Randy Chandler
Pizza is a beloved dish for many, but for vegans, it can be challenging to find options that align with their dietary restrictions. While vegan pizza options were once limited, the growing vegan cheese industry has led to a wider range of choices, including vegan mozzarella made from various bases such as cashews, chickpeas, rice starch, and coconut oil. These vegan cheeses aim to replicate the melt, stretch, and flavor of traditional pizza cheese, and can be purchased or made at home. With the right ingredients and preparation methods, it is possible to create a vegan cheese pizza that satisfies both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Is Cheese Pizza Vegan?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegan Cheese | Can be made with cauliflower, cashews, non-dairy milk, tapioca starch, and other ingredients |
| Vegan Cheese Texture | Stretchy, melty, creamy, thick, smooth, gooey, and clumpy |
| Vegan Cheese Flavour | Mild, nutty, tangy, cheesy, and unobtrusive |
| Vegan Cheese Brands | Miyoko's Creamery, Parmela Creamery, 365 Whole Foods, and more |
| Vegan Cheese Storage | Can be frozen or refrigerated for up to 2-3 days |
| Pizza Dough | Can be made with corn meal, gluten-free flour, or regular flour |
| Pizza Toppings | Tomato sauce, vegan parmesan, tofu-based cheese, sautéed veggies (bell peppers, zucchini), and spices |
| Baking Instructions | Bake at 425°F-450°F (218°C-232°C) for 10-20 minutes, rotating halfway through |
| Serving Suggestions | Serve with remaining parmesan, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes |
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What You'll Learn
Vegan cheese pizza recipes
Vegan cheese pizza is a great option for those who are vegan or are looking for a dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese pizza. Here are some recipes and tips to help you create delicious vegan cheese pizzas at home.
Choosing the Right Vegan Cheese
The key ingredient in a vegan cheese pizza is, of course, the vegan cheese itself. There are several options available, both store-bought and homemade, that can give you that cheesy flavour and mouthfeel you're looking for. Here are some popular choices:
- Miyoko's Cashew Milk Mozzarella: This is a popular store-bought option that uses cashew milk as its base, giving it a unique flavour and texture. It melts and stretches well, although some find that it lacks the density of regular cheese.
- Homemade Cashew Mozzarella: If you prefer to make your own cheese, you can try a homemade cashew mozzarella recipe. This option gives you control over the ingredients and texture. For example, you can adjust the amount of starch to find the perfect consistency for your pizza.
- Liquid Mozzarella: Miyoko's also offers a liquid mozzarella option, which is already in liquid form, so there's no need to melt it. When baked, it coagulates into a solid form. You can also make your own liquid mozzarella at home using simple ingredients.
- Other Store-Bought Options: There are several other store-bought vegan cheese options available, such as Follow Your Heart, Daiya, and others. These cheeses typically have bases of oil, starch, or chickpeas, and can be found at stores like Target, Sprouts, and Whole Foods.
Pizza Dough and Toppings
Once you've chosen your vegan cheese, it's time to assemble your pizza. Here are some tips for preparing the dough and adding toppings:
- Dough: You can use a variety of flours for your pizza dough, such as spelt flour or all-purpose flour. The amount of flour you use will depend on the thickness you prefer for your pizza crust. There are also pre-made pizza dough recipes available online, such as the American pizza dough recipe from the r/pizza Subreddit.
- Toppings: The most important topping is, of course, the tomato sauce. You can season and spice your sauce to your liking. In addition to the cheese and sauce, you can add various toppings such as vegetables or vegan meats.
Baking Your Pizza
Baking your vegan cheese pizza is an important step to ensure that your pizza is cooked to perfection. Here are some tips:
- Oven Temperature: It is recommended to bake your pizza at a high temperature, ideally at 550°F (290°C) for about 7 minutes. This temperature ensures that the vegan cheese melts nicely.
- Pan and Rotation: Use a vented pizza pan or a baking pan with a small amount of olive oil at the bottom. Rotate your pizza halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking.
- Cooling and Storage: Allow your pizza to cool down after baking, then cut it into pieces. Vegan pizza is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days or freeze it.
Final Thoughts
Creating delicious vegan cheese pizzas at home is an enjoyable and satisfying experience. With the right ingredients, techniques, and a bit of experimentation, you can find the perfect combination of flavour and texture that suits your taste. Remember to be creative and have fun with your pizza-making journey!
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Vegan cheese brands
Vegan cheese is typically made with plant-based ingredients instead of animal milk. There are several store-bought vegan cheese brands available, as well as recipes for making vegan cheese at home.
Some popular store-bought vegan cheese brands include:
- Kite Hill Foods Cream Cheese Alternative: This almond-based vegan cream cheese comes in original and other flavours. It has a subtle tang and is made with wholesome ingredients.
- Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese: This vegan cream cheese tastes just like dairy cream cheese. It is great for vegan cheesecakes or when you want an authentic cream cheese taste.
- Chao Creamery Vegan Shreds: These shreds melt well and have a mellow, neutral cheesy flavour with no weird aftertaste.
- Parmela Creamery Shreds: This is a smaller brand of aged shredded cheddar-style cheese made from cashew milk. It can be found at Whole Foods and Wegmans.
- Violife Shreds: Violife offers both mozzarella and cheddar shreds that melt quite nicely, especially in a covered pan.
- Daiya Cutting Board Collection Shreds: An improvement on the classic Daiya shredded cheese, this mozzarella melts well and tastes good.
- Miyoko's Creamery: This is a fan-favourite brand that offers cashew-based cheeses, including mozzarella and liquid pizza cheese.
In addition to store-bought options, there are also several recipes for making vegan cheese at home, such as using cauliflower, non-dairy milk, and tapioca starch to create a stretchy, melty vegan mozzarella.
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Vegan cheese alternatives
Vegan cheese is typically made with wholesome ingredients like nuts, seeds, tofu, oats, or beans. They are often thickened with starch or flour and flavoured with spices, herbs, and condiments.
Some popular vegan cheese brands include Kite Hill Foods, which offers an almond-based vegan cream cheese with a subtle tang. Tofutti's Better Than Cream Cheese is another option that is said to taste just like dairy cream cheese. For a vegan feta cheese, you can try Trader Joe's Vegan Feta Cheese Alternative or Follow Your Heart Feta Crumbles, which is pre-crumbled, tangy, and melts well. Miyoko's Creamery also offers a range of vegan cheese products, including spreadable cheese wheels and liquid mozzarella, which is great for pizza.
If you're looking for a vegan cheese that melts well, you might want to consider one with a higher saturated fat content. Refined coconut oil is often used in vegan cheese recipes for this reason. However, if you're looking for a creamier option, Italian olive oil or another neutral-tasting oil like avocado oil can be used instead.
There are also some creative alternatives to vegan cheese that can add a similar creaminess or fat content. Avocado, guacamole, and tahini are all suggested as possible substitutes. Fried eggs, with their runny yolks, can also be used as a replacement for cheese in some dishes.
For those who want to make their own vegan cheese at home, there are many recipes available, especially for vegan mozzarella. These recipes often include ingredients like non-dairy milk, tapioca starch, and agar, and can be customized to your taste preferences.
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Vegan cheese preparation
Vegan cheese is easy to prepare and is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based alternatives. The cheese can be made from a variety of ingredients, including coconut milk, cashews, potatoes, sweet potatoes, nutritional yeast, and various spices. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare vegan cheese:
Ingredients:
- Coconut milk
- Agar agar powder
- Nutritional yeast
- Salt
- Lemon juice
- Garlic powder
- Water
Preparation:
- Prepare cheese molds by spraying a glass bowl or container with a neutral-flavored oil to prevent sticking.
- Pour the coconut milk into a saucepan and add water to melt any remaining milk, then pour the water into the pan.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the saucepan and stir with a whisk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture boils.
- Reduce the heat and continue stirring constantly for about 6 minutes until the sauce is very smooth.
- Pour the sauce into the prepared cheese molds and place them in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours to set.
- Remove the cheese from the molds and serve as desired.
Variations:
For a spicier version, add some chipotle pepper, pickled jalapeños, or smoked paprika to the sauce. If you prefer a thicker cheese, you can add more agar agar powder or use agar agar flakes. Additionally, you can substitute coconut milk with blended boiled potatoes and cashews for a different base.
Tips:
- If you want to use the cheese for stuffed-crust pizza, include agar in the recipe to help it set and make it easier to handle.
- For a more solid cheese, use refined coconut oil as it is higher in saturated fat and will cause the cheese to firm up when cool.
- If you want to shred or grate the cheese, you will need to adjust the recipe by adding more saturated fat, starch, cashews, and kappa carrageenan.
Preparing vegan cheese at home is a fun and rewarding process, allowing you to customize the flavor and texture to your preferences. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious and versatile plant-based cheese.
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Vegan cheese taste tests
Vegan cheese has gained popularity with the rise in veganism. The challenge of replicating the texture, taste, and melting characteristics of cheese has been the most difficult part of manufacturing vegan cheese. However, there are now several options available for those looking for a cheese alternative.
Taste Tests
A variety of vegan cheeses have been taste-tested, including mozzarella, parmesan, gouda, cheddar, and cream cheese.
Mozzarella
Miyoko's cashew-based mozzarella is a popular option for those looking for a vegan cheese that performs similarly to dairy mozzarella in terms of melt and flavor. It is also available in a liquid form that coagulates into a solid form when baked, creating a unique pizza experience.
Parmesan
Trader Joe's vegan parmesan shreds have been praised for their intense, funky tang, reminiscent of real parmesan. This cheese is ideal for grating over pasta or roasted vegetables, adding a punch of flavor to any dish.
Smoked Gouda
Violife's smoked gouda has impressed tasters with its smooth and creamy texture, free from the graininess that some vegan cheeses exhibit. The smoky flavor is key, covering any non-cheese notes and delivering a delicious, snacking experience.
Cheddar
The Boursin vegan cheddar has a mild, cheesy flavor and a creamy texture, making it a perfect addition to a plant-based cheeseburger. It melts like a dream and includes fermented tofu for a touch of that funky, cheesy taste.
Cream Cheese
The Laughing Cow's spreadable cream cheese alternative, made with almond and coconut milk, offers an herby, spicy kick. While the original flavor lacked flavor, the garlic and herb variety impressed with its smooth texture, making it a feasible option for a dairy-free charcuterie board.
Homemade Options
For those who prefer to make their own vegan cheese, there are several recipes available, including cashew-based cheeses and cauliflower-based cheeses. These recipes allow for customization of flavor and texture, ensuring a delicious, dairy-free cheese experience.
The world of vegan cheese has come a long way, offering a range of options that cater to different tastes and preferences. While some cheeses may fall short in terms of texture or flavor, the variety of choices ensures that everyone can find a vegan cheese that suits their needs, whether it's for pizza, snacking, or grating.
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Frequently asked questions
No, a standard cheese pizza is not vegan because it contains dairy products. However, there are vegan cheese alternatives that can be used to make a vegan cheese pizza.
Some popular vegan cheese alternatives include cashew cheese, chickpea cheese, rice starch cheese, and potato and tapioca starches.
To make a vegan cheese pizza, you can use a store-bought vegan cheese alternative or make your own at home. If you choose to make your own, there are many recipes available online that use ingredients such as cauliflower, non-dairy milk, and tapioca starch. You can then follow a standard pizza recipe, substituting the regular cheese with your chosen vegan cheese alternative.
Many restaurants and pizza chains now offer vegan cheese pizzas or the option to substitute regular cheese with a vegan alternative. Additionally, some grocery stores sell frozen vegan cheese pizzas that can be baked at home.
