Kamil Perry
Non-dairy cheese for pizza is typically made from vegan ingredients such as soy, cashews, macadamia nuts, vegetable oils like coconut oil, and thickening agents like tapioca starch or arrowroot powder. Some recipes also include white beans, nutritional yeast, and apple cider vinegar to achieve a creamy, cheesy texture and flavour. It is possible to make non-dairy cheese at home, but store-bought options are also available, such as Follow Your Heart and Miyoko's brands. These cheeses melt and stretch to varying degrees, and some may have a wetter consistency when melted, so it's important to use the right amount to avoid a soggy pizza.
Characteristics and Values of Non-Dairy Cheese for Pizza
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Soy, cashews, macadamia nuts, vegetable oils (e.g. coconut oil), thickening agents (e.g. tapioca starch, arrowroot powder), nutritional yeast, white beans, tofu, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, white miso paste, etc. |
| Type | Mozzarella-style shreds, liquid/meltable mozzarella, blocks/slices, pesto base, etc. |
| Taste | Similar to Italian mozzarella, gourmet, clean-eating, junk food-style, etc. |
| Texture | Creamy, stretchy, dense, light, etc. |
| Dietary Considerations | Vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, cholesterol-free, highly processed, etc. |
| Brand Examples | Miyoko's, Follow Your Heart, Daiya, GoVeggie, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Nutritional yeast, cashews, and apple cider vinegar
Nutritional yeast has a distinct "cheesy" flavour, adding a savoury, nutty taste to the non-dairy cheese. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including B-complex vitamins, which are often lacking in vegan and vegetarian diets. Nutritional yeast is a key ingredient in giving the non-dairy cheese its characteristic flavour and colour.
Cashews, on the other hand, provide a creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavour. Soaking the cashews before blending helps to soften them and create a smoother, richer cheese. The ratio of cashews to water is important; using too much water can result in a thin and watery consistency. Therefore, it is recommended to use a low ratio of water to cashews to achieve a thick and creamy texture.
Apple cider vinegar brings a tangy acidity and a complex, savoury flavour to the non-dairy cheese. It adds a bright, sharp note that enhances the other ingredients' flavours. Additionally, lemon juice can be used in combination with apple cider vinegar to further enhance the brightness of the cheese.
Other ingredients commonly used in non-dairy cheese made from nutritional yeast, cashews, and apple cider vinegar include garlic, salt, and pepper. These ingredients enhance the flavour, add depth, and intensify the overall taste experience. The combination of these ingredients creates a versatile non-dairy cheese that can be used in various dishes, providing a delicious alternative for those avoiding dairy products.
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Store-bought vegan cheese
Ingredients
Vegan cheeses for pizza are often made from soy, cashews, macadamia nuts, or white beans, and may include vegetable oils such as coconut oil. A thickening agent, such as tapioca starch or arrowroot powder, is also commonly added. These ingredients come together to create a product that can be shredded, sliced, or melted, just like traditional cheese.
Taste and Texture
The taste and texture of store-bought vegan cheese can vary depending on the brand and the specific ingredients used. Some cheeses may have a stronger artificial vegan cheese flavor, while others may more closely resemble the taste and texture of Italian mozzarella. It's worth noting that vegan cheeses tend to be highly processed blocks of vegetable oil, so while they may be cholesterol-free, they are not necessarily better for cardiovascular health.
Examples
Popular brands of store-bought vegan cheese for pizza include Follow Your Heart, known for its mozzarella shreds, and Miyoko's, which offers cashew-based cheeses that are popular among gourmet enthusiasts. Daiya and GoVeggie are also mentioned as easily accessible options that can be found in most grocery stores.
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Homemade vegan cheese
Vegan cheese is often made from cashews, and there are many recipes available online for making your own vegan cheese at home. For example, one recipe for vegan mozzarella involves blending soaked cashews with tapioca starch and coconut yogurt or rice milk, and then heating the mixture until it becomes gooey and stretchy. This can then be spooned in dollops or spread over a pizza before baking.
Another recipe for a vegan cheese sauce to be used on pizza involves mixing flour, instant yeast, salt, olive oil, and water, and then adding spices, flour, and nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy flavor. This can also be spread over a pizza and baked.
Some people prefer to avoid vegan cheese altogether, instead opting for a pizza with just tomato sauce and toppings, as the original pizzas from Naples in the 18th century did not include cheese.
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No cheese at all
If you don't want to use any cheese on your pizza, there are still plenty of options to ensure you don't miss out on flavour. Firstly, it's worth noting that traditional pizza did not have any cheese. The oldest pizza served in pizzerias, the Marinara, does not contain any cheese. It features a topping of tomato, oregano, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and usually basil.
If you're making a pizza without cheese, it's important to get the sauce right. You could try a pesto base, or a creamy, spicy sweet corn spread. Alternatively, you could make a cashew-based white sauce, or a hot-sauce-and-olive-oil buffalo sauce.
When it comes to toppings, you can go for the traditional Marinara toppings, or experiment with vegetables, tofu, seeds, nuts, or even fruit. Some specific combinations that work well include:
- Arugula, spinach, sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt and olive oil
- Baked eggplant, sweet caramelised onions, fresh rosemary and vegan mozzarella
- Butternut squash, broccolini, chickpeas, red onion and veggie mozzarella
- Tofu, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers and red onion
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Tofu, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice
Making Vegan Cheese with Tofu, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Lemon Juice
Vegan cheese is a plant-based alternative to dairy cheese. It can be made with tofu, a soy product that is high in protein and low in fat. When making vegan cheese with tofu, it is important to first drain the tofu and gently squeeze out the excess water. The tofu is then blended with other ingredients to create a creamy, cheese-like consistency.
Apple cider vinegar is a common ingredient in vegan cheese recipes as it adds a tangy flavor that resembles that of dairy cheese. It also helps to preserve the cheese and can act as a natural disinfectant. Lemon juice is also added to vegan cheese recipes for its tangy flavor and freshness. It helps to disguise the taste of tofu and brightens the overall flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup firm or extra-firm silken tofu
- 1 tablespoon oil (extra-light olive oil, rice bran oil, or melted coconut oil)
- 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Other optional ingredients: garlic powder, nutritional yeast, miso paste, dill, chives
Directions:
- Drain and gently press the tofu to remove excess water.
- Place the tofu and oil in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Add the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, starting with smaller amounts and adjusting to taste.
- Add the salt and any other desired ingredients, such as garlic powder or nutritional yeast. Blend again and adjust the flavors as needed.
- Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, whisking frequently.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Continue whisking and cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a ramekin or small bowl and cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate the tofu cream cheese for at least 1 hour, preferably longer, as it tastes best when chilled.
This vegan cream cheese can be used as a spread for sandwiches and wraps, or as an addition to pasta sauces. It is a delicious and healthy alternative to dairy cheese, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Non-dairy cheese for pizza can be made from a variety of ingredients, including soy, cashews, macadamia nuts, vegetable oils (such as coconut oil), and thickening agents like tapioca starch or arrowroot powder.
Popular brands of non-dairy cheese for pizza include Miyoko's, Follow Your Heart, Daiya, and GoVeggie. Miyoko's cheeses are cashew-based, while the remaining three have bases of oil and starch.
To make a pizza with non-dairy cheese, first prepare your dough and sauce. Then, spread the non-dairy cheese evenly over the sauce, add your desired toppings, and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
Some people choose to forgo cheese altogether on their pizzas. Alternatively, you can make your own non-dairy cheese using cashews, white beans, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, and white miso paste.
