Are you a cheese lover who’s recently gone vegan, or are you just curious about ditching dairy? Whatever your reason for wanting to make the switch to plant-based cheese, you’re in luck! In this comprehensive guide, we will demystify the process of making delicious, dairy-free cheese that will satisfy your cravings. So, let’s get started and unlock the secrets of making delicious vegan cheese.
What is Vegan Cheese?
Vegan cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional dairy cheese. It is made from a variety of ingredients, such as nuts, seeds, coconut, soy, and plant-based milks. Vegan cheese can be soft and spreadable, hard and sliceable, or melty and stretchy. It comes in all sorts of flavors and textures, just like dairy cheese.
Choosing vegan cheese is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, help the environment, and support animal welfare. It’s also a healthier option for people who are lactose intolerant or have other dairy sensitivities. And did you know that traditional cheese production is linked to high levels of greenhouse gas emissions? So, by choosing vegan cheese, you’re doing your part for the planet too.
However, some people still have misconceptions about vegan cheese. They think it doesn’t taste good or that it’s too hard to make. Well, we’re here to dispel those myths and show you that making delicious, dairy-free cheese is easier than you think.
Mastering the Basics of Vegan Cheese Making
To make vegan cheese, you’ll need some key ingredients and tools. Here are the basics:
- Nuts and seeds: These are the foundation of many plant-based cheeses. Cashews, almonds, and macadamia nuts are popular choices.
- Coconut and other plant-based milks: These can be used as a base for vegan cheese, especially soft and spreadable varieties.
- Thickening agents: Ingredients like arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, and nutritional yeast help give vegan cheese its texture and flavor.
- Flavorings and seasonings: Herbs, spices, and other ingredients add taste to vegan cheese.
As for techniques, you’ll need to:
- Blend and emulsify: This will help you achieve the right texture for your vegan cheese. You may need to use a high-speed blender for some recipes.
- Age and ferment: Some vegan cheeses, especially hard and sliceable varieties, benefit from being aged or fermented. This can be done in the refrigerator or at room temperature, depending on the recipe.
- Mold and shape: Once your vegan cheese is ready, you’ll need to mold and shape it into the desired form. You can use cheesecloth or silicone molds to help with this.
Now that you know the basics, let’s move on to some delicious vegan cheese recipes.
Soft and Spreadable Vegan Cheeses
These are great for spreading on bread or crackers, or using as a base for dips and sauces.
- Cashew-based cream cheese: Soak cashews in water overnight, then blend them with plant-based milk, lemon juice, and salt. Add nutritional yeast for flavor.
- Almond-based ricotta: Blend soaked almonds with plant-based milk, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and nutritional yeast.
- Coconut-based brie: Blend softened coconut milk with cashews, lemon juice, garlic, and nutritional yeast. Add salt and a pinch of paprika for flavor.
Hard and Sliceable Vegan Cheeses
These are similar in texture to traditional cheese and can be used for grating or slicing.
- Nut-based cheddar: Blend soaked nuts with plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and garlic. Add turmeric for color.
- Coconut-based parmesan: Blend unsweetened coconut flakes with nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and onion powder.
- Fermented nut-based cheese wheels: Blend soaked nuts with salt and water, then transfer the mixture to a cheesecloth-lined bowl. Let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours before refrigerating.
Melty and Stretchy Vegan Cheeses
These are perfect for melted cheese dishes and grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Mozzarella-style cheese: Blend cashews with plant-based milk, lemon juice, salt, and nutritional yeast. Add agar agar powder and water, then heat the mixture on the stove until it thickens.
- Nacho cheese sauce: Blend cooked potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, chili powder, and salt.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches: Use any of the soft and spreadable vegan cheese varieties between slices of bread and grill in a pan.
Now that you have some delicious vegan cheese recipes under your belt, let’s talk about how to incorporate them into your diet.
Incorporating Vegan Cheese into Your Diet
Vegan cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in all sorts of dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Vegan mac and cheese: Cook pasta according to package instructions, then mix it with your favorite vegan cheese sauce.
- Vegan pizza and calzones: Top a store-bought or homemade pizza crust with your favorite vegan cheese, along with vegetables, fruits, or other toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For calzones, fill the dough with cheese and toppings, then seal and bake.
- Vegan queso and dips: Blend cooked vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onion with your favorite vegan cheese, along with spices like chili powder and cumin.
You can also serve vegan cheese on its own. Here are some ideas:
- Cheese boards and wine pairings: Arrange slices of vegan cheese, along with fruits, nuts, and crackers, on a wooden board. Serve with your favorite vegan wine.
- Vegan cheese platters: Create a vegan cheese platter by arranging slices of vegan cheese, along with fruits, vegetables, nuts, and crackers, on a large plate.
- Complementary flavors and toppings: Consider adding complementary flavors and toppings to your vegan cheese, such as jams, chutneys, or spreads.
Now that you know how to make and serve delicious vegan cheese, let’s talk about some common issues that may arise during the cheese-making process.
Troubleshooting and Tips for Perfect Vegan Cheese
Here are some common issues and solutions for making the perfect vegan cheese:
- Achieving the right texture: If your vegan cheese isn’t coming out with the right texture, try using a high-speed blender instead of a regular blender. You may also need to add more liquid to the recipe to help with blending.
- Preventing separation or graininess: To prevent separation or graininess in your vegan cheese, make sure you’re using a high-quality plant-based milk. You may also need to add more thickening agent to the recipe.
- Enhancing flavor and aroma: To enhance the flavor and aroma of your vegan cheese, consider adding herbs, spices, and other seasonings. You can also use smoked salt for a smoky flavor.
Now that you know how to troubleshoot and make perfect vegan cheese, it’s time to start experimenting with different recipes and flavors.
Finally, if you’re currently eating dairy cheese and want to switch to vegan cheese, we recommend gradually reducing your consumption of dairy cheese and increasing your consumption of vegan cheese over time. This will help your taste buds adjust and make the transition easier.
We hope this comprehensive guide has given you the confidence and knowledge you need to make delicious, dairy-free cheese that will satisfy your cravings. Happy cheese-making!