Bushra Griffith
There are many non-dairy cheese options for pizza, including cashew, white bean, chickpea, rice starch, and soy-based cheeses. Some popular brands are Follow Your Heart, Miyoko's Creamery, Daiya, and Moocho. Non-dairy cheese can be made at home or bought in stores, and it can come in shredded or \fresh\ block form. When making pizza with non-dairy cheese, it's important not to overload the pizza with cheese as it can become wet when melted.
Characteristics and ingredients of non-dairy cheese for pizza
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Mozzarella, Parmesan substitute, cheddar |
| Texture | Shredded, liquid, "fresh" blocks, pasty, goopy, sticky, creamy |
| Taste | Salty, nutty, buttery, cheesy, mild |
| Ingredients | Cashews, white beans, chickpeas, starch, oil, water, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, white miso paste, arrowroot powder, salt, sugar, tapioca starch, coconut oil, avocado oil, Italian olive oil, tomato puree, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, fresh basil |
| Brands | Miyoko's, Follow Your Heart, Daiya, Moocho, So Delicious, Violife, Chao, Good and Gather |
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What You'll Learn
Non-dairy cheese options for pizza
One popular option for non-dairy pizza cheese is cashew cheese. Cashew cheese is unique and provides a creamy texture and rich flavour. It can be easily made at home or purchased from brands like Miyoko's Creamery, which offers a cashew-based fresh "mozzarella" with a wetter consistency than other vegan pizza cheeses. Another option is to make cashew milk mozzarella at home, which can be combined with liquid mozzarella for an even creamier texture.
Other non-dairy cheese options for pizza include Follow Your Heart, a popular vegan mozzarella shred that performs well when melted and has a good flavour. Daiya is another brand that offers a mozzarella-style shred, although some find it works better as a Parmesan substitute. Moocho Dairy-Free Mozzarella Style Shreds is also a well-received option, known for its nutty, buttery flavour.
For those with nut allergies, there are non-dairy cheese options made with white beans or chickpeas. These alternatives provide a similar taste to cashew-based cheeses but with a slightly different texture. Additionally, some people opt for a pizza without any cheese, focusing on a generous amount of sauce and desired toppings.
In conclusion, there are numerous non-dairy cheese options for pizza available today, ranging from cashew-based cheeses to shreds and liquid mozzarella. Each option has its own unique characteristics, and personal preferences may vary. The development of the vegan cheese industry has made it possible to cater to different dietary needs and taste preferences, making pizza a versatile and inclusive dish.
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Making your own non-dairy cheese
Non-dairy cheese has come a long way, and it is now possible to find suitable substitutes for pizzas that are not only tasty but also healthy. While there are several options available in the market, you can also make your own non-dairy cheese at home with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
You can use raw cashews, white beans, or even mashed tofu as the base for your non-dairy cheese. Nutritional yeast, which is rich in vitamin B12, lends a cheesy flavour to the mix. Water is used to thin the ingredients, while lemon juice adds a tangy note and enhances the flavour. Garlic and white miso paste provide a savoury, umami flavour. Arrowroot powder, which is flavourless, can be used as a thickener. Salt is added to enhance the flavour, and some recipes also call for onion and garlic powder, dried oregano, and fresh basil.
Method
The process of making non-dairy cheese for pizza involves blending the ingredients into a creamy mixture. This can then be spread onto your pizza and baked. You can also make a simple dough at home by mixing yeast, sugar, and warm water, and then adding this to flour.
Tips
Non-dairy cheese can become a little wet when melted, so it is important not to overload your pizza with cheese. It is also recommended to go straight from the fridge to the pizza when using non-dairy cheese, as it can become progressively more oily at room temperature.
Customisation
The base recipe can be customised to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. For instance, you can substitute cashews with white beans or tofu for a nut-free option. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavour of your cheese.
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Nutritional content of non-dairy cheese
Non-dairy cheese is usually made from plant-based ingredients such as coconut oil, cashews, coconut, almonds, oats, and soy. A survey of 245 non-dairy cheese alternatives in the United States found that only 3% had 5 grams or more of protein, while 19%, 14%, and 1% were fortified with calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, respectively.
Almost 60% of the products surveyed had high levels of saturated fat, while 15% had low sodium levels. The cheeses based on cashews alone more commonly had the highest protein levels and the lowest sodium and saturated fat levels. Those containing coconut oil more often had higher saturated fat and sodium levels and were most frequently fortified with vitamin B12.
Some popular non-dairy cheese brands include Miyoko's, which offers cashew-based mozzarella, and Daiya, which offers a mozzarella-style shred made from chickpea protein. Other non-dairy cheese options include rice starch cheese, cashew cheese, and white bean cheese.
Non-dairy cheese has improved in recent years, and there are now many options available for those who are vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to dairy cheese. While non-dairy cheese may not have the same nutritional profile as dairy cheese, it can be a good source of protein and certain vitamins and minerals, depending on the brand and variety.
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Taste and texture of non-dairy cheese
The taste and texture of non-dairy cheese have come a long way in recent years. While the flavour and texture of non-dairy cheese may not be identical to that of traditional cheese, there are now many options that come close. Non-dairy cheese is usually made from vegetable proteins and bacteria, which break down over time, affecting flavour and texture. Non-dairy cheese is often made from nuts, such as cashews, macadamias, or soy, as well as vegetable oils like coconut oil. Other bases include chickpeas, rice starch, tapioca, peas, and arrowroot.
Non-dairy cheese can be purchased pre-made or made at home. Pre-made non-dairy cheese often comes in shredded form, though some come in \"fresh\" blocks. Some brands that offer pre-made non-dairy cheese include Miyoko's, Follow Your Heart, Daiya, Kite Hill, Good Planet, Field Roast's Chao Creamery, The Laughing Cow, and Boursin.
Non-dairy cheese can be made at home with ingredients like cashews, white beans, water, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, and white miso paste. When making non-dairy cheese at home, the ingredients are blended, heated, and thickened with arrowroot powder.
The texture of non-dairy cheese varies depending on the brand and recipe. Some non-dairy cheeses have a firm texture that is not too rubbery and maintains its shape when sliced. Other non-dairy cheeses have a texture that is too plastic-like or pasty. Some non-dairy cheeses melt well, while others do not have the same ooey-gooey texture as dairy cheese.
The taste of non-dairy cheese also varies, with some options tasting sour, funky, or artificial. However, some non-dairy cheeses have a mild, creamy, and nutty flavour that rivals that of dairy cheese. Some non-dairy cheeses have a tangy undercurrent similar to American cheese, while others have a peppery flavour.
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Commercially available non-dairy cheese
There are several commercially available non-dairy cheese options for pizza. These include:
Miyoko's Creamery
Miyoko's Creamery is a Northern California-based plant-based dairy company that offers a range of vegan cheese options suitable for pizzas. Their products include cashew-based fresh "mozzarella," which has a wetter consistency than most other vegan pizza cheeses and comes in a shrink-wrapped square. They also offer an Italian-style block and a pourable liquid mozzarella. Miyoko's Creamery cheeses are unique in the market and are considered suitable for serving to both vegans and non-vegans.
Follow Your Heart
Follow Your Heart is another brand that offers vegan cheese options for pizzas. Their products are considered budget-friendly and have a mild flavor, making them a good option for those who are new to vegan cheese.
Daiya
Daiya offers a mozzarella-style shred that can be used as a pizza topping. While it is marketed as a mozzarella replacement, it works more like a Parmesan substitute. It has a nutty and salty taste that pairs well with a sourdough base.
Moocho
Moocho Dairy-Free Mozzarella Style Shreds received high marks in taste tests for its nutty and buttery flavor. While it may not be mistaken for dairy cheese, it is a well-received option for those seeking a non-dairy alternative.
In addition to these brands, there are other options available in the market, such as Papa Murphy's, which offers dairy-free cheese for their pizza kits, and various recipes for making homemade vegan cheese for pizzas. The availability of these commercially available non-dairy cheese options makes it easier for those who are vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply exploring dairy-free alternatives to enjoy their favorite pizza without compromising on taste and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular non-dairy cheese options for pizza include Follow Your Heart, Miyoko's Creamery, and Moocho.
Non-dairy cheese can be made from cashews, white beans, or chickpeas.
A simple recipe for homemade non-dairy cheese includes raw cashews or sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, garlic powder, and sea salt.
