I get it, cheese lovers. Cheese is good. But it is worth the pain and suffering of animals? Not for me. Maybe it isn’t for you, either, and that is why you landed here. You don’t need real cheese to get that cheesy flavor that you are looking for.
BUT here’s a quick disclaimer. When I went vegan five years ago, I gave the vegan cheese a try. I did not like it one bit. I always liked cashew cheese, but the substitutes found in the stores? Not a fan. HOWEVER! So many new brands have been introduced since then and there are way more options. And once I gave my taste buds a couple months to adjust to my new way of eating, I decided to come around to the plant-based stuff. And now I can’t get enough of it. I can make anything cheesy and delicious on a vegan diet. I promise – give it time.
People always ask me if I miss cheese, and the God’s honest answer is no. I don’t. I don’t miss the high cholesterol. I don’t miss the texture or flavor. I am more than satisfied with Follow Your Heart, Miyoko’s, or homemade cashew cheese.
The recipes below are great for vegan beginners who are missing cheese. I hope that you’ll give them a try and see that you aren’t missing out on anything.