The best vegan cheeses prove that dairy isn’t necessary for a gooey grilled cheese, a steaming mac 'n' cheese recipe, or a decadent slice of pizza. And while the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen loves the real deal (we'll take cheese any way it's served!), we found the best vegan cheese choices that could convince even a dairy lover that animal milk isn’t necessary.
So why vegan cheese? It can be made from a variety of ingredients, like soy, coconut, and tree nuts, which are blended then fermented to give the final product a little bit of funk, like you’d find in a slice of dairy-full cheese. It's a good substitute for those with certain dietary restrictions or who prefer to partake in a vegan diet. And, depending on the base of your vegan cheese, it can be higher in fiber and vitamins than regular cheese.
We tried more than 80 vegan cheeses to find our faves so you can add them to your cheesy routine, and whether you're trying to melt a slice for a crispy, crunchy vegan grilled cheese, on the hunt to swap out the dairy in your go-to lasagna recipes, or even searching for a cheese to top your favorite crackers (gluten-free or otherwise), these sliced, shredded, and creamy vegan cheese options will give you plenty of variety to add to your everyday diet.
With just seven ingredients, this fancy cashew-based spread is the ideal addition to your vegan cheese board. We love it paired with crispy crackers, crunchy bread, and dried fruit.
Sure, you could make your own queso (check out our vegan queso recipe if you're feeling like cooking!), but a jar of this creamy "cheesy" salsa is seriously full of flavor. Our tasters weren't even sure it was vegan!
This seasoning has developed a serious cult following (we love everything-bagel-flavored, well, everything), and Kite Hill's dairy-free spread is even more proof. Perfect on bagels or schmeared onto raw veggies.
Introducing the answer to the ultimate vegan grilled cheese. These slices are buttery, soft, and even melt to create the gooey cheesy texture you crave.
This slightly spicy peppery dip gets its ultra creamy texture from blended cauliflower and its rich cheesy flavor from nutritional yeast. Tasters loved it with chips, pretzels, and sliced veggies.
Rather than the plasticky tasting shreds we tried, these had a bit of funk to them. Add a sprinkle to nachos or in a tortilla for the ultimate quesadilla.
Tasters wanted to add slices of this super smoky and creamy "cheese" to sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and even salads.
Becca MillerBecca Miller has been working with the Good Housekeeping food team since October 2018, where she researches and writes about tasty recipes, fascinating food trends, and top tools.
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