Vegan Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a luscious, stretchy, and utterly delicious alternative to dairy, this Vegan Mozzarella Cheese recipe will be your new best friend in the kitchen. It captures that classic mozzarella melt and texture while being entirely plant-based, creamy, and surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you want to top your pizza, toss it into a salad, or enjoy it straight off the block, this recipe will show you how to create a beautifully versatile vegan cheese that wins over taste buds every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Vegan Mozzarella Cheese calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a starring role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. These pantry staples come together to deliver that signature stretch and tang that make mozzarella so irresistible.

• 13.5 oz can coconut milk (full fat): Provides a creamy, rich base that mimics dairy’s luscious mouthfeel.
• 1/4 cup warm water: Helps dissolve the powdered ingredients evenly for smooth consistency.
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt: Enhances flavor and balances the richness of the coconut milk.
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast: Adds a subtle cheesy, nutty depth without any dairy.
• 4 teaspoons agar agar (powder): A plant-based gelatin substitute that sets the cheese firm but yielding.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle savory note that complements the cheese flavor beautifully.
• 7 teaspoons tapioca flour: Creates that wonderful stretch and melt when heated—key to authentic mozzarella texture.
• 1/4 cup cold water: Used to dissolve the tapioca flour so it combines smoothly into the mixture.

How to Make Vegan Mozzarella Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Your Mold

Before you start cooking, get your mold ready—glass, ceramic, or silicone works best. Lightly spraying it with oil is optional but can make unmolding easier later on. Having this ready keeps things seamless as you pour your cheese mixture.

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

Pour the coconut milk, warm water, salt, nutritional yeast, agar agar powder, and garlic powder into a saucepan. Stir these together so they blend nicely before heating. This blend is the foundation for that creamy, cheesy flavor and setting capability.

Step 3: Heat and Simmer

Set your stove to medium heat and slowly bring the mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil and stir frequently for 5 minutes. This step activates the agar agar, helping it set while intensifying the flavors.

Step 4: Prepare and Add Tapioca Mixture

Meanwhile, dissolve the tapioca flour in the cold water, stirring until fully smooth. Then, whisk this starch mixture into your simmering cheese base and cook for another minute. You’ll notice the magic here as the mixture thickens and begins to stretch—a hallmark of perfect Vegan Mozzarella Cheese.

Step 5: Set and Chill

Pour your thickened cheese mixture into the prepared mold and place it uncovered into the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 3 hours, allowing the cheese to fully set and gain that firm, sliceable consistency.

How to Serve Vegan Mozzarella Cheese

Garnishes

This Vegan Mozzarella Cheese pairs wonderfully with fresh herbs like basil or oregano. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper add just the right finishing touch to highlight its creamy texture and mild flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside ripe tomatoes and crusty bread for a classic caprese-style snack, or crumble it over your favorite pasta or grain bowls to add that melty, cheesy goodness. It’s also perfect melted on roasted vegetables or stuffed into vegan sandwiches.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by shredding the Vegan Mozzarella Cheese onto homemade vegan pizzas, layering it in casseroles, or even making cheesy stuffed mushrooms. Its stretchy, melty nature makes it surprisingly versatile, giving traditional dishes a plant-based makeover.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your Vegan Mozzarella Cheese fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays good for up to 5 days, making it perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying over several meals.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this vegan cheese freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it securely or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before use to maintain its best texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy it warm, simply reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. The tapioca starch ensures it regains its stretch and melt, maintaining that delightful mozzarella experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of milk for the Vegan Mozzarella Cheese?

While coconut milk provides the best richness and creaminess, you can experiment with other plant-based milks, but results may vary in texture and flavor.

What does agar agar do in this recipe?

Agar agar acts as a plant-based gelling agent that helps the cheese firm up and hold its shape while still being soft and sliceable.

Is tapioca flour necessary for this Vegan Mozzarella Cheese?

Yes, tapioca flour is key for creating that satisfying stretch and melt that mozzarella is known for—without it, the cheese won’t have the same texture.

How long does the Vegan Mozzarella Cheese last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it should stay fresh and tasty for up to 5 days.

Can I make this cheese nut-free?

This recipe doesn’t include nuts, so it’s perfectly nut-free and safe for those with nut allergies.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Vegan Mozzarella Cheese at home is incredibly rewarding and surprisingly simple. It opens up exciting possibilities for enjoying your favorite cheesy dishes entirely plant-based, with that perfect melt and stretch. Give this recipe a try and watch how it transforms your cooking – you might just wonder how you ever lived without it!

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