Andy Montoya
Vegan cheese has gained popularity in recent years, with many people opting for plant-based alternatives. However, finding the perfect vegan cheese that melts like regular cheese can be challenging. The key to achieving the perfect melt lies in understanding the temperature, technique, and type of vegan cheese used. Some vegan cheeses that melt well include MozzaRisella, Violife, Applewood, Miyoko's Creamery, and Follow Your Heart. These cheeses are known for their ability to melt smoothly and evenly, enhancing the flavor and texture of various dishes, such as pizzas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and nachos. To improve the melting process, it is recommended to shred the cheese finely, add a splash of non-dairy milk or coconut oil, and cook over low heat to prevent gumminess or separation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of vegan cheese that melts well | MozzaRisella, Violife, Applewood Smoky Cheese, Miyokos Creamery, Follow Your Heart, Trader Joe's vegan feta, Daiya |
| Type of cheese | Mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, provolone, American, ricotta, brie, camembert, feta |
| Techniques to melt vegan cheese | Stovetop stirring, oven baking with foil, microwaving, shredding the cheese block at home, adding a splash of non-dairy milk or water |
| Temperature | 350°F to 450°F |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella-style vegan cheese
One notable brand in the Mozzarella-style vegan cheese space is MozzaRisella, which has gained recognition for its impressive meltability. It is a common choice for pizzas in several UK restaurants, delivering a smooth melt and a subtle flavour. Another option is Daiya's Mozzarella Style Shreds, which mimic the behaviour of genuine mozzarella cheese as they melt, ooze, bubble, and stretch. These shreds are also free from common allergens like gluten, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.
To enhance the melting experience of Mozzarella-style vegan cheese, there are a few techniques to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to shred the cheese finely at home rather than using pre-shredded options. Pre-shredded cheese may contain starches that hinder the melting process. By shredding it yourself, you can achieve a texture closer to that of melted dairy cheese. Additionally, cooking methods such as stovetop stirring and oven baking with foil can aid in achieving a smooth and even melt.
When melting Mozzarella-style vegan cheese, temperature control is crucial. Exposing the cheese to high temperatures, such as in an oven or through steaming, will facilitate melting. For oven-baked dishes, covering the dish with foil can help trap steam and accelerate the melting process. If using a stovetop, continuously stirring the cheese over medium heat will result in a smooth and consistent melt.
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Cheddar-style vegan cheese
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to melting vegan cheese, understanding the temperature, technique, and type of vegan cheese used is key. For example, shredded vegan cheese generally melts better than pre-shredded cheese, and cooking techniques like stovetop stirring and oven baking with foil can help achieve the perfect melt.
Another option for Cheddar-style vegan cheese is to make it at home. Many recipes are available online, and they often include a few simple ingredients such as coconut milk, cashews, coconut oil, and various spices and thickeners. These cheeses can be tangy, creamy, and spreadable, with a texture that is crumbly yet smooth. They are perfect for snacking, sandwiches, cheese boards, or grilled cheese.
Some recipes for homemade Cheddar-style vegan cheese include boiling or soaking cashews to soften them, blending them with other ingredients, and then chilling the mixture in the fridge to set. This results in a cheese that can be sliced, shredded, or melted. Other recipes suggest using tapioca starch or cornstarch as a thickener, which affects the texture and melting properties of the cheese.
In summary, Cheddar-style vegan cheese is a versatile and delicious option for those seeking a plant-based alternative. Whether purchased from brands like Violife or made at home, this variety of vegan cheese offers a rich and tangy flavour profile and excellent melting capabilities, making it a popular choice for culinary creations.
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Cream cheese
Vegan cream cheese is a popular alternative to traditional cream cheese, offering a creamy texture and a variety of flavours. It is commonly used for spreading on toast, bagels, and vegan croissants, and can also be used in baking, such as in cheesecake recipes.
While some people may find that the taste of vegan cream cheese differs from that of traditional cream cheese, others find the texture to be very similar. It tends to have a softer texture and a slight coconut flavour. Tofutti is a popular brand of vegan cream cheese, known for its affordability and spreadability when used in dishes like bagel brunches.
California-based Kite Hill is another brand that produces vegan cream cheese, with some claiming that it is even better than the original dairy-based product. Their Original Almond Milk Cream Cheese Spread is noted for its creamy mouthfeel and likeness to traditional cream cheese. This product is available on Amazon and is a good option for those seeking a cream cheese alternative that melts well.
When creating vegan dishes that include cream cheese, it is important to consider the melting behaviour of the cheese. Vegan cheese, in general, may require different cooking techniques and temperatures to achieve the desired melt. Shredding the cheese finely and avoiding pre-shredded varieties can also improve meltability.
Additionally, spices and ingredients can be added to enhance the flavour and appearance of vegan cream cheese. Nutritional yeast flakes, fresh lemon juice, coconut milk, and tapioca flour are some examples of ingredients that can be used to create a tangy, cheesy flavour and a creamy texture.
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Block and slice cheese
Block and slice vegan cheese is a versatile option for those looking for dairy-free alternatives. This type of cheese typically comes in a variety of flavours, including gouda, cheddar, provolone, and American. It is an excellent choice for crackers or sandwiches, providing a rich and creamy texture similar to that of traditional cheese.
When it comes to melting block and slice vegan cheese, there are a few techniques to ensure a smooth and even melt. One key factor is the temperature; vegan cheese melts at higher temperatures than dairy cheese. You can use a non-stick pan on medium heat, adding a splash of non-dairy milk or water to prevent sticking. Continuously stir the cheese shreds until they reach a smooth consistency. Alternatively, baking is a popular method, with temperatures ranging from 350°F to 450°F, resulting in bubbly, melted cheese.
For those who prefer using a microwave, place the cheese shreds in a microwave-safe bowl and add vegetable broth and nutritional yeast if desired. Heat in short intervals of 15 seconds, stirring after each interval, until the cheese is thoroughly melted. It is worth noting that pre-shredded vegan cheeses may contain starches that impede melting, so shredding a block of cheese at home is recommended.
Some brands of block and slice vegan cheese are known for their meltability. For instance, Violife's Epic Cheddar Cheese, a block-style cheese, can be sliced or grated and added to pizzas and pasta. Its ability to melt and deep flavour make it a popular choice. MozzaRisella, a mozzarella-like vegan cheese, is another excellent option for pizzas, known for its meltability and subtle taste.
In addition to store-bought options, homemade vegan cheese slices are also a fun and delicious alternative. These slices are typically made with a base of non-dairy milk and vegan yogurt, using ingredients like nutritional yeast, turmeric, paprika, and agar powder for colour, flavour, and setting. The mixture is blended, heated until stretchy and gooey, spread onto a baking sheet, and refrigerated until set, resulting in cheese that can be sliced and melted.
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Soft cheese
Soft vegan cheeses include cream cheese, blue cheese, feta, brie, camembert, and ricotta. These cheeses are suitable for sandwiches, salads, or crackers. They are also good for cold dishes.
Some soft vegan cheeses, such as Miyoko's cashew-based mozzarella, melt well and are suitable for grilled cheese sandwiches. Other soft vegan cheeses, like the one from Trader Joe's, are made in Greece and sold in brine like regular feta. They are good for snacking and crumble well for Greek salads.
Some soft cheeses, like brie and camembert, have a mild, creamy flavour and a soft, chewy texture.
Vegan cheese has a different melting behaviour compared to dairy cheese due to the lack of casein and dairy sugars. However, innovative methods like precision fermentation are being developed to improve this. Specific cooking techniques, such as stovetop stirring, oven baking with foil, and cautious microwaving, are key to effectively melting vegan cheese. Shredding the cheese finely can also improve its melting properties.
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Frequently asked questions
Some types of vegan cheese that melt well include MozzaRisella, Violife, and Applewood.
Cooking techniques such as stovetop stirring, oven baking with foil, and cautious microwaving are key for melting vegan cheese effectively.
You can add melted vegan cheese to dishes such as pizza, nachos, grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, and more.
Some tips for melting vegan cheese include shredding the cheese finely, adding a splash of non-dairy milk or coconut oil, and melting slowly over low heat.
