Life without cheese is unimaginable; at least when you include melty grilled cheese, creamy mac and cheese, or a slice of pizza. Cheese holds together some of our comfort food, and it’s the delicious string that does it. The catch is, you don’t have to give it up—because there’s vegan cheese, and it’s better (and easier) than you thought!
Cashews are the default for vegan cheese (and believe us, Herbed Soft Cashew Cheese is easy to make), but vegetables and beans are getting cool now, too. We’ve compiled 15 delicious recipes from the Food Monster App that feature vegetables or pair them with dairy-free cheeses. If you have to exclude nuts, require soy-free, or just prefer to consume more greens, these recipes will blow your mind.
A two-for-one victory! Lena Ksanti’s Sliceable Zucchini Cheese combines zucchini and pumpkin seeds to create a pleasant pale green spread that’s perfect for crackers or toast. The second half? A silky-smooth tomato nacho cheese that’s rich and creamy and just waiting to be spooned over chips or pasta.
It’s difficult to come up with a nut- and soy-free gooey grilled cheese—unless you’re Dawn Hutchins, that is. This sandwich employs vegetables, sunflower seeds, and nutritional yeast to provide us with that cheesy flavor we adore. Serve with tomato soup and be amazed.
Clark Jordan Cord’s one-pot meal is loaded with quinoa, green veggies, and a creamy, rich non-dairy cheese sauce of white beans and coconut milk that is dairy-free through and through. This weeknight supper is effortless and delicious.
Missing melted, smoky cheese? Somer McCowan’s Smoked Coconut Gouda is the answer. Slice it, shred it, and melt it—perfect for sandwiches, pizza, or snack boards.
Potatoes are full of magic once more in Janie Gianotsos’ Swiss Cheeze Sauce. Just combine with some simple ingredients to create a rich sauce to serve over steamed vegetables or baked potatoes.
Delicious, smoky, and party-fect! Edelweiss and Lorelei’s Smoked Vegetable Cheese uses tofu and vegetables in place of nuts. For an added treat, serve it paired with multigrain crackers or crunchy celery for the ultimate snack.
These quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food. The corn cheese filling is great, and topped with creamy avocado and fresh tomatoes—it’s love at first bite. They’re healthy, satisfying, and very cheesy.
Game day snack paradise! Sofia Von Porat’s Baked Potato Skins are topped with red pepper cheese sauce, coconut bacon, and baked golden brown. Just double the recipe—these will be devoured in no time.
Florian Nouh provides a delicious cheesecake alternative with chickpeas and tofu. You can flavor it with spicy hummus, jalapeños, or any herbs of your choice according to your taste. Serve it with vegetable sticks or crackers and see it disappear in seconds.
Anna Bannister’s dairy-free Gruyere Cheese takes just 15 minutes to make. It’s nutty and melty in taste. Quiches, gratins, and as an elegant snack with wine and crackers.
Yana Chistyakova demonstrates you don’t need to employ nuts to create something amazing. This delicious and creamy dip employs potatoes and carrots with supplementary garlic, onion, and nutritional yeast for a fantastic cheesy taste.
Here’s another quick and easy recipe from Florian Nouh—this spicy, tangy chickpea-based Pimento Cheese is great for dipping. It’s on the table in minutes and is full of flavor.
Mac and cheese doesn’t have to be boring. Cruelty Free Family uses purple potatoes and carrots to create a beautiful purple cheese sauce that’s great-looking and delicious. It’s a great way to celebrate various colors of food!
This brilliant sandwich by Kelly Williams takes the traditional combination of tomato soup and grilled cheese and turns it into an amazing spread, made with beans! It’s rich, filling, and full of good stuff.
Jana Kastner presents us with a pizza night dream: a crispy gluten-free crust smothered in potato-based cheese that tastes exactly like the kind found in an Italian restaurant. You can customize with your toppings of choice and enjoy.
These animal-product-free, veggie-filled cheeses prove that you don’t have to depend on animal products to get all the comfort, flavor, and cheesy pleasure you desire. Whether you’re a vegan, lactose intolerant, or just trying plant-based alternatives, these recipes will give you all the satisfaction, with no compromises made.
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