Vegan Cheese for Pizza
Explore the best vegan cheese options to make delicious dairy-free pizzas at home.
Vegan Cheese for Pizza
Pizza is a universal favorite, but if you're following a vegan or dairy-free diet, you might think that delicious, cheesy pizza is off the table. Fortunately, the rise of vegan cheese alternatives has made it possible to enjoy a gooey, melty pizza without any animal products. In this article, we'll explore the best vegan cheeses for pizza, how to use them, and tips for creating the perfect plant-based pie.
Table of Contents
- Vegan Cheese for Pizza
Introduction
Vegan cheese has come a long way in recent years. With improved textures and flavors, vegan cheeses can now mimic the meltability and taste of traditional dairy cheeses. Whether you're vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking to reduce your dairy intake, vegan cheese offers a delicious alternative for your pizza creations.
What Is Vegan Cheese?
Vegan cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional cheese, made without any animal-derived ingredients. Common bases for vegan cheese include:
- Nuts and Seeds: Cashews, almonds, and sunflower seeds
- Soy: Tofu or soy protein
- Coconut Oil: Provides a creamy texture
- Potato and Tapioca Starch: Helps with meltability and stretch
These ingredients are combined with natural flavors, cultures, and enzymes to create cheeses that resemble their dairy counterparts in both taste and texture.
Types of Vegan Cheese for Pizza
Mozzarella-Style Shreds
- Flavor Profile: Mild, creamy
- Texture: Melty, stretchy when heated
- Best For: Traditional pizzas, Margherita pizzas
Mozzarella-style vegan cheeses are designed to mimic the classic pizza cheese. They melt and stretch, giving you that authentic pizza experience.
Cheddar-Style Shreds
- Flavor Profile: Sharp, tangy
- Texture: Melts smoothly
- Best For: BBQ pizzas, veggie pizzas
Cheddar-style vegan cheeses add a bold flavor and are great for pizzas with strong toppings like onions, peppers, and barbecue sauce.
Vegan Parmesan
- Flavor Profile: Nutty, salty
- Texture: Grated, granular
- Best For: Sprinkling over pizza after baking
Vegan Parmesan cheeses are usually made from nuts and nutritional yeast, offering a savory finish to your pizza.
Homemade Vegan Cheese Sauces
- Flavor Profile: Rich, customizable
- Texture: Creamy, spreadable
- Best For: White pizzas, as a base instead of tomato sauce
Homemade sauces made from cashews or other nuts can be blended to create a creamy cheese alternative.
Popular Vegan Cheese Brands
Daiya Foods
- Products: Mozzarella Style Shreds, Cheddar Style Shreds
- Features: Free from common allergens, melts and stretches well
- Availability: Widely available in supermarkets
Violife
- Products: Just Like Mozzarella Shreds, Parmesan Wedge
- Features: Coconut oil-based, non-GMO, excellent melting properties
- Availability: Available in health food stores and some supermarkets
Miyoko's Creamery
- Products: Vegan Mozzarella, Smoked Vegan Mozzarella
- Features: Cashew-based, artisan-crafted, rich flavor
- Availability: Specialty stores and select supermarkets
Follow Your Heart
- Products: Dairy-Free Mozzarella Shreds, Parmesan Style Shreds
- Features: Soy-free options, good meltability
- Availability: Health food stores and online
Tips for Using Vegan Cheese on Pizza
- Preheat Your Oven Well: Vegan cheeses often require a higher temperature to melt properly.
- Use Enough Cheese: Don't skimp on the cheese; vegan varieties may not spread as much as dairy cheese.
- Combine Cheeses: Mix different types of vegan cheeses for a more complex flavor and better melt.
- Add Oil if Necessary: A light drizzle of olive oil can help vegan cheese melt more smoothly.
- Broil at the End: If the cheese hasn't melted to your liking, broil the pizza for the last minute or two.
Making Your Own Vegan Cheese
If you prefer homemade options, you can make vegan cheese using ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, and spices.
Basic Cashew Mozzarella Recipe:
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked)
- 2 tablespoons tapioca starch
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
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Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- As it heats, the mixture will thicken and become stretchy.
- Use immediately on your pizza or store in the fridge.
Recipe: Vegan Margherita Pizza
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Vegan mozzarella shreds or homemade vegan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Prepare Dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Assemble Pizza:
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough.
- Sprinkle vegan mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
- Add fresh basil leaves.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!
Conclusion
Vegan cheese has revolutionized plant-based eating, making it easier than ever to enjoy a delicious pizza without dairy. With a variety of store-bought options and homemade recipes available, you can create a pizza that satisfies your cravings and aligns with your dietary choices. So go ahead, experiment with different vegan cheeses, and elevate your pizza game!