Kamil Perry
Whether it's for health, ethical, or environmental reasons, more and more people are choosing to go dairy-free. However, giving up cheese can be a challenge, as it's a staple in many diets and has a unique taste and texture that can be hard to replicate. Fortunately, there are a growing number of dairy-free cheese alternatives on the market, as well as creative ways to make your own substitutes. While these alternatives may not taste exactly like dairy cheese, they can still satisfy cravings and provide similar creamy, fatty, or crispy textures to dishes. This article will explore some of the best options for substituting cheese and provide tips for going dairy-free.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Substitutes for soft cheeses | Goat cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, queso fresco, cashew cheese, yogurt, tofu |
| Substitutes for hard cheeses | Parmesan, pecorino, ricotta salata, cashew ricotta |
| Add-ins for flavor | Nutritional yeast flakes, lemon juice, maple syrup, sea salt, herbs |
| Dairy-free cheese cookbooks | The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook, Artisan Vegan Cheese, Vegan Cheese, Go Dairy Free |
| Dairy-free cheese brands | Follow Your Heart, Violife, FYH |
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What You'll Learn
Nutritional yeast can be sprinkled on food like Parmesan
Nutritional yeast is an excellent dairy-free substitute for cheese. It can be sprinkled on food in the same way that grated Parmesan cheese is used, adding a cheesy flavour to your dishes.
Nutritional yeast has a naturally cheesy, nutty, and creamy flavour, making it a perfect dairy-free alternative to sprinkle on pasta, salads, soups, and even popcorn. It is also a great way to add a cheesy flavour to sauces and dressings. For instance, you can make a vegan cheese sauce by adding nutritional yeast to a dairy-free bechamel sauce.
Nutritional yeast is also a fantastic ingredient to use in dairy-free cheese recipes. For instance, you can make a vegan cashew ricotta cheese by blending cashews with nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt. This can then be sprinkled on pasta or used in recipes such as eggplant parmesan.
In addition to its flavour, nutritional yeast is also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is particularly high in B vitamins, including B12, which can be lacking in a vegan diet.
If you are looking for a dairy-free alternative to sprinkle on your food, nutritional yeast is a delicious and nutritious option that can be used in a variety of dishes.
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Tofu can be used in place of cottage cheese or ricotta
Tofu can be used as a substitute for cottage cheese or ricotta. It is a great option for those who are looking for a dairy-free alternative. Making tofu ricotta is easy and only requires a few simple ingredients and a few minutes to prepare.
To make tofu ricotta, start by draining any excess liquid from the tofu. Then, break the tofu into small pieces and add them to a food processor. The firmness of the tofu will determine the texture of the ricotta. For a thicker consistency, use extra firm tofu, and for a softer ricotta, use medium-firm or soft tofu. Next, add the remaining ingredients such as lemon juice, salt, and any desired herbs or spices. Process the mixture until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. If the ricotta is too thick, a tablespoon or two of water can be added.
Tofu ricotta can be used in a variety of dishes such as lasagna, stuffed shells, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and even desserts. It is a versatile and tasty alternative to traditional ricotta cheese.
In addition to ricotta, tofu can also be used as a substitute for cottage cheese. Firm tofu can be grated, crumbled, or pureed to create a similar texture to cottage cheese. Tofu cottage cheese can be seasoned and flavoured to taste and used in a variety of recipes.
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Soy yoghurt can be used as a soft cheese substitute
Dairy-free cheese alternatives are becoming increasingly popular, with more and more people eschewing cheese due to lactose intolerance, veganism, or other dietary preferences. While some alternatives do taste similar to dairy cheese, most will satisfy a cheesy craving without tasting exactly the same.
One such alternative is soy yoghurt, which can be used as a soft cheese substitute. Soy yoghurt is made from soy milk and provides a creamy texture and subtle tanginess, making it a good choice for vegans and those seeking plant-based options. It can be used in cooking and baking as a replacement for traditional yoghurt, adding moisture, richness, and flavour to various dishes, including baked goods, sauces, marinades, dressings, smoothies, and parfaits.
Soy yoghurt can be particularly useful as a soft cheese substitute in recipes that call for a higher fat content than regular yoghurt. For example, it can be used as a substitute for Greek yoghurt, which has a higher fat content than regular yoghurt. Additionally, soy yoghurt can be used in place of soft cheeses like cottage cheese or ricotta in dips, sauces, smoothies, pies, and pasta dishes.
When using soy yoghurt as a soft cheese substitute, consider adding ingredients such as lemon juice, salt, sugar, and herbs to mimic the flavour of dairy cheese even more closely. For those who enjoy the taste of soy yoghurt, it can be a versatile and satisfying way to reduce dairy consumption or incorporate more plant-based options into their diet.
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Hummus can be used as a substitute for ricotta or grilled cheese
Hummus is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, including as a substitute for cheese in recipes that call for a creamy texture or savoury flavour. Here are some ways that hummus can be used as a substitute for ricotta or grilled cheese:
Ricotta Hummus Dip
A popular way to use hummus as a ricotta substitute is to make a ricotta hummus dip. This can be made by blending together chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and coriander. For added flavour, roasted beetroot, cranberries, or herbs such as mint and parsley can be included. This dip can be served with pita bread, chips, or fresh vegetables for a tasty and healthy snack.
Hummus Grilled Cheese
Hummus can also be used in place of cheese in a grilled cheese sandwich. To make this dish, spread a layer of hummus on the non-buttered side of a slice of bread. Add cheese, such as Swiss cheese, and top with another slice of bread. Butter the outside of the sandwich and cook in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. This creates a grilled cheese sandwich with a unique flavour and added nutritional benefits.
Creativity and Personalisation
The beauty of using hummus as a substitute for cheese is the creativity it allows. Different flavours of hummus, such as roasted red pepper or garlic, can be used to create various flavour profiles. Additionally, fresh vegetables, such as spinach, tomatoes, or roasted red peppers, can be added to enhance the flavour and nutritional value of the dish. Experimenting with different ingredients and flavour combinations can lead to some exciting and delicious creations.
In conclusion, hummus is a versatile ingredient that can be successfully used as a substitute for ricotta or grilled cheese. Whether used in a dip, sandwich, or another creative dish, hummus provides a creamy texture and savoury flavour that can satisfy cravings while also offering nutritional benefits.
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Olive oil can be used as a substitute for melted mozzarella
Olive oil cannot be used as a substitute for melted mozzarella. However, there are several other alternatives to mozzarella that can be used, especially if you are looking for dairy-free options.
Mozzarella is a versatile Italian cheese with a stretchy texture and a mild, milky flavour. It is used in a variety of dishes, both cooked and uncooked, and is known for its unique melt-in-your-mouth quality. When looking for a substitute, it is important to consider the type of dish you are making.
For dishes that require melted mozzarella, such as pizza, lasagne, or pasta, there are several cheese alternatives that can provide a similar gooey, stringy, or stretchy texture. Provolone Dolce, for example, melts beautifully and can add a subtle twist to your culinary creations. Bel Paese is another cheese with great meltability and a mild flavour that can be used in lasagne or as a pizza topping. Fior di Latte, a cow's milk cheese, is also an excellent choice for recipes that call for the soft, gooey characteristics of mozzarella.
If you are looking for dairy-free alternatives, there are a few options to consider. Silken tofu can be used as a substitute for cheese in many recipes, including dips, sauces, smoothies, and pasta dishes. You can blend or mash it with lemon juice to create a simple cottage cheese or ricotta substitute. Nutritional yeast, or "nooch," is another dairy-free option that offers a cheesy flavour and can be sprinkled on dishes like popcorn or pasta. Avocados, guacamole, and hard-boiled eggs can also add a creamy or fatty element to your dishes, similar to cheese.
While olive oil cannot be used as a direct substitute for melted mozzarella, there are numerous alternatives available, depending on your specific needs and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Silken tofu with a dash of lemon juice can be used as a substitute for soft cheeses like ricotta or cottage cheese. For a firmer texture, use less water. For a tangy flavour, add a squeeze of lemon or lime and some sea salt. You can also use soy yoghurt as a substitute, but the texture will be runnier.
Brazil nuts can be grated to make a dust that looks and tastes similar to parmesan. Olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and almonds can also be used as dairy-free alternatives to hard cheeses.
Extra virgin olive oil can be used as a substitute for melted cheese on pizza. Hummus can also be used as a substitute for grilled cheese on toast.
