The Ultimate Guide to the Best Vegan Cheese That Melts Like Real

Table of Contents

Introduction

Ever find yourself staring longingly at a pizza commercial, dreaming of gooey, stringy cheese stretching from the slice to your plate? As a vegan, that dream can feel…complicated. The struggle to find a plant-based cheese that truly melts like the real deal is a common one. So many vegan cheeses promise a creamy, decadent experience, only to deliver a gummy, stubbornly unmelted disappointment. But fear not, cheese-loving vegans! Your quest for the perfect melty, stretchy, and utterly satisfying vegan cheese is about to end.

This guide cuts through the noise, offering a carefully curated list of the absolute best vegan cheese that melts like real, along with tips and tricks to achieve that perfect melt every time. We’re not just talking about okay-ish meltability. We’re talking about vegan cheese that rivals dairy cheese in its ability to become gloriously gooey, bubbly, and utterly irresistible.

The Science of Melt: What Makes Vegan Cheese Transform?

Before diving into our top picks, let’s understand the science behind the melt. Traditional dairy cheese achieves its meltability thanks to its unique combination of fats and proteins. When heated, the fat softens and the proteins denature, allowing the cheese to flow and stretch.

Replicating this magic with plant-based ingredients requires clever innovation. The best vegan cheeses rely on a combination of key components:

Plant-Based Oils: Oils like coconut oil, refined coconut oil, cashew oil, and shea butter are crucial for providing richness and a smooth, creamy texture. These oils soften when heated, mimicking the behavior of dairy fats. Refined Coconut oil is prefered in some instances as it carries less of a coconut flavor.
Starches: Tapioca starch and potato starch are workhorses in vegan cheese making. They act as binders, helping to create a cohesive structure and contributing to the cheese’s elasticity. When heated, starches gelatinize, adding to the melty, stretchy texture.
Gums: Xanthan gum, guar gum, and carrageenan (used less frequently now) are stabilizers that help prevent separation and improve the overall texture. They contribute to the smoothness and prevent the cheese from becoming oily or grainy.
Acids: Lactic acid and citric acid are often added to provide a tangy, cheesy flavor and to help with the overall texture. These acids contribute to the characteristic “bite” that we associate with cheese.
Nuts: Many vegan cheeses use nuts such as cashews or macadamia for a creamy texture and flavor base. These add richness, but require processing to achieve the desired melting point.

The manufacturing process also plays a crucial role. Fermented vegan cheeses, for example, often have a more complex flavor profile and may exhibit better melting properties due to the changes that occur during fermentation.

It’s important to acknowledge that perfectly replicating dairy cheese’s melt is still a challenge. Different vegan cheeses excel in different applications. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right cheese for your specific culinary needs.

The Best Vegan Cheese That Actually Melts (Our Top Picks)

Here are our top picks for vegan cheeses that deliver exceptional meltability, categorized by their ideal use:

The All-Around Melting Marvel

This category is for the cheese that works wonders across various dishes. The product we choose is Miyoko’s Kitchen Cultured Vegan Mozzarella.

Description: Made with organic cashews, this mozzarella is fermented to develop a complex, tangy flavor and a remarkably creamy texture.
Melting Performance: This cheese melts beautifully, creating a smooth, stringy texture that’s perfect for pizza, lasagna, and more. It browns nicely under heat, adding an authentic touch.
Pros: Excellent flavor, superior melting properties, high-quality ingredients.
Cons: Higher price point, may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.
Where to Buy: Widely available at natural food stores and online retailers.

(Image of Miyoko’s Kitchen Cultured Vegan Mozzarella melted on a pizza)

Pizza Perfection: The Best Vegan Cheese for Pizza

For pizza, you need a cheese that stretches, bubbles, and browns just like traditional mozzarella. Daiya Cutting Board Collection Mozzarella Shreds stands out.

Description: This shredded mozzarella alternative is made from tapioca flour and pea protein, offering a neutral flavor that allows the other pizza toppings to shine.
Melting Performance: Daiya has really stepped up their game, and this melts beautifully and evenly, providing a good stretch and browning nicely.
Pros: Readily available, affordable, good stretch and melt for pizza.
Cons: Some find the flavor a bit bland on its own.
Where to Buy: Available in most major grocery stores.

(Image of Daiya Cutting Board Collection Mozzarella melted on a pizza)

Grilled Cheese Dream: The Best Vegan Cheese for Grilled Cheese

For that gooey, satisfying pull of a perfect grilled cheese, Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda Slices is a winner.

Description: These slices have a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that complements the buttery bread perfectly.
Melting Performance: These slices melt into a gloriously gooey mess, creating a truly decadent grilled cheese experience.
Pros: Excellent flavor, melts very well, convenient slice format.
Cons: Can be slightly oily when melted.
Where to Buy: Widely available at natural food stores and some supermarkets.

(Image of Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda Slices melted in a grilled cheese)

Nacho Nirvana: The Best Vegan Cheese for Nachos and Queso

For creamy, dippable nachos and queso, Siete Plant-Based Queso is a fantastic choice.

Description: This cashew-based queso is seasoned with flavorful spices and has a smooth, velvety texture.
Melting Performance: This queso melts beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop, creating a rich and flavorful dip that’s perfect for nachos, tacos, and more.
Pros: Delicious flavor, creamy texture, easy to prepare.
Cons: Contains cashews.
Where to Buy: Available at many grocery stores and online.

(Image of Siete Plant-Based Queso melted over nachos)

Mac and Cheese Magic: The Best Vegan Cheese for Mac and Cheese

For a smooth and creamy mac and cheese, Violife Cream Cheese is a surprisingly effective option.

Description: This coconut oil-based cream cheese alternative has a neutral flavor and a smooth, spreadable texture.
Melting Performance: When combined with plant-based milk and nutritional yeast, this cream cheese melts into a luscious sauce that coats the noodles perfectly.
Pros: Affordable, readily available, creates a creamy and decadent sauce.
Cons: Requires additional ingredients to create a complete mac and cheese sauce.
Where to Buy: Available in most major grocery stores.

(Image of Vegan Mac and Cheese made with Violife Cream Cheese)

Casserole Champion: The Best Vegan Cheese for Casseroles and Lasagna

For casseroles and lasagna, you need a cheese that melts evenly and doesn’t dry out. So Delicious Dairy Free Mozzarella Shreds perform reliably.

Description: These shreds are made from coconut oil and tapioca starch, offering a mild flavor and a good melting point.
Melting Performance: These shreds melt evenly in casseroles and lasagna, creating a smooth and cheesy layer that doesn’t dry out or become gummy.
Pros: Melts evenly, readily available, affordable.
Cons: Some find the flavor a bit bland.
Where to Buy: Available in most major grocery stores.

(Image of Vegan Lasagna with So Delicious Dairy Free Mozzarella Shreds)

Tips and Tricks for Vegan Cheese Melting Success

Achieving the perfect melt with vegan cheese requires a few extra steps:

Preheat Properly: Ensure your oven or pan is fully preheated before adding the cheese.
Moisture is Your Friend: Adding a little plant-based milk or water can help the cheese melt more smoothly, especially in sauces.
Patience is Key: Vegan cheese often takes slightly longer to melt than dairy cheese. Be patient and don’t rush the process.
Broiling with Caution: A quick broil can help achieve a golden-brown, bubbly top, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Pair Wisely: Combining vegan cheese with other flavorful ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and herbs can enhance the overall taste and texture.
Experiment and Enjoy: Don’t be afraid to try different brands and techniques to find what works best for you.

Simple Recipe Ideas to Showcase Your Melting Vegan Cheese

Here are some quick recipe ideas where the cheeses listed above can really shine:

Classic Vegan Pizza: Top your favorite pizza crust with tomato sauce, veggies, and Miyoko’s Kitchen Cultured Vegan Mozzarella for a truly authentic pizza experience.
Gooey Vegan Grilled Cheese: Use Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda Slices to create a decadent and satisfying grilled cheese sandwich.
Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese: Combine Violife Cream Cheese with plant-based milk and nutritional yeast for a rich and flavorful mac and cheese sauce.
Loaded Vegan Nachos: Top tortilla chips with Siete Plant-Based Queso, black beans, corn, salsa, and your favorite toppings for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

The Final Melt: Embracing the Delicious Possibilities

The world of vegan cheese has come a long way, and there are now numerous options that offer exceptional meltability and flavor. While replicating dairy cheese perfectly may remain a challenge, these picks come incredibly close. By understanding the science behind the melt and choosing the right cheese for your needs, you can create delicious and satisfying vegan dishes that rival their dairy-based counterparts.

So, go forth and melt! Explore these recommendations, experiment with your own recipes, and share your experiences with the vegan cheese community. The possibilities are endless, and the future of vegan cheese is looking brighter and cheesier than ever before. Now that you have found the best vegan cheese that melts like real, you can enjoy all of your favorite dishes without compromising your values. Happy cooking (and melting)!