Best Vegan Mozzarella Cheese Recipe (2024)

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The best Vegan Mozzarella cheese that melts, browns, stretches and is insanely creamy like the finest mozzarella di bufala you have ever had. Quick and easy to make as long as you have a little bit of time for the settling period. Shred it, fry it, slice it – whatever you like, either way, you’re going to love it!

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Vegan Mozzarella

One of the ingredients I missed the most when going all out vegan was cheese. Specifically, fresh mozzarella cheese since it’s one of my favorites and pairs so flawlessly with countless recipes especially grandpa’s heirloom tomato and cucumber salad. And of course the best Vegan Pizza Dough, Vegan Bolognese, or combined with the ricotta in this Vegan Lasagana, or on this amazing Tomato Bruschetta.

In a nutshell this plant based cheese is perfect for any dish you use regular mozzarella on. You’re going to fall in love, I guarantee it!

What is Vegan Mozzarella?

So what’s the stuff made out of you wonder? For this recipe, I used raw homemade cashew milk, and firm tofu, as the main ingredients. Full fat coconut milk can be substituted for the cashew milk, although the cashew milk provides a way better neutral flavor, in my opinion. The cashews get super creamy and have no aftertaste at all.

Agar agar is used as a healthy thickener, while nutritional yeast is added for a burst of nutrients and amazing flavor. Added is a bit of coconut oil, tapioca, sea salt, and garlic powder to help even out the flavor and texture for mozzarella perfection.

How to Make Homemade Vegan Mozzarella:

  1. Blend – Place all the ingredients in a powerful blender and process until smooth.
  2. Simmer – Simmer for a few minutes until a thick stretchy texture is achieved.
  3. Chill – Place in ramekins or molds, then transfer to the fridge until set. Enjoy!

Tips and Usage

  • Storage – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can freeze, if desired, in an airtight container for up to 2 months. I tend to not freeze it because I use it up so quickly.
  • How to use it? – You can use it on my Neapolitan Pizza Dough, in this Italian Tomato Salad, Lasagna, grilled cheese, Caprese salad, pasta bake, quesadillas, etc. However you use the traditional style mozzarella, you can use this plant based cheese in its place.
  • What is tapioca? – A plant called “cassava” has storage roots where a starch forms. Tapioca is the starch removed from the storage roots of these plants. Great for a thickening agent.
  • What is agar agar? – Agar agar is often used as a thickener and it works wonders. It’s actually created from red algae and is a jelly-like substance.
  • Can I shred this vegan cheese? – Yes, but to properly shred this cheese, you’ll need to freeze it for about 15 minutes first. You can shred it without freezing it, but it’s way easier and a smoother job if you freeze it first.
  • Make it smoky – For a little bit of a different and seductively smoky flavor, you can add in 1-2 teaspoons of liquid smoke when blending. Start with a little bit and increase to taste. If the smoky flavor is too strong for your taste, just reduce the amount of liquid smoke used next time.
  • Make mini mozzarella balls aka bocconcini – Simply use a silicone ball mold to make some tasty bocconcini like you see at the store. You don’t have to oil the silicone molds, so you’re good to skip that part. Alternatively just use a measuring tablespoon to scoop out little balls.

FAQs

  • Is Mozzarella Cheese Vegan? The regular kind that you’re used to getting in the store is not. Dairy is used in its production. This includes all forms it might come in. The most popular being mozzarella balls, in a cheese block, or shredded. None of these are your friend. Many grocery stores and health food stores are selling quite a few cheese alternatives that are totally plant based. However, I tend to like less processed options and use them as much as possible, which is why this recipe was born and is my favorite choice.
  • How to Brown Dairy-Free Mozzarella in the Oven? There are a couple of ways to accomplish that perfect cheese browning in the oven. I just cook my pizza at a very high temperature on a pizza stone and it will naturally brown. Alternatively, you can throw it under the broiler for a couple of minutes, making sure to keep a close eye on it so it won’t burn.

More Italian Recipes

  • Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
  • White Bean Stew
  • Potato Pizza
  • Vegan Scallops
  • Vegan Italian Pasta Salad.

Best Vegan Mozzarella Cheese Recipe (8)

5 from 1 vote

Best Vegan Mozzarella Cheese

The best Vegan Mozzarella cheese that melts, browns, stretches and is insanely creamy like the finest Mozzarella di Bufala you have ever had. Perfect for Caprese salad, pizza and any pasta bake.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Cook Time:5 minutes mins

Chill:2 hours hrs

Total Time:2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • To a powerful blender add the cashew milk, tofu, coconut oil, tapioca, agar, nutritional yeast, yeast and garlic powde. Process until smooth and creamy.

  • Transfer the cheese mixture to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer whisking often. Cook for approximately 5 to 10 minutes until tick and creamy.

  • Transfer the cheese mixture to lightly oiled ramekins or lidded glass containers and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours or overnight. (To make nice round mozzarella balls use large round silicone ice cube trays, no need to oil those at all. I used a measuring spoon to scoop out little balls once set).

Notes

  • How to shred vegan mozzarella:- To properly shred this cheese, you’ll need to freeze it for about 15 minutes first. You can shred it without freezing it, but it’s not as easy to accomplish.
  • Make it smoky - For a little bit of a different and seductively smoky flavor, you can add in about 2 teaspoons of liquid smoke when blending. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and work your way up from there. If the smoky flavor is too strong, reduce the amount of liquid smoke used next time.
  • Make mozzarella balls - Simply use a silicone ball mold to make some tasty mozzarella balls like you see at the store. You don’t have to oil the silicone molds, so you’re good to skip that part. Alternatively just use a measuring spoon and scoop out little balls once the cheese has set in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 443mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: cashew mozzarella, plant based, vegan mozzarella

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 131kcal

Author: Florentina

Vegan Cheese:

Best Vegan Mozzarella Cheese Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is vegan mozzarella cheese made from? ›

Vegan Mozzarella is typically made from a combination of plant-based milk, such as soy, almond, or cashew milk, and a coagulant, such as agar agar or carrageenan. Some vegan mozzarella brands may also include starches or proteins to improve texture and flavor.

Which vegan cheese gives the meltiest cheese pull? ›

Violife Epic Mature Cheddar Flavour Vegan Cheese

With a whopping 10 out of 10, the Violife Epic Mature Cheddar Flavour is one of the best rated vegan cheeses when melting is considered. If you're looking for a stronger tasting cheddar to melt, this is for you.

What are three dominant ingredients in vegan cheese? ›

Vegan cheeses are 100% animal-free and made using vegetable proteins. Usually, they're made from soy; nuts, such as cashews and macadamias; and vegetable oils, such as coconut oil. You can also find cheeses that derive from agar, tapioca, peas and arrowroot.

What is the main ingredient in vegan cheese? ›

Vegan cheese is usually made from soy, nuts, vegetable oils, and various other natural ingredients like peas or arrowroot. Vegan cheese is seen as a healthier alternative to cheese by some, and may reduce your risk of heart disease due to its lower content of fat.

Does vegan mozzarella taste like normal mozzarella? ›

This shredded, yellow-white cashew-milk-based vegan mozzarella had some vanilla and coconut notes, which, while not unpleasant, weren't exactly the flavors we thought we'd encounter. Raw, Parmela Creamery Plant-Based Mozzarella had a nice mouthfeel and a dairy cheese-like texture.

What vegan cheese actually tastes like cheese? ›

Miyoko's Creamery: This brand offers a wide range of vegan cheeses that taste like real cheese, including mozzarella, cheddar, and brie. Their vegan mozzarella is great for making vegan pizza, and their cheddar can be used for mac and cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Is vegan cheese inflammatory? ›

Is vegan cheese inflammatory? The vegan cheeses produced on a large scale that we are most likely to find in grocery stores are processed foods. As is the case with all processed foods, they can cause some inflammation in some consumers.

Which cheese is most vegan? ›

Vegans can eat cheese that is comprised of plant-based ingredients like soybeans, peas, cashews, coconut, or almonds. The most common types of vegan cheeses are cheddar, gouda, parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese that can be found in non-dairy forms.

What is Daiya cheese made from? ›

Daiya's original products are cheese analogues made from coconut oil and tapioca flour that are known for their cheese-like consistency and melting properties. They contain no animal products or soy, lactose, wheat, barley, gluten, or nuts.

Is all vegan cheese made with coconut oil? ›

The vast majority of vegan cheeses are made with coconut oil, then closely followed by those that use cashew nuts. Even though the majority use the same base ingredient, it does not mean they are all equal. We personally love many coconut oil based vegan cheeses and also have a few we are not too fond of.

How long does vegan mozzarella last? ›

La Fauxmagerie and other vegan cheese makers have storage instructions on most of their cheeses. Store in the fridge between 3-5C and consume within 5 days of opening. Wrap well or put in container after opening. Can be frozen for up to 2 months and defrosted in the fridge.

What is the best vegan cheese that melts? ›

The Best Vegan Cheeses for Melting, Sprinkling, and Snacking
  • Best Shredded Cheese: Violife. ...
  • Best Cheese Slices: Field Roast Vegan Chao. ...
  • Best Snacking Cheese: Vegan Babybel. ...
  • Best Cream Cheese: Kite Hill. ...
  • Best Vegan Cheese Subscription: Rebel Cheese Club. ...
  • Best Fancy Cheese: Miyoko's Creamery.
May 18, 2022

Does vegan mozzarella go bad? ›

Check the vegan mozzarella cheese for any visible signs of mold or any kind of off-putting smell. Additionally, if the cheese has become extremely hard or dry, or if it appears discolored, these are all signs that it has gone bad.

Is vegan mozzarella healthy? ›

Like regular cheese, vegan cheese can be part of a healthy diet when used in moderation — but it's best to avoid highly processed options. However, not all vegan cheeses are created equally. Some versions are highly processed and have less nutritional value than others.

Does vegan mozzarella contain dairy? ›

You'll know these vegan mozzarella shreds are 100% free from dairy, lactose, soy, gluten, nuts, and preservatives, but your friends and family (and taste buds) certainly won't.

Can you eat vegan mozzarella raw? ›

This raw vegan Cashew Mozzarella is very easy and quick to make, requires only 4 ingredients and it comes pretty close to the traditional mozzarella cheese. It's great in salads, in sandwiches and you can even put it on your pizza.

What are the ingredients in dairy free mozzarella cheese? ›

Filtered Water, Organic Coconut Oil, Potato and Corn Starch, Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil, Sea Salt, Less than 2% of: Natural Flavors, Potato Protein, Calcium Phosphate, Organic Vegan Cane Sugar, Organic Vegetable Glycerin, Cellulose, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate, Beta Carotene for Color.

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