Andy Montoya
Dairy-free cheese has become an increasingly popular option for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking to reduce their dairy consumption. While dairy-free cheese has come a long way in terms of taste and texture, one of the biggest challenges in creating it is achieving that perfect melt. The melting properties of dairy-free cheese depend on various factors, including the specific ingredients used and the heating method employed. While some brands have mastered the art of creating dairy-free cheese that melts beautifully, others may not deliver the same oozy, gooey experience that traditional cheese provides.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Melting ability | Dairy-free cheese does melt, but it may not brown like traditional cheese. |
| Taste | Dairy-free cheese does not taste the same as real cheese. |
| Texture | Dairy-free cheese may not spread as much as dairy cheese, but it can still have a creamy texture. |
| Cooking methods | Dairy-free cheese melts best in the oven or microwave. |
| Brands | Popular brands that melt well include Violife, Chao, MozzaRisella, Applewood, and Follow Your Heart. |
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What You'll Learn
Dairy-free cheese melting methods
Dairy-free cheese is part of a plant-based revolution, allowing people who have ditched or reduced dairy to enjoy their favorite dishes. While milk plays a vital role in the familiar flavor of dairy-based products, dairy-free cheeses use common components like yeast, vegetable oils, and starches. The flavor of dairy-free cheese varies depending on the ingredients used—vegetable derivatives and spices are key to creating unique taste profiles.
Dairy-free cheese does melt, but not in the same way as its dairy counterpart. When melting dairy-free cheese, you will notice that it doesn't brown like traditional cheese. The brown color seen in cooking with traditional cheese is due to the presence of dairy sugars and proteins, which are absent in vegan cheese.
To achieve the perfect melt with dairy-free cheese, you can try the following methods:
- Turning up the heat: Setting your oven to 425°F can help you achieve a creamy melt.
- Jump-starting the melt: Microwaving your recipe for 30 seconds before moving it to the oven or stove can reduce cooking time and help start the melting process.
- Adding steam: When melting cheese in a pan or oven, adding a few drops of water and covering it can create steam, which helps melt the cheese.
- Choosing the right brand: Some dairy-free cheese brands are known for their excellent melting qualities. Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative, for instance, is celebrated for its smoky flavor and melting abilities. Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda is another option praised for its remarkable meltability.
- Grating or shredding: Grated or shredded dairy-free cheese tends to melt more easily than blocks or slices. Vevan's dairy-free cheese, for instance, comes in shredded and sliced options.
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Dairy-free cheese brands that melt well
Dairy-free cheese, or vegan cheese, is made using a process similar to traditional cheese-making but without dairy milk. Vegetable proteins are separated from bacteria, and ingredients like oils and thickeners are added to create a cheese-like consistency. The "cheese" is then left to ferment, allowing the vegetable protein and bacteria to break down and form unique flavours close to those of traditional cheese.
Today, vegan cheese comes in almost every style that traditional cheese does, and most are available in co-ops or major grocery stores.
Vevan
Vevan's dairy-free cheese is made with premium ingredients sourced from suppliers around the world. Its gluten-free and starch base create a creamy texture that allows the flavours to shine. Vevan's cheese melts well and is perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. It can also be used as a sauce and melted in the microwave in just a few minutes.
Follow Your Heart
Follow Your Heart is a favourite among vegans. Its cheddar-style shreds mimic the sharp flavour of cheddar cheese, making it perfect for quesadillas, tacos, and mac and cheese. The shreds are the perfect size and do not stick or clump together in the bag. They are also versatile and can be used in both hot and cold dishes.
Applewood
Applewood's vegan cheese has a smooth and creamy texture and is free from soya and gluten. It is fortified with vitamin B12 and calcium. It melts beautifully and has a smoky flavour.
Field Roast Chao
Field Roast's Chao cheese slices are creamy and meltable. They are perfect for grilled cheese and paninis.
Miyoko's Creamery
Miyoko's mozzarella is made from cashews and melts amazingly in grilled cheese.
Tofutti
Tofutti is known for its vegan cream cheese, but it also makes a dairy-free ricotta. It has a grainy texture straight out of the packaging, but it melts well when cooked. It is made from a tofu base, so it is not suitable for those with soy allergies, but it is kosher and Halal certified.
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Dairy-free cheese alternatives
Dairy-free cheese, or vegan cheese, is part of a plant-based revolution, helping those who have ditched dairy to enjoy their favourite dishes. While milk plays a vital role in the familiar flavour of dairy-based products, dairy-free cheeses use three common components: yeast, vegetable oils, and starches.
The flavour of dairy-free cheese varies greatly, depending on the types of ingredients used to make it. Vegetable derivatives and spices are key to creating unique taste profiles.
One of the most common reasons people choose dairy-free cheese is because of dietary changes, like going lactose-free or dairy-free. However, many dairy-free cheese brands use nuts or soy as ingredients, so while avoiding lactose, they may still be encountering other allergens. Someone with allergy concerns is likely to tell you the best dairy-free cheese is a starch-based recipe like Vevan’s, which is 100% allergen-free (as well as non-GMO, preservative-free, gluten-free, and soy-free).
Dairy-free cheese has come a long way, with brands like Babybel, Violife, and Field Roast making the best shredded, sliced, and snacking options.
Melting dairy-free cheese
Dairy-free cheese will never taste or melt like real cheese. However, there are tons of great products out there that should satisfy your cravings.
To get the best melting results, turn up the heat. An oven set to 425°F will help you get the creamiest, dreamiest results. Another trick is to try microwaving your recipe before moving it to the oven or stove. This jump-starts the melt, so you have less cooking time in the oven or skillet.
For pizza, sliced Vevan Melts are the best cheese to use instead of shredded cheese. For a less traditional pizza, Vevan Shred is baked right into the crust.
The best dairy-free cheeses for melting
- VioLife’s vegan Prosociano wedge is perfect for grating on pasta dishes and risotto.
- Follow Your Heart’s dairy-free Gouda is ideal for an indulgent toastie.
- MozzaRisella slices with basil are great for topping vegan pizzas.
- VioLife’s Epic Mature Cheddar will be the star of your next pasta bake.
- Applewood smokey vegan cheese – use responsibly because it’s just that good.
- Chao slices have a slightly firm texture when served cold, and melt nicely into a classic grilled cheese.
- Babybel – the cheese is soft and chewy, with a mild flavour that’s slightly reminiscent of cream cheese.
- Miyoko’s Creamery produces double-cream cheese wheels, both fresh and aged, spiked with flavours like herbes de Provence, black ash, and smoky farmhouse cheddar.
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Dairy-free cheese taste and texture
Dairy-free cheese has come a long way in terms of taste and texture, with many brands offering delicious alternatives to traditional cheese. While it may never taste or melt exactly like real cheese, there are now several options that come close.
The taste and texture of dairy-free cheese can vary greatly depending on the ingredients used. Vegetable derivatives and spices are key to creating unique flavour profiles, and some cheeses are now being made with whole ingredients and no additives. For example, a melty, stretchy, gooey vegan mozzarella can be made with just seven ingredients.
Some of the most popular dairy-free cheese brands include Babybel, Violife, and Field Roast, which offer shredded, sliced, and snacking options. Violife, in particular, has been praised for its melting abilities, with some saying it got incredibly melty in a quesadilla. Other brands like Chao, with its fermented soybeans, and Moocho, a cultured cheese from the makers of Tofurkey, have also been noted for their melting capabilities and unique flavours.
Dairy-free cheese typically melts best at high temperatures. An oven set to 425°F or 430°F will help achieve the creamiest melt, and microwaving the cheese beforehand can also help jump-start the melting process. When making a grilled cheese sandwich, the cheese is steamed between other ingredients, which also helps it melt. Additionally, casseroles can be covered with foil to capture the steam and melt the cheese.
While dairy-free cheese has improved significantly, it is important to manage expectations. Those new to dairy-free cheese may need time to adjust their palate, and different brands will suit different taste preferences.
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Dairy-free cheese recipes
When it comes to dairy-free cheese, there are a multitude of options and recipes to explore, and yes, they can melt! The key to a good dairy-free cheese is often in the blend of ingredients and the method of setting or cooking. Here are some ideas and recipes to try:
Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce
A simple cheese sauce is a great place to start, and it can be used in a variety of dishes. This sauce is made with a base of potatoes, carrots, and onions, which are cooked and then blended with nutritional yeast, a key ingredient that gives a cheesy flavor. Add in some lemon juice, mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. This sauce can be poured over vegetables, used as a dip, or added to dishes like macaroni cheese. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so add a little plant-based milk to adjust the consistency if needed.
Cashew Cheese
Cashews are a versatile nut and a great base for dairy-free cheese. Soak the cashews for a few hours to soften them, then drain and blend with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and water to adjust the consistency. This cheese can be used as a spread or dip and can also be flavored with herbs and spices like chives, paprika, or cumin for a more sophisticated flavor.
Coconut Oil and Nutritional Yeast Blend
This simple blend can be used as a topping for pizzas or in dishes like lasagna. Simply mix coconut oil with nutritional yeast, a little flour (gluten-free if needed), and some dairy-free milk. Season with salt and pepper and any other herbs you like. This blend will melt and can be used in a similar way to grated cheese.
Vegan Halloumi
This recipe uses a base of tofu, which is pressed to remove excess moisture, then sliced and marinated in a blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. Fry the tofu slices until golden, and you have a delicious, dairy-free cheese that can be used in salads or sandwiches.
Meltability Tips
To improve the melt of your dairy-free cheese, try adding a little acid like lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, and a small amount of starch or flour to help it set. Also, remember that the melt is often dependent on the brand of ingredients you use, so experiment with different types of plant-based milks and butters to find the perfect blend for your taste.
There are so many options to explore, and with a little experimentation, you can find the perfect dairy-free cheese for your palette.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, dairy-free cheese melts. However, it may not brown like traditional cheese due to the absence of dairy sugars and proteins. The melting process can be enhanced by using an oven or microwave, and adding steam can also improve the melting ability.
There are several dairy-free cheese options that melt well, including:
- Violife
- Chao
- MozzaRisella slices with basil
- Applewood smokey vegan cheese
- Miyoko's Creamery
- Vevan Shreds and Melts
Dairy-free cheeses are typically made using yeast, vegetable oils, and starches. They may also contain ingredients like nuts or soy, so it's important to check the labels if you have allergy concerns.
