Frederic Melton
Vegan cheese is a plant-based alternative to dairy cheese, often used by those who are lactose intolerant or choose to abstain from consuming animal products. While vegan cheese has improved in taste and complexity, it has been difficult to replicate the melting component of dairy cheese. This is due to the absence of casein, a milk protein that contributes to the melting, stretching, and bubbling properties of dairy cheese. However, there are a few brands of vegan cheese that are celebrated for their melting qualities, such as Follow Your Heart, Violife, and MozzaRisella. Techniques like stovetop stirring, oven baking with foil, and cautious microwaving can also help achieve a better melt.
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What You'll Learn
- Vegan cheese lacks casein, the protein that makes dairy cheese melt
- Some brands of vegan cheese melt better than others
- Cooking techniques can improve the meltability of vegan cheese
- Adding certain spices and ingredients can improve the melting process
- Some companies are working on creating melty vegan cheese
Vegan cheese lacks casein, the protein that makes dairy cheese melt
Vegan cheese has a different melting behaviour compared to dairy cheese due to its lack of casein, a milk protein that contributes significantly to the melting, stretching, and bubbling properties of dairy cheese. Casein has a complicated molecular structure, and its behaviour within the casein balls is not well understood. It is a naturally occurring protein found only in animal milk, which makes the consistency of cheese difficult to replicate in vegan cheese.
While some brands of vegan cheese stand out for their meltability, such as Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative, Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda, and Violife, the melting component has been difficult to mimic in vegan cheese. Innovative methods like precision fermentation are being developed to improve meltability. Some cooking techniques can also help achieve a better melt, such as stovetop stirring, oven baking with foil, and cautious microwaving.
It is worth noting that some people prefer the texture of vegan cheese, as it can be stickier than dairy cheese. Additionally, vegan cheese can be customised with various spices and ingredients to enhance the taste and appearance, creating unique versions of vegan queso dip, sauces, and other dishes.
In Belgium, Those Vegan Cowboys are using a fungal strain that mimics casein, and California-based New Culture is working on a melty "mozzarella" utilising microbe-grown casein that doesn't come from animals. These developments show that producers of vegan cheese are committed to improving meltability.
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Some brands of vegan cheese melt better than others
While vegan cheese has a different melting behaviour compared to dairy cheese, some brands of vegan cheese melt better than others. This is due to the lack of casein, a milk protein that contributes significantly to the melting, stretching, and bubbling properties of dairy cheese. Casein has a complicated molecular structure, and its behaviour within the casein balls is not yet fully understood.
Some brands of vegan cheese stand out for their meltability. For instance, Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative is celebrated for its smoky flavour and excellent melting qualities. Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda is another excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and pizzas due to its remarkable meltability. Violife, a brand that provides a range of shredded vegan cheeses, has also improved its melting capabilities with its new product, which claims to "melt like dairy" and outperforms its previous best-melting variety. For those who enjoy spicy flavours, Sheese Cheddar Style with Jalapeño and Chilli Vegan Cheese melts beautifully and enhances vegan pizza flavours. MozzaRisella is also known for its mozzarella-like meltability and is used in many UK high street restaurants.
Cooking techniques can also improve the melting capabilities of vegan cheese. For stovetop cooking, stirring the cheese as it melts can help achieve a smoother consistency. When baking, covering the dish with foil can produce a glossier melted cheese, contributing to an enhanced cheese pull effect, especially in layered dishes like lasagna. Oven temperatures between 232°C and 482°C are suitable for melting vegan cheese on pizzas, and using the broiler setting for a brief period can improve melting. Microwaving vegan cheese requires caution to avoid overcooking.
Additionally, using less cheese, shredding it finely, and avoiding pre-shredded types can also enhance melting. Spices and ingredients such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dairy-free yoghurt can be added to enhance the taste and appearance of vegan cheese sauces.
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Cooking techniques can improve the meltability of vegan cheese
Vegan cheese has a different melting behaviour compared to dairy cheese due to the absence of casein, a milk protein that contributes to the melting, stretching, and bubbling properties of dairy cheese. However, cooking techniques can significantly improve the meltability of vegan cheese.
Firstly, it is important to select the right type of vegan cheese. Some brands are known for their excellent melting qualities. For instance, Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative, Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda, and Violife Epic Mature Cheddar Flavour Vegan Cheese are celebrated for their superior melting capabilities. Using less cheese, shredding it finely, and avoiding pre-shredded types can also enhance meltability. Pre-shredded cheeses may contain starches that hinder melting.
Cooking techniques like stovetop stirring, oven baking with foil, and cautious microwaving are crucial for effectively melting vegan cheese in various dishes. When using the stovetop method, add a splash of non-dairy milk or water to a non-stick pan to prevent sticking. For oven baking, covering the dish with foil can produce a glossier melt and enhance the cheese pull effect, especially in layered dishes like lasagna. Additionally, including a small amount of oil or plant-based butter while cooking can improve meltability.
For dishes like enchiladas, creating a cheese sauce can be an effective approach. Heat the cheese with a small amount of plant-based milk in a saucepan on medium-low heat until melted. You can also add spices like chili peppers or nutritional yeast for extra flavour. Once melted, pour the sauce over your dish and bake.
Understanding the temperature and type of vegan cheese used, in addition to employing innovative cooking techniques, are key factors in achieving the perfect melt with vegan cheese.
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Adding certain spices and ingredients can improve the melting process
Vegan cheese has a different melting behaviour compared to dairy cheese due to the absence of casein and dairy sugars. However, certain spices and ingredients can improve its melting properties.
One key ingredient in creating melty vegan cheese is tapioca starch, also known as tapioca flour. It is often used in gluten-free baking and lends the stretch and melt factor to vegan cheese. Another important ingredient is yogurt, which adds flavour and a slightly acidic, fermented taste reminiscent of many dairy cheeses. To make vegan cheese, you can combine these ingredients with spices and flavourings like miso, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and turmeric.
For a simple, satisfying, and melty vegan cheese, you can use coconut yogurt and tapioca starch. This recipe is nut-free and can be made with easily accessible ingredients from your local grocer. You can also experiment with different types of dairy-free yogurts and spices like chili powder, black pepper, ground cumin, and hot sauce to create unique versions of vegan queso dip and other dishes.
Additionally, some vegan cheese brands are known for their excellent melting qualities. For grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade pizzas, Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda and MozzaRisella, respectively, are excellent choices due to their remarkable meltability. Violife also provides a range of shredded vegan cheeses that melt smoothly and carry a solid cheesy flavour.
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Some companies are working on creating melty vegan cheese
While some vegan cheeses are known to melt, such as the Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative, Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda, and Violife Epic Mature Cheddar Flavour, the melting behaviour of vegan cheese is generally different from dairy cheese. This is due to the absence of casein, a milk protein responsible for the melting, stretching, and bubbling properties of dairy cheese. However, companies are working on creating melty vegan cheese, and there are a few methods that can help achieve a better melt.
One method is to use precision fermentation, a technique that involves fermenting proteins from various sources to create new food products. This process can improve the melting qualities of vegan cheese by mimicking the properties of casein. Another approach is to use specific ingredients that enhance meltability. For example, tapioca starch, a type of starch extracted from the cassava plant, adds elasticity and a melty texture to vegan cheese. Kappa carrageenan, a thickening agent made from red seaweed, also helps create a firm and grateable cheese that melts and stretches like dairy cheese when heated.
Some companies have also developed shredded vegan cheeses that melt smoothly. Violife, for instance, offers a range of shredded cheese options that melt well and have a solid cheesy flavour. MozzaRisella is another brand known for its mozzarella-like meltability, commonly used in pizzas in UK restaurants. These shredded vegan cheeses can enhance the melting experience and make it easier to achieve a smooth and even coverage on dishes.
In addition to store-bought options, homemade recipes for melty vegan cheese have gained popularity. These recipes often use common ingredients like cashews, coconut oil, nutritional yeast, and tapioca flour to create a creamy, tangy, and stretchy cheese that melts. By blending and heating these ingredients, individuals can make their own melty vegan cheese that can be frozen and grated for convenience. This allows for customisation of flavour and texture to suit personal preferences.
Overall, while vegan cheese has traditionally posed melting challenges, companies and individuals are actively working to create melty vegan cheese options. Through innovative techniques, specific ingredients, shredded varieties, and homemade recipes, it is becoming increasingly possible to enjoy the taste and texture of melted vegan cheese in a variety of dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Vegan cheese does not contain casein, a milk protein with a complicated molecular structure that contributes significantly to the melting, stretching, and bubbling properties of dairy cheese.
Yes, some vegan cheese brands stand out for their meltability. For example, Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative, Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda, and Violife Epic Mature Cheddar Flavour Vegan Cheese are all celebrated for their melting qualities.
There are several cooking techniques that can help melt vegan cheese, such as stovetop stirring, oven baking with foil, and cautious microwaving. You can also try using less cheese, shredding it finely, and avoiding pre-shredded types.
