Andy Montoya
There are many reasons why someone might want to substitute cheese on a pizza. Some people may be vegan, vegetarian, or have dietary restrictions, while others may want to reduce their calorie intake or simply try something new. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from, including vegan cheese, which can be made from cashews, oil and starch, or chickpeas. If you're not vegan, you could try a bechamel sauce or a small amount of full-fat cheese. For those looking to add protein, you could try tofu or high-protein vegetables, or even whisked eggs, which were once a common topping.
Characteristics and Values of Cheese Substitutes on Pizza
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Vegan, dairy-free, low-calorie, fat-free, or regular cheese |
| Texture | Melts, stretches, or coagulates into a solid form |
| Taste | Mild, cheesy, creamy, subtle, or tangy |
| Ingredients | Cashew, oil, starch, chickpeas, coconut oil, potato starch, or plant-based |
| Preparation | Grated, sliced, dolloped, or spread |
| Purpose | Reducing ecological footprint, accommodating dietary restrictions, or lowering calories |
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What You'll Learn
Vegan cheese substitutes
There are several vegan cheese substitutes available that can be used on pizzas. Some of these substitutes are made with cashews, while others have bases of oil and starch. For example, Miyoko's cheeses are cashew-based and Daiya's is advertised as being made with chickpeas, although "chickpea protein" is low on the ingredient list. Some of these substitutes melt and stretch like cheese, while others are liquid and solidify when baked. One such liquid vegan cheese is Miyoko's Liquid, which has a mild cheesy flavor but lacks the density and stretch of regular cheese.
You can also make your own vegan cheese at home. One recipe includes raw cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, white miso paste, salt, and arrowroot powder as a thickener. Another recipe uses white beans for those with nut allergies. A third recipe uses water to thin the ingredients, which include tomato puree, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
In addition to vegan cheese substitutes, there are other creative ways to make a pizza without cheese. For example, you can use a thicker sauce with corn starch, fold over the edges of the dough, or mix the toppings into the sauce to prevent them from overcooking. You can also try whisked eggs, bechamel sauce, or buttered garlic breadsticks with dipping sauce. Fresh basil, ground black pepper, pure maple syrup, and smoked salt can also be used to enhance the flavor of a pizza without cheese.
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Low-calorie alternatives
If you're looking for low-calorie alternatives to cheese on pizza, there are a few options you can consider:
Firstly, you could opt for reduced-fat or fat-free cheese varieties. These include fat-free cottage cheese, fat-free ricotta, or low-fat mozzarella. While these options may not have the same flavour or melting capabilities as full-fat cheese, they can help reduce the overall calorie count of your pizza. Another strategy is to use a combination of full-fat and fat-free cheese to balance flavour and calorie intake.
Secondly, you can explore vegan cheese alternatives, which often have lower calories. Vegan cheese options have improved significantly, and some now melt and even stretch like regular cheese. Cashew-based cheeses, for example, are known for their melting capabilities and flavour. Other plant-based options include vegan mozzarella, which comes in liquid form and solidifies during baking, resulting in a mild cheesy flavour. Additionally, some vegan grated cheese alternatives can provide the desired melt and crispiness when gratinated, especially those containing coconut oil and/or potato starch.
Thirdly, you can enhance the flavour of low-calorie cheese by pairing it with a complementary tomato sauce. Certain tomato sauces, like Classico's four cheese tomato sauce or their light alfredo sauce, are surprisingly low in calories and can boost the cheese flavour without adding excessive calories.
Lastly, you can reduce the overall amount of cheese on your pizza and focus more on other toppings. Adding meat, tofu, or high-protein vegetables can increase the protein content and make your pizza more satisfying without relying heavily on cheese. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of high-flavour cheese, such as parmesan, sharp provolone, or manchego, which have more pronounced flavours, allowing you to use smaller quantities while still achieving a tasty result.
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No cheese, extra toppings
If you're looking for a pizza without cheese, you can get creative with your toppings. You can focus on adding more toppings to your pizza to make up for the absence of cheese. Try adding extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, carrots, or zucchini. If you're looking to add protein, you can add meat or tofu.
You can also experiment with different sauces to act as a substitute for cheese. A bechamel sauce, for example, can be a good option if you're okay with dairy. You can also try whisking an egg with some salt and pepper and spreading it on top of your pizza. This was a common substitute for cheese in some places due to the high cost of cheese.
If you're looking for a substitute for cheese that still provides a similar taste and texture, there are a variety of vegan cheese options available. Some of these melt and stretch like regular cheese, and some even have a stretchier texture. You can also make your own vegan cheese at home with ingredients like cashews, water, and nutritional yeast. These can be dolloped or spread onto the pizza.
When choosing a vegan cheese, it's important to experiment with different brands to find the one that works best for you. Some things to consider are the melting ability of the cheese and whether it becomes crispy when gratinated. If you're looking for a cheese crust, look for vegan cheese that contains coconut oil and/or potato starch.
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Mayonnaise
When used on pizza, mayonnaise adds a tangy and savoury note that complements tomato sauce and various toppings, especially pepperoni and oregano. It is often used on meat-lover's pizzas or four-cheese pizzas to enhance the flavour profile. Mayonnaise also adds fat to the pizza, which is lacking in vegan cheese alternatives.
While mayonnaise is a suitable substitute for cheese on pizza, it is important to note that it does not melt like cheese. Instead, it remains a thin spread, even when baked. This gives a unique texture to the pizza that some may find appealing.
Some people may be concerned about the health implications of consuming mayonnaise due to its high oil content. Excessive mayonnaise consumption may contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease, stomach ulcers, diabetes, and gallbladder stones. Therefore, it is generally recommended to consume mayonnaise in moderation.
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Bechamel sauce
While the traditional tomato sauce used for pizza is a classic, it is not the only option available. One alternative is to use a creamy base, such as bechamel sauce, also known as white sauce. Bechamel sauce is made with butter, flour, and milk, and is perfect for combining with toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, caramelised onions, and chicken. It can also be used as a base for cheese pizzas, or morphed into Welsh rarebit, a British classic made with cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and often, cured meats or chutneys.
The sauce is versatile and can be used as a base for a variety of toppings. For those who enjoy a bolder flavour, the addition of sharp cheddar and creamy Gruyère, combined with crispy bacon, sliced apples, and a drizzle of honey, can create a rich and indulgent alternative to a traditional tomato sauce. Alternatively, a savoury sauce such as Welsh rarebit, made with melted cheese, beer, and mustard, can be used as a base and topped with sautéed garlic mushrooms and a poached egg.
For those who are not fans of cheese, bechamel sauce provides a good base for a variety of toppings. The sauce helps to hold the ingredients in place and can be combined with vegetables such as spinach, or with meats like chicken or cured meats. It is a good option for those who are looking for a dairy-friendly, cheese-free pizza.
In addition to bechamel sauce, there are other substitutes for cheese on pizza. Some vegan cheese substitutes melt and taste like cheese, and whisked egg with salt and pepper is a traditional alternative. For those who enjoy a creamy base, creme fraiche can be used as a light base and paired with meats or vegetables, and pesto is another versatile option that can be added before or after baking.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several substitutes for cheese on pizza. If you are vegan, you can use plant-based cheese alternatives, such as cashew cheese, or vegan mozzarella. If you are looking for low-calorie alternatives, you can use fat-free cottage cheese or ricotta. You can also use mayonnaise or eggs as a substitute for cheese on pizza.
Some low-calorie alternatives to cheese on pizza include fat-free cottage cheese or ricotta. You can also use a smaller quantity of full-fat cheese or boost the cheese flavor with a low-calorie tomato sauce.
Some vegan alternatives to cheese on pizza include plant-based cheese alternatives, such as cashew cheese, vegan mozzarella, or vegan grated cheese. You can also use mayonnaise or eggs as a substitute for cheese on pizza.
Some creative alternatives to cheese on pizza include grating carrot or zucchini and sprinkling it over the pizza with nutritional yeast. You can also use a thicker sauce or fold over the edges of the dough to hold the toppings in place.
