Out of Cheddar cheese, one case
Vegan Cheddar cheese substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Nutritional yeast
2-3 tbsp nutritional yeast for every ¼ cup cheddar
The best vegan substitutes for cheddar cheese are nutritional yeast, cashew cream, plant-based cheddar alternatives, and homemade vegan cheese. Use these options based on your specific needs and preferences.
- Best for —
- pasta
One casethe full Cheddar cheese card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of ¼ cup Cheddar cheese |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutritional yeastpasta | 2-3 tbsp nutritional yeast |
| 2 | Cashew creamcheese sauces | 1 cup soaked cashews + ¼ cup water + 1 tbsp lemon juice + ½ tsp salt per 1 cup cheddar |
| 3 | Plant-based Cheddarmelting | Same amount |
| 4 | Homemade vegan cheesemelting | Same amount |
| 5 | Tofusalads | Same amount |
Nutritional yeast
cheesy, nutty
Deactivated yeast flakes with nutty, cheesy flavor. Rich in B vitamins and protein, good for adding cheesy flavor to dishes without dairy.
- Best for
- pasta, popcorn, soups, sauces, salads, vegan parmesan
- Texture
- powdery
Best for adding cheesy flavor, not texture or melting. Sprinkle on top of dishes or mix into sauces.
Cashew cream
creamy, slightly nutty
Blended cashews create rich, creamy texture good for sauces and spreads. Can be flavored with nutritional yeast for cheesy taste.
- Best for
- cheese sauces, dips, spreads, pasta, vegan ricotta, cheesecakes
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
Soak cashews 2-4 hours for best results. Add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
Plant-based Cheddar
varies by brand
Commercial vegan cheese alternatives made from nuts, coconut, or other plant-based ingredients. Designed to mimic the taste and texture of cheddar cheese.
- Best for
- melting, cooking, baking, when you want similar texture, sandwiches
Look for brands that melt well and have good flavor. Some work better for certain applications than others.
Homemade vegan cheese
customizable
DIY vegan cheese made from nuts, nutritional yeast, and other plant-based ingredients. Can be customized for specific flavors and textures.
- Best for
- melting, cooking, baking, when you want control over ingredients, spreads
Requires more preparation but allows for customization of flavor and texture.
Tofu
neutral, can be flavored
Soy-based protein that can be crumbled or sliced. Works well for adding texture and protein to dishes that would normally use cheddar cheese.
- Best for
- salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, when you want protein
- Texture
- firm, crumbly
Firm tofu works best for crumbling. Can be flavored with nutritional yeast for cheesy taste.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan cheddar cheese substitutes provide alternatives for those avoiding dairy while maintaining similar functionality in cooking and baking. The recommended substitutes work because they offer different aspects of what makes cheddar cheese appealing - flavor, texture, and melting properties - using plant-based ingredients.
Tips for substituting Cheddar cheese
8 tips- Nutritional yeast is best for adding cheesy flavor to dishes without dairy
- Cashew cream works well for creating creamy, cheesy sauces and dips
- Plant-based cheddar alternatives vary in quality - look for brands that melt well
- Homemade vegan cheese allows for customization of flavor and texture
- Tofu can be flavored with nutritional yeast and spices for cheesy taste
- For best results, experiment with different combinations of vegan cheese alternatives
- Store vegan cheese substitutes in the refrigerator according to package instructions
- Consider using a combination of vegan cheese alternatives for more complex flavor
Notes on Cheddar cheese
- Mix different vegan cheese alternatives for more complex flavor
- Use nutritional yeast in combination with other substitutes for cheesy taste
- Experiment with different plant-based ingredients for homemade cheese
- Consider using store-bought vegan cheese alternatives for convenience
- Combine multiple substitutes for the best of all worlds
Questions
4 questionsWhat is the best vegan substitute for cheddar cheese?
The best vegan substitute for cheddar cheese depends on your needs. Nutritional yeast is great for flavor, cashew cream for creaminess, and plant-based cheddar alternatives for melting and texture.
Can I use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese?
Yes, nutritional yeast can be used instead of cheddar cheese for flavor, but it won't provide the same texture or melting properties. It's best for adding cheesy taste to dishes.
How do I make vegan cheddar cheese at home?
You can make vegan cheddar cheese at home using soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and spices. Blend until smooth and adjust flavors to taste.
Do plant-based cheddar alternatives melt like real cheese?
Some plant-based cheddar alternatives melt well, while others don't. Look for brands specifically designed for melting and read reviews to find the best options for your needs.