Andy Montoya
There are a variety of non-dairy cheese options that melt well, making them perfect for pizzas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more. Some of the best options include Applewood's Smoky Cheese Alternative, which was rated 9.8 out of 10 for its melting capabilities, and the dairy-free cheese by Vevan, which has a creamy texture and unique flavor profiles. Other well-known brands like Daiya, Violife, and Miyoko's Creamery also offer vegan cheese options that melt well and are worth considering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best non-dairy cheese for melting | Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative |
| Vegan cheese with good meltability | Violife, Daiya, Miyoko's Fresh Vegan Mozzarella, Vevan, Chao |
| Good melting temperature | 100-120°C, 350°F, 425°F |
| Types | Mozzarella, Cheddar, Parmesan, Gouda, Babybel |
| Use cases | Pizza, pasta, grilled cheese sandwiches, jacket potatoes, nachos, mac and cheese |
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What You'll Learn
The best non-dairy cheese for melting
Dairy-free cheese has come a long way, with many options now available that melt well. One of the most highly recommended brands is Follow Your Heart, which offers a range of cheese alternatives that melt well and taste great. Their "mozzarella" and Gouda varieties are said to be particularly good for melting and can be used on pizzas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and other dishes. Another option is the Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative, which received a 9.8 out of 10 rating for its melting abilities in 2019. It is described as smooth and creamy and is suitable for toasties, pizzas, pastas, and more.
Vegan cheese lovers have also shared their success stories with the Vevan brand, which offers a range of dairy-free cheese options. Their Ched and Mozza varieties are said to be excellent for melting, with Mozza described as soft, mild, and stringy, perfect for recreating Italian pasta dishes. Vevan's dairy-free cheese melts differently from traditional cheese, so it's important to note that it may not brown in the same way. However, by turning up the heat or using a combination of the microwave and oven, a creamy melt can be achieved.
Other brands worth considering for melting vegan cheese include Chao, which is recommended as a good dairy alternative, and Violife, which some users say melts better with the addition of steam. Miyoko's Creamery, based in Sonoma, California, is also mentioned as a luxe option for vegan cheese, using traditional culturing techniques to produce double-cream cheese wheels in a variety of flavors. Finally, for those looking for a simple and convenient option, nutritional yeast, also known as "nooch," has long been used as a vegan cheese substitute and can be a great addition to dishes where melting cheese is desired.
While vegan cheese has come a long way, it's important to note that it may not always melt exactly like traditional cheese, and some trial and error may be required to find the best options for your specific needs. However, with a growing number of brands and improvements in taste and texture, there are now many excellent options for dairy-free cheese that melts well.
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How to make non-dairy cheese melt
Non-dairy cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional dairy cheese, often made from nuts, seeds, vegetables, and coconut oil. While non-dairy cheese is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, one common issue is that it doesn't always melt in the same way as dairy cheese. Here are some tips and tricks to make non-dairy cheese melt:
Choose the Right Cheese
Some non-dairy cheeses melt better than others. For example, the Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative was rated highly for its melting capabilities. Other options that melt well include Follow Your Heart, Chao, and Vevan Melts.
Baking at High Temperatures
When making a pizza, set your oven to a high temperature of around 425-430°F (220°C). This will help the non-dairy cheese melt nicely and give it a creamy texture.
Steam It
Steaming non-dairy cheese between other ingredients can help it melt. For example, when making a grilled cheese sandwich, the cheese is steamed by the other ingredients, aiding in the melting process. You can also add a couple of drops of water to the pan when melting cheese for a veggie patty or in the oven when making a pizza, and the steam will help melt the cheese.
Cover It
When baking a casserole, cover it with foil to capture the steam, which will help melt the non-dairy cheese.
Pre-Melt
If you want to guarantee that your non-dairy cheese melts, you can pre-melt it before adding it to your dish. This is especially useful for cold sandwiches or dishes where the cooking temperature is not high enough to melt the cheese, such as casseroles. Simply melt the cheese in the microwave or on the stovetop, then drizzle it over your dish.
Check the Texture
Non-dairy cheese may not change colour or brown in the same way as dairy cheese, so it can be tricky to know when it's melted. Gently check the texture with a knife or fork to ensure it has reached the desired consistency.
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Non-dairy cheese that melts like real cheese
There are many non-dairy cheese options available that melt like real cheese. The perfect, gooey melt and creamy texture are some of the reasons to try non-dairy cheese.
Vevan
Vevan is a dairy-free or vegan cheese that uses yeast, vegetable oils, and starches to achieve a creamy texture. It is recommended to use an oven set to 425°F for the creamiest results. Vevan Melts and Vevan Shred are two of the most common ways to use cheese, and they can be used on pizzas and in sandwiches.
Applewood
Applewood's vegan cheese is a smoky-flavoured alternative that is smooth and creamy and melts beautifully. It is also free from soya and gluten. It received a 9.8 out of 10 rating for how well it melts.
Daiya
Daiya's Mozzarella Style Shreds melt, ooze, bubble, and stretch like genuine mozzarella cheese. They are also free from gluten, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.
Violife
Violife's Epic Mature Cheddar Cheese is a hickory-smoked gouda that can be added to paninis or mac and cheese. It is made from coconut oil and various starches, which is generally a good sign that a vegan cheese will melt.
Miyoko's
Miyoko's Fresh Vegan Mozzarella is soft and meltable like real mozzarella. It can be used for gooey grilled cheese sandwiches.
Field Roast Chao
Field Roast's Chao cheese slices are perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. They have a slightly firm texture when served cold but melt nicely.
Tofutti
Tofutti is known for its vegan cream cheese, but it also makes a dairy-free ricotta cheese that is grainy straight out of the packaging but melts well when cooked.
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Non-dairy cheese that doesn't melt well
Non-dairy cheese that melts well
There are many non-dairy cheeses that melt well, and can be used in a variety of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to pizzas and pastas.
Vevan
Vevan's dairy-free cheese is made with yeast, vegetable oils, and starches. It melts well, but it won't brown like traditional cheese. For the best melting results, it is recommended to turn up the heat. An oven set to 425°F will help you get a creamy melt. Another trick is to microwave the recipe before moving it to the oven or stove. Vevan offers shredded and sliced cheese, with flavours like Ched and Mozza.
Applewood
Applewood's vegan cheese is smooth and creamy, with added B12 and Calcium. It melts beautifully and is perfect for toasties, pizzas, pastas, baked potatoes, or even fondue. It received a 9.8 out of 10 rating for how well it melts.
Follow Your Heart
Follow Your Heart's vegan cheese slices melt very well and can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches. They offer flavours like American and Gouda.
Daiya
Daiya's Mozzarella Style Shreds melt, ooze, bubble, and stretch just like genuine mozzarella cheese. They are also free from gluten, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.
Violife
Violife's Epic Mature Cheddar Cheese is available in UK supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury's. It melts decently and can be added to a panini or mac and cheese. It is made from coconut oil and various starches. Coconut oil is generally a good sign that a vegan cheese will melt.
Miyoko's Fresh Vegan Mozzarella
Miyoko's Fresh Vegan Mozzarella is soft and meltable like real mozzarella. It can be used for gooey grilled cheese sandwiches.
Field Roast Chao Creamy Original Chao Slices
These cheese slices are soft and creamy, with good meltability, and can be used for grilled cheese sandwiches.
Tofutti
Tofutti is known for its vegan cream cheese, and also offers a non-dairy ricotta that melts well when cooked. It is made from a tofu base, so it is not suitable for those with soy allergies.
Babybel
Babybel introduced a vegan version of its classic snack cheese in 2022. It is soft and chewy, with a mild flavour.
Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's offers a range of plant-based cheeses that melt well.
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Non-dairy cheese with the best meltability
Non-dairy cheese is usually made with vegetable oils, starches, and yeast. The absence of dairy means that non-dairy cheese doesn't brown in the same way as regular cheese. Even when melted, non-dairy cheese may retain its original form.
Some non-dairy cheeses melt better than others, and the best option depends on the dish being prepared. For example, the best non-dairy cheese for melting onto pizza may not be the best option for a grilled cheese sandwich.
Applewood's Smoky Cheese Alternative
Applewood's vegan cheese is a smooth and creamy alternative to dairy cheese. It is free from soya and gluten and has added B12 and calcium. Applewood's vegan cheese received a 9.8 out of 10 rating for how well it melts. It is a good option for pizza, pasta, baked potatoes, and even fondue.
Vevan
Vevan's dairy-free cheese is made with starch, rather than nuts or soy, making it a good option for those with allergies. Vevan's cheese melts well when heated to a high temperature, such as in an oven set to 425°F. It can also be melted in the microwave. Vevan's cheese is a good option for grilled cheese sandwiches and pizza.
Violife
Violife's dairy-free cheese is made with coconut oil and starch. Coconut oil is a good indicator that a vegan cheese will melt well. Violife's cheese gets high praise for its meltability and is a good option for pasta dishes and salads.
Daiya
Daiya's Mozzarella Style Shreds are free from gluten, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. They melt, ooze, bubble, and stretch like genuine mozzarella cheese.
Field Roast Chao
Field Roast's Chao cheese slices are a good option for grilled cheese sandwiches. They have a slightly firm texture when served cold but melt nicely when heated.
Miyoko's Fresh Vegan Mozzarella
Miyoko's Fresh Vegan Mozzarella is soft and meltable like real mozzarella. It is a good option for grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several non-dairy cheeses that melt well. Some popular options include Violife's Epic Mature Cheddar Cheese, Applewood's Smoky Cheese Alternative, and Miyoko's Fresh Vegan Mozzarella.
Daiya's Mozzarella Style Shreds are marketed as melting, oozing, bubbling, and stretching like genuine mozzarella cheese.
Vevan Melts are a popular choice for pizza as they melt into a creamy, vegan cheese goodness. Applewood's Smoky Cheese Alternative is another option that has been rated highly for its melting capabilities on pizzas.
Field Roast's Chao cheese slices are a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Violife's Epic Mature Cheddar Cheese is also a good option, especially when combined with caramelized onions.
Vevan's dairy-free cheese is starch-based and 100% allergen-free. It is also non-GMO, preservative-free, gluten-free, and soy-free.
