This Melty Vegan Cheese is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a creamy, plant-based alternative that truly melts! Perfect for topping your favorite dishes, adding to sandwiches, or simply enjoying with crackers, this cashew-based cheese offers a delightful taste and texture. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be frozen for future use. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made from everyday pantry items, this recipe is accessible and budget-friendly.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The unique combination of ingredients ensures that your vegan cheese melts beautifully.
- Versatile Use: Great for pizzas, pastas, or as a dip; the possibilities are endless!
- Healthy Alternative: Packed with nutrition, this cheese contains essential vitamins and minerals without the dairy.
- Make Ahead: Prepare in advance and freeze for quick meals later on.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Melty Vegan Cheese, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Blender
- Medium saucepan
- Parchment paper
- Loaf pan or silicone mold
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender: A high-speed blender ensures an ultra-smooth consistency for your cheese.
- Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking the mixture evenly while allowing it to thicken properly.
- Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking when you transfer your cheese for cooling or storage.
- Loaf pan or silicone mold: Provides the perfect shape for slicing or grating once set.
Ingredients
This cashew cheese is an affordable vegan substitute that actually melts! It can be frozen and grated for convenience.
For the Cheese
- ½ cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes, then drained; approx. 71g)
- 2 cups soy milk (approx. 480 ml)
- ½ cup tapioca flour (also known as tapioca starch; approx. 60g)
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast (approx. 17g)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (approx. 30ml)
- 2 ½ tbsp light miso paste (approx. 38 g)
- 1 tsp dijon mustard (approx. 5 g)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste; approx. 3g)
How to Make Melty Vegan Cheese
Step 1: Soak the Cashews
Start by placing the raw cashews in a bowl. Cover them with boiling water and let them soak for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Blend the Mixture
After soaking:
1. Drain and rinse the cashews under cold water.
2. In a blender, add the soaked cashews along with soy milk, tapioca flour, nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, miso paste, Dijon mustard, and salt.
3. Blend on high speed until completely smooth.
Step 3: Cook Until Thickened
- Pour the blended mixture into a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until it thickens and becomes stretchy.
Step 4: Shape and Cool
- Remove from heat and continue stirring off the heat for another 1-2 minutes to cool slightly.
- Transfer the mixture into a parchment-lined loaf pan or shape it by hand into a small log or block.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm or freeze until firm for easier grating.
Enjoy your homemade Melty Vegan Cheese on everything from nachos to baked pasta!
How to Serve Melty Vegan Cheese
Melty Vegan Cheese is an incredibly versatile vegan condiment that can enhance a variety of dishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enjoy this creamy cheese alternative.
On Toast
- Avocado Toast: Spread a layer of melty vegan cheese on whole grain toast, topped with smashed avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Garlic Bread: Slather melty vegan cheese on fresh bread, bake until golden, and serve with a side of marinara.
In Dishes
- Pasta Bake: Stir melty vegan cheese into your favorite pasta dish for a rich and creamy texture.
- Pizza Topping: Use it as a topping for pizza along with your favorite veggies for a satisfying meal.
As Dips
- Nacho Dip: Serve warm melty vegan cheese alongside tortilla chips for an indulgent snack.
- Veggie Platter: Pair with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a healthy appetizer.
Stuffed Delights
- Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with rice and melty vegan cheese, then bake until tender.
- Quesadillas: Spread melty vegan cheese between tortillas, grill until crispy, and serve with salsa.
How to Perfect Melty Vegan Cheese
To ensure your melty vegan cheese turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Soak Cashews Properly: Soaking cashews in hot water for at least 15 minutes helps achieve that smooth consistency necessary for melting.
- Blend Thoroughly: Ensure the mixture is completely smooth in the blender to prevent any gritty texture when melted.
- Stir Constantly While Cooking: This prevents the cheese from sticking to the pan and ensures even cooking for that stretchy texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your mixture before pouring it into the pan. Add more salt or nutritional yeast if needed for enhanced flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder to customize your melty vegan cheese.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow it to cool slightly before serving; this will help maintain its shape and melting quality.
Best Side Dishes for Melty Vegan Cheese
Pairing side dishes with melty vegan cheese can elevate any meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies in olive oil and roast them until caramelized; they pair beautifully with melted cheese.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad adds protein and texture that complements the creamy vegan cheese nicely.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes topped with melty vegan cheese create a comforting side dish everyone will love.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus drizzled with lemon juice is perfect alongside cheesy dishes.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness that contrasts well with the richness of melty vegan cheese.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn slathered in melty vegan cheese makes for a fun and tasty side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Melty Vegan Cheese can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes ensures the best results.
- Soaking cashews incorrectly: Not soaking raw cashews in hot water for the right time can prevent them from blending smoothly. Ensure they soak for at least 15 minutes.
- Skipping the nutritional yeast: This ingredient adds vital flavor. If omitted, your cheese may taste bland. Always include nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Not stirring enough while cooking: Failing to stir constantly can lead to uneven heating and clumping. Make sure to stir continuously while cooking to achieve that melty texture.
- Using low-quality soy milk: The type of soy milk affects texture and taste. Choose a high-quality brand for the best results.
- Overcooking the mixture: Cooking too long can make the cheese rubbery instead of melty. Keep an eye on it and remove from heat as soon as it thickens.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Everyone’s palate is different. Don’t hesitate to adjust salt or vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Use an airtight container for storing leftover Melty Vegan Cheese.
- It will last up to 5 days in the fridge if stored properly.
Freezing Melty Vegan Cheese
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating Melty Vegan Cheese
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until warm, about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until melted.
- Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Melty Vegan Cheese.
What is Melty Vegan Cheese made from?
Melty Vegan Cheese is primarily made from soaked cashews, soy milk, tapioca flour, and nutritional yeast. These ingredients create a creamy and stretchy texture that mimics traditional cheese.
Can I customize my Melty Vegan Cheese flavors?
Absolutely! You can add spices like garlic powder or herbs such as basil and oregano for added flavor. Experiment with your favorite seasonings to make it uniquely yours.
How do I use Melty Vegan Cheese in recipes?
Melty Vegan Cheese is versatile! Use it as a pizza topping, in pasta dishes, or as a dip for veggies and crackers.
Is Melty Vegan Cheese healthy?
Yes! It’s made from whole food ingredients like cashews and contains no dairy. It provides healthy fats and proteins while being lower in calories than many traditional cheeses.
Can I re-freeze Melty Vegan Cheese after thawing?
It’s best not to refreeze once thawed. Instead, only take out what you need so you can enjoy fresh Melty Vegan Cheese every time!
Final Thoughts
This Melty Vegan Cheese recipe is an incredible way to enjoy creamy goodness without dairy. Its versatility means you can use it in various dishes or even customize it with your favorite flavors. Give this recipe a try; you’re bound to love how easy and satisfying it is!
Melty Vegan Cheese
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Melty Vegan Cheese, a plant-based alternative that melts to perfection. This delicious cheese is made from wholesome ingredients, offering a rich and satisfying flavor without any dairy. Whether you’re drizzling it over pasta, spreading it on toast, or using it as a dip for your favorite snacks, this versatile vegan cheese will elevate your meals and impress your guests. Plus, it’s simple to make at home and can be frozen for later use, making it a convenient addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful taste that makes this cheese a must-try for anyone craving a comforting dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- ½ cup raw cashews (soaked)
- 2 cups soy milk
- ½ cup tapioca flour
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 ½ tbsp light miso paste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Soak the cashews in hot water for 15 minutes, then drain and rinse.
- In a blender, combine soaked cashews, soy milk, tapioca flour, nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, miso paste, Dijon mustard, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir off heat for an additional 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a parchment-lined loaf pan or shape by hand.
- Let cool slightly before serving or freeze until firm for easy grating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
