Vegan cheese at home? These dairy alternatives are a must
What's the story
Crafting vegan cheese that holds its own against dairy cheese in taste and texture is a culinary art form.
The secret sauce? Choosing the perfect base ingredients that replicate the creaminess and depth of flavor of traditional cheeses is the key.
This article delves into the essential dairy alternatives for creating truly authentic vegan cheese, with a focus on options that are easily accessible and versatile.
Cashews
Cashews: The creamy base
Cashews are the secret weapon in vegan cheese making! Their creamy texture when soaked and blended is unrivaled.
They make the perfect base for soft cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta.
Packed with fats, cashews provide that silky mouthfeel you miss in dairy-free cheeses.
Pro tip: Soak them overnight before blending for ultimate creaminess.
Almonds
Almonds: For firm vegan cheese
Almonds have a bit more texture (grainier) compared to cashews, which makes them ideal for firm or aged vegan cheeses like cheddar or gouda.
Use blanched almonds to avoid the brown skin that can discolor your final cheese product.
Ground into a fine meal and mixed with liquids, almonds can be shaped and set to achieve a similar consistency to traditional hard cheeses.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil: Solidifying agent
Coconut oil is key to providing vegan cheeses with a firm structure at room temperature, similar to the role played by saturated fats in dairy cheese.
It is especially beneficial in recipes for hard or sliced cheeses, where you want some firmness without losing that creamy texture.
Choosing refined coconut oil will guarantee that you won't have to worry about any unwanted coconut flavor in your finished product.
Nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast: The cheesy flavor
Nutritional yeast flakes are a secret weapon in vegan cooking, loved for their cheesy, umami flavor that's 100% animal product-free.
This powerhouse ingredient is not only packed with B-vitamins but also brings depth to any vegan cheese recipe, be it a spread or parmesan-style sprinkle.
A couple of tablespoons are all you need to elevate your dish from bland to bold.
Agar-agar
Agar-agar: Vegan gelatin substitute
Agar-agar, made from seaweed, is the plant-based gelatin substitute you need for making sliceable and even grateable vegan cheeses.
Unlike animal-based gelatin, agar-agar sets at room temperature and gives that firm but sliceable texture you want for block-style cheeses like vegan feta or halloumi.
Just make sure to dissolve it well by boiling it with water, and it will blend perfectly into your cheesy masterpiece.