Bushra Griffith
Vegan cheese has come a long way, and with the ever-growing selection on the market, it can be hard to choose the best option for pizza. There are many types of vegan cheese, including cashew, chickpea, rice starch, and buffalo mozzarella. Some of the most popular brands for vegan pizza cheese are Miyoko's Creamery, Violife, Follow Your Heart, and Whole Foods 365. When choosing a vegan cheese for pizza, it's important to consider factors such as flavor, texture, meltability, and stretchiness. Some cheeses perform better than others in terms of melting and stretch, while some have a more mild or unobtrusive flavor that pairs well with other toppings. Making your own vegan cheese at home is also an option, with recipes that include cashews, white beans, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice.
Characteristics and Values of the Best Vegan Cheese for Pizza
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Feta, Ricotta, Cream Cheese |
| Base | Cashew, Chickpea, Rice Starch, Oil and Starch, Tofu, Coconut Oil, Potato Starch, Potato Protein, Soy, Macadamia Nuts, Almonds |
| Brand | Miyoko's Creamery, Violife, Follow Your Heart, Whole Foods 365, Trader Joe's, So Delicious, Daiya |
| Texture | Creamy, Stretchy, Light, Tangy, Smooth, Thick, Chalky, Wetter, Airy |
| Taste | Mild, Savory, Sweet, Salty, Tangy, Earthy, Rich, Nutty |
| Melting | Melts well, No melting required |
| Format | Shredded, Block, Pourable, Spread |
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What You'll Learn
Miyoko's Creamery Organic Cashew Milk Mozzarella
Miyokos Creamery Organic Cashew Milk Mozzarella is a popular choice for those looking to make vegan pizzas. The cheese is crafted from organic cultured cashew milk using traditional creamery methods. Cashews are milled into creamy plant milk, which is then cultured and crafted into mozzarella. The result is a soft, silky cheese with a thick, creamy texture, a springy bounce, and a mild, slightly sweet taste. It is perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
The cheese comes in two forms: a shrink-wrapped square and a pourable version. The former has a wetter consistency than most other vegan pizza cheeses, and the latter is unique in that it is already liquid, so there is no melting required. When baked, the pourable version coagulates into a solid form, creating a cheesy layer that bubbles and browns.
In terms of flavour, Miyokos Cashew Milk Mozzarella has a mild, cheesy flavour that is unobtrusive and harmonizes well with the sauce and bread. However, some reviewers have noted that it lacks the density of regular cheese and has less stretch than other vegan cheeses. Due to its texture and mild flavour, it may be preferable to use this cheese alongside other toppings rather than on a plain cheese pizza.
Miyokos Creamery Organic Cashew Milk Mozzarella can be purchased at Whole Foods Market and is also available on the Miyokos Creamery website. The pourable version seems to be loved by pizza professionals and enthusiasts alike, so it may be worth giving it a try the next time you make a vegan pizza!
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Trader Joe's vegan cheeses
When it comes to vegan cheese for pizza, there are several options available, including cashew cheese, chickpea cheese, and rice starch cheese. One popular choice is Miyoko's Cashew Milk Mozzarella, which performs well in terms of melt and flavour. However, some people prefer to make their own cashew mozzarella at home, as it can offer more stretch than the store-bought variety. Another option is to use a liquid mozzarella, such as Miyoko's pourable version, which solidifies when baked, creating a unique presentation.
If you're looking for a vegan cheese that specifically caters to pizza lovers, Trader Joe's offers a range of dairy-free cheese alternatives at affordable prices. Here's a detailed review of some of their vegan cheese products:
Trader Joe's Vegan Feta
This vegan feta cheese is a block of cheese sitting in brine, made from coconut oil, potato starch, and potato protein. The uncooked cheese has a strong fermented smell and a creamy texture, making it perfect for a Greek salad. When baked with tomatoes and onions, it blends into a rich, savoury sauce that can be used over pasta. The cooked cheese has a salty and tangy flavour, resembling its dairy counterpart.
Trader Joe's Vegan Boursin
This vegan Boursin cheese is a versatile option that can be used as a dip with pita chips, spread on toast, or mixed into mashed potatoes. It has a creamy, light, and fluffy texture, making it a delightful addition to various dishes.
Trader Joe's Vegan Cheddar
This vegan cheddar cheese has a sweet and grainy flavour with a hint of coconut. It melts well and can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches or burgers. However, it lacks the cheese pull and doesn't add a strong cheese flavour to the dish.
While Trader Joe's offers a good selection of vegan cheeses, it's important to note that the taste and texture may vary from their dairy counterparts. These cheeses can still be enjoyable and satisfying, especially when paired with the right ingredients and recipes.
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Whole Foods 365 vegan cheeses
Whole Foods 365 offers a range of vegan cheeses, including Non-Dairy Cheddar Slices and Shreds, as well as Non-Dairy Mozzarella Shreds. These products are free from dairy ingredients such as milk, butter, cheese, sour cream, yogurt, whey, casein, ghee, and lactose. They are suitable for vegans and vegetarians, as they do not contain any animal products.
The Non-Dairy Mozzarella Shreds from Whole Foods 365 can be a great option for those looking to make a vegan pizza. One reviewer mentioned that they mix Whole Foods 365 dairy-free mozzarella with Miyokos liquid mozzarella for their homemade pizzas. They use about 1/3 of a bottle of the liquid mozzarella and then sprinkle about 1/3 of the bag of the mozzarella shreds on top. This combination can result in a delicious pizza that most people would enjoy, whether they are vegan or not.
When it comes to pizza-friendly vegan cheeses, there are various options available in the market, and individual preferences may vary. Some people might prefer the convenience of store-bought vegan cheeses, while others might experiment with making their own cashew-based or tofu-based cheeses at home. Ultimately, the best vegan cheese for pizza may depend on personal taste, availability, and the desired texture and flavour profile.
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Homemade vegan cheese
Vegan cheese for pizza has come a long way, and it's now possible to make delicious, creamy, and stretchy cheese at home with simple ingredients. Here's a guide to help you make the best homemade vegan cheese for your pizza.
Ingredients
The base ingredients for homemade vegan cheese are typically cashews or white beans, nutritional yeast, water, arrowroot powder/starch, salt, garlic, lemon juice, and white miso paste.
Cashews provide a creamy texture, but if you have a nut allergy, white beans are a great alternative. Nutritional yeast is essential as it adds a cheesy flavor to your vegan cheese. Arrowroot powder or starch acts as a thickener and helps achieve the desired consistency. Salt enhances flavor, while garlic, lemon juice, and white miso paste add a savory, tangy, and umami flavor profile.
Method
The process for making homemade vegan cheese is quite straightforward. Start by soaking raw cashews overnight, unless you have a high-speed blender. Drain the cashews and add all the ingredients to the blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Transfer the blended mixture to a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Continuously stir the mixture as it heats and thickens. This step may take some time, so be patient and keep stirring. Once the mixture reaches your desired thickness, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.
Customization
You can customize your vegan cheese by adding ingredients like olive oil, avocado oil, or Italian herbs to enhance the flavor and create a richer, creamier texture. If you want a firmer cheese, you can add agar powder, which makes it easier to handle and is especially useful for stuffed-crust pizzas.
Performance
When it comes to performance on pizza, homemade vegan cheese shines. It melts beautifully, stretches, and has a creamy texture. It pairs well with various toppings and enhances the overall flavor of the pizza.
Storage
Making your own vegan cheese for pizza is a rewarding and delicious endeavor. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a creamy, stretchy, and flavorful cheese that satisfies your cravings and pairs perfectly with your favorite pizza toppings. So, get creative, experiment with ingredients, and enjoy the magic of homemade vegan cheese!
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Violife vegan cheeses
Violife's vegan cheeses are a great option for those who are looking for a dairy-free alternative for their pizzas. The brand offers a range of cheese products, including slices, grated cheese, and blocks, that can be used as a pizza topping. Violife's grated vegan cheese has received positive reviews for its melting capability and flavour, which is comparable to cheddar. The cheese has a stringy, mozzarella-like texture when melted and can be conveniently sprinkled over pizzas.
Violife's vegan cheese has been praised for its ability to melt smoothly, addressing the common misconception that vegan cheese cannot melt properly. The cheese's melting properties make it ideal for pizzas, as it blends well with other toppings and produces a stringy, cheesy texture. The cheese's mild flavour also complements the overall taste of the pizza, rather than overpowering it.
Violife's vegan cheese is also versatile and can be used in various dishes beyond pizza. It is suitable for baked potatoes, pasta, and anything that requires a sprinkle of cheese. The cheese's ability to melt and stretch makes it a good substitute for traditional cheese, providing a similar sensory experience.
Violife's Perfect Pizza Just Like Mozzarella Shreds is another product designed specifically for pizzas. This cheese alternative is dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, and halal, making it inclusive for individuals with dietary restrictions. The product has a long shelf life of 8 months when stored unopened at the recommended temperature, ensuring convenience and reduced waste.
Overall, Violife's vegan cheeses, particularly the grated variety and the Perfect Pizza shreds, offer a tasty and functional alternative to traditional cheese on pizzas. They melt well, have a pleasant flavour, and provide the desired stringy texture, enhancing the overall pizza experience.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many options for vegan cheese to use on pizza, including cashew cheese, rice starch cheese, and chickpea cheese. Miyoko's Creamery Organic Cashew Milk Mozzarella is a popular choice, as it has a similar texture to regular mozzarella. However, some people find that it lacks flavour. Violife is another popular option, as it is creamy and melts well.
A good recipe for homemade vegan pizza cheese includes raw cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, white miso paste, salt, and arrowroot powder. Water is also needed to thin the ingredients.
Some good alternatives to vegan cheese on pizza include a pesto base, hummus sauce, or nutritional yeast sprinkled on top of the pizza sauce.
