and salsa, or a Middle Eastern-style pizza with hummus.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many vegan cheese alternatives available in supermarkets, such as Greenvie, which makes mozzarella, gouda, and smoked-style cheese. You can also make your own vegan cheese sauce at home.
Some dairy-free cheese alternatives include soy cheese, rice cheese, and sweet potato sauce. You can also use hummus as a spread on your pizza.
Folding over the edges of the dough will help stop things from falling off. You can also use a thicker sauce with corn starch, or whisked eggs, to hold your toppings in place.
