Frederic Melton
Vegan gourmet cheddar cheese is a dairy-free cheese alternative that aims to replicate the taste, texture, and melting properties of traditional cheddar cheese. It is typically made from plant-based ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and oils, which are blended and fermented to create a product with a similar funk to dairy cheese. The base ingredients for vegan cheddar cheese often include cashews, coconut, and almond, with added ingredients like nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and turmeric to enhance flavour and colour. While some brands offer pre-made vegan cheddar cheese, others provide powder mixes that can be turned into a cheese sauce or melted for use in dishes like pizza or macaroni and cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Raw cashews, coconut oil, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, paprika, turmeric, salt, water, agar agar powder, red bell pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dijon mustard, tahini, soy sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, red pepper |
| Texture | Firm, sliceable, soft, spreadable, gooey, globby, grainy, powdery, slimy, watery, brittle, plasticky |
| Taste | Mild, tangy, sharp, cheesy, funky, stinky, bland, plasticky, acceptable, good, delicious |
| Melting | Melts, but does not spread, melts a bit and softens when heated, melts in the microwave, melts OK, does not melt well |
| Allergens | Cashews, coconut, soy, MSG |
| Storage | Refrigerate covered for up to a week, freezer-friendly for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
How to make vegan gourmet cheddar cheese at home
Vegan gourmet cheddar cheese is a delicious, dairy-free substitute that offers a tangy, creamy flavor and melts beautifully on sandwiches, toast, or warm tortillas. It is usually made with cashews, but sunflower seeds can be used as a substitute for those with nut allergies. The cheese is sliceable and can be grated, melted, or spread on crackers.
Ingredients
To make this cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
- Raw cashews (or sunflower seeds)
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Refined coconut oil
- Nutritional yeast
- Cornstarch (or tapioca starch)
- Paprika
- Turmeric
- Salt
- Agar agar powder (or Kappa Carrageenan)
Additionally, you can add certain ingredients to create different flavors:
- Red bell pepper and smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
- Cayenne pepper, chili powder, or black pepper for a spicy flavor
- White or yellow miso for an umami boost
- Dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for an herb-infused flavor
Instructions
- If you choose to soak your cashews (or sunflower seeds), bring 3 cups of water to a boil and pour it over the nuts. Let them soak for about 5 minutes to soften them. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can skip this step.
- Prepare your ramekins or dish by lightly spraying them with oil.
- Drain the cashews and discard the soaking water.
- Add the cashews to a blender along with the remaining ingredients, except for the agar agar powder. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- In a separate pot, add the agar agar powder and water. Bring this to a boil, and then quickly pour it into the blender with the other ingredients. Blend everything together rapidly, as the mixture will start to set quickly.
- Pour the blended mixture into your prepared dish(es).
- Cover the dish(es) with cling film or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to set.
Your vegan gourmet cheddar cheese is now ready to serve! It will keep in the fridge for about a week and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Enjoy it on crackers, sandwiches, or even grated on pizza.
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The best store-bought vegan gourmet cheddar cheeses
There are a variety of store-bought vegan gourmet cheddar cheeses available in the market. Here are some of the best options:
Violife Mature Cheddar Slices: These cheddar slices are a popular choice among vegans and are available at select stores like Sprouts, Natural Grocers, Kroger, Safeway, and Food Lion. They have a funky flavor and are great for grilled cheese sandwiches as they melt well.
Miyoko's Farmhouse Cheddar: Miyoko's is a well-known brand for vegans and non-vegans alike, offering a range of delicious vegan cheeses. Their Farmhouse Cheddar is a favorite among many, although it may be difficult to find in stores. It is said to be one of the best-tasting vegan cheddars, even when eaten cold.
Chao Creamy Original and Tomato Cayenne: Chao's Creamy Original and Tomato Cayenne slices are often compared to provolone or Swiss cheese. They melt well and are perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. You can find them at Target.
Follow Your Heart: This brand offers a variety of vegan cheese products, including dairy-free parmesan, crumbled blue cheese, blocked mozzarella, and shreds. While their feta cheese resembles dairy-based feta in terms of flavor, the brand could improve the texture of its vegan cheese products.
Earth Grown: This is Aldi's in-house vegan brand, offering dairy-free mozzarella and cheddar shreds made with coconut oil, potato starch, and potato protein. They also have cheddar slices, feta, and blue cheese crumbles available seasonally.
While the above options are popular choices, it's worth noting that some people prefer to make their own vegan cheddar cheese at home, as store-bought options can be expensive and challenging to find.
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The history of vegan cheese
In the Western world, the quest to make non-dairy cheese began in 1896 when Dr. John Harvey Kellogg invented Nuttose, a cooked peanut product used as a meat and cheese substitute. From the early 20th century onwards, soy was used to create vegan cheese-like substances and cream cheese. However, these early attempts at vegan cheese were not very successful, with their rubbery, highly processed texture failing to mimic the taste and feel of real cheese.
The product became commercially available in the 1970s or 1980s, but these initial offerings were lower in quality than dairy cheese or modern vegan cheese, often having a waxy, chalky, or plastic-like texture. In the 1990s, vegan cheese sometimes cost twice as much as dairy cheese, and there was only one brand of vegan cheese available in the United States: Soymage.
Over the last several years, vegan cheesemakers have made significant improvements, and the market has diversified and expanded globally. As of 2017, vegan cheese was generally more expensive than dairy cheese, but the quality has improved, and the variety has increased. Today, vegan cheese can range from soft, fresh cheeses to aged and cultured hard grateable cheeses like plant-based Parmesan. They can be made from various ingredients, including plant-based proteins, fats, and milks, as well as seeds like sesame and sunflower, nuts like cashews and almonds, and soybeans.
Vegan cheddar cheese, in particular, has come a long way. Home chefs can make their own vegan cheddar with recipes that include raw cashews, agar agar powder, lemon juice, coconut oil, nutritional yeast, and spices like smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. These recipes produce a firm, sliceable cheese with a sharp cheddar flavor that can be enjoyed on sandwiches, crackers, or melted on pizza.
While the labeling of vegan cheese remains controversial, with some jurisdictions prohibiting the use of the term "cheese" for plant-based products, the future of vegan cheese looks bright. The market is expected to continue growing and diversifying, with new companies dedicated to creating animal-free cheese that tastes and feels like the real thing.
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The health benefits of vegan gourmet cheddar cheese
Vegan gourmet cheddar cheese is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional dairy cheese. It is made from a variety of ingredients, including tree nuts such as cashews, almonds, and coconut, as well as other ingredients like soy, tapioca starch, and chickpea protein. These ingredients come together to create a product that is not only tasty but also offers several health benefits.
One of the key advantages of vegan gourmet cheddar cheese is its potential to be higher in fiber and vitamins than regular cheese. The inclusion of tree nuts and other plant-based sources means that vegan cheese can provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health and can aid in maintaining regular bowel movements. Additionally, the nuts used in vegan cheese are a good source of healthy fats, which can help to lower cholesterol levels and promote a healthy heart.
Some people who are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies may also find relief in vegan gourmet cheddar cheese. Lactose intolerance can cause unpleasant digestive symptoms such as bloating, cramps, and nausea, which can be avoided by choosing dairy-free alternatives. Vegan cheese provides a way for individuals with these sensitivities to still enjoy the taste and texture of cheese without experiencing negative health consequences.
Furthermore, vegan gourmet cheddar cheese can be a part of a healthier, more balanced diet for those looking to reduce their saturated fat and calorie intake. While it is important to read the labels and be mindful of the specific ingredients and processing methods used, some vegan cheeses may offer a lower-calorie option when compared to their dairy counterparts. This can be beneficial for those watching their weight or managing their overall calorie intake.
Lastly, vegan gourmet cheddar cheese supports a more sustainable and ethical food system. The production of dairy cheese has a significant environmental impact, particularly in terms of land use and greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing vegan cheese, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and support more sustainable agricultural practices.
In conclusion, vegan gourmet cheddar cheese offers a range of health benefits, from increased fiber and vitamin intake to providing a dairy-free option for those with lactose intolerance or allergies. It is a tasty and nutritious alternative that promotes a healthier, more balanced diet and a more sustainable food system.
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Vegan gourmet cheddar cheese recipes
Vegan gourmet cheddar cheese is a delicious alternative to dairy cheese, perfect for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant. It can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as soy, coconut, and tree nuts like cashews and almonds, which are blended and fermented to create a similar texture and taste to dairy cheese.
Recipes
Nora Cooks' Tangy Vegan Cheddar Cheese
This recipe uses just eight ingredients and is perfect for cold sandwiches, grilled cheese, or as an addition to a snack platter with crackers and grapes. It has a mild, tangy flavor reminiscent of cheddar and a firm yet spreadable texture.
Ingredients:
- Raw cashews
- Lemon juice
- Refined coconut oil
- Nutritional yeast
- Cornstarch or tapioca starch
- Paprika
- Turmeric
- Salt
- Water
Instructions:
- Bring 3 cups of water to a boil and pour it over the cashews. Let them soak for 5 minutes.
- Prepare 2 small ramekins or 1 larger dish by lightly spraying them with oil.
- Drain the cashews and discard the soaking water.
- Add the cashews and the remaining ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared dish(es) and refrigerate until firm.
Loving It Vegan's Smoky Red Pepper Vegan Cheddar Cheese
This recipe creates a firm, sliceable cheese with a smoky flavor that is perfect for a vegan cheese board or grated over pizza.
Ingredients:
- Cashews
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Coconut oil
- Tahini
- Soy sauce
- Tomato paste
- Apple cider vinegar
- Red pepper
- Salt
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Dijon mustard
- Nutritional yeast
- Agar agar powder
Instructions:
- Boil the agar agar powder and water together.
- Quickly pour the mixture into a blender with the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into a prepared dish and refrigerate until firm.
The Barn Cat
This vegan cheese, made by Stephen Babaki of Conscious Cultures Creamery, is a creamy, tangy cheese with a healthy rind speckled with vegetable ash. It is made with cashews and coconut and has a unique, velvety texture.
Store-Bought Options
In addition to making your own vegan cheddar cheese, there are several store-bought options available. However, it is important to note that the quality of vegan cheeses can vary, and some may contain ingredients like potato starch or cornstarch that affect their texture and melting ability. Some of the better options include:
- Violife Mature Cheddar Slices
- Daiya Cheddar Shreds
- Just Like Mature Cheddar
- Kite Hill Cream Cheese
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Frequently asked questions
Vegan gourmet cheddar cheese is usually made from raw cashews, agar agar powder, and other ingredients like lemon juice, coconut oil, nutritional yeast, and spices to create a sharp cheddar flavor.
The texture of vegan gourmet cheddar cheese varies depending on the recipe and ingredients used. Some recipes produce a firm, sliceable cheese, while others result in a softer, spreadable cheese.
Yes, vegan gourmet cheddar cheese can be melted, but it may not spread like regular cheese. It is suitable for use on pizzas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and other melted cheese applications.
