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It has been shown in recent studies that cheese has addictive traits. This comes from casomorphins which are protein fragments that develop from the digestion of milk protein. What makes casomorphins addictive is from the opioid effect it has on our brain. This plays a big role in why many find it difficult to give up cheese, especially when transitioning to a plant-based diet.
The easiest way to transition to a vegan diet is to make your favorite meals plant-based friendly. If cheese is the one food that is holding you back from making the change then you’ll want to try these delicious recipes. They’re plant-based, yet don’t sacrifice any flavor or cheesy texture. Let’s dig into these delightful recipes, the cheese-lovers will definitely be impressed.
The selection of vegan food is on the rise with it’s increased popularity. However, sometimes the selection of flavors is very minimal, for now, that is. While we wait patiently for the stores to become stocked with more and more flavors of vegan food, making our own seasoned cheese might be the best option.
It may be healthier too because you know exactly which wholesome ingredients you’re putting into the recipe. This cheese has a creamy texture from full-fat coconut milk. The cheesy flavor comes from nutritional yeast and agar-agar will act as a vegan gelatin to give the cheese it’s firmness. This cheese is quite easy to make and you’ll be really proud of your efforts.
https://thehiddenveggies.com/vegan-cheese-garlic-herbs/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE HIDDEN VEGGIES
Going vegan doesn’t mean you have to leave your childhood favorite mac and cheese behind. It has a cheesy flavor from nutritional yeast, a creamy texture from coconut milk, and an authentic macaroni and cheese color from roasted butternut squash.
It looks and tastes like macaroni and cheese but is completely dairy-free. The kids won’t even notice and it’s a great way to sneak in additional servings of vegetables into their diet. They will definitely be requesting this regularly.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/kids-adult-friendly-vegan-mac-cheese/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
This is another easy homemade vegan cheese recipe. This one takes on a smokey cheesy flavor that you’ll enjoy. Its texture isn’t quite like traditional cheese as it has a jelly-like texture. The texture may be more comparable to processed cheese.
It has loads of flavor from smoked paprika and spicy cayenne pepper. The cashews make this recipe full of protein and healthy fats, a cheese you can feel good about! Pair this cheese with your favorite cracker or use it as the perfect burger or sandwich topping.
https://www.nestandglow.com/healthy-recipes/smoked-cashew-vegan-cheese PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: NEST AND GLOW
Panini’s are like gourmet grilled cheese’s. They’re cheesy but have loads of flavorful ingredients. This one is made vegan with dairy-free cheese shreds. Vegan cheese is so awesome because it allows you to enjoy a classic comfort food without including any animal products.
This panini is infused with flavors of sweet tomatoes, peppers and delicious basil. Don’t forget to lather vegan butter on the bread to give it a crispy outer layer. The best part is that it only takes 12 minutes to make. That’s an easy vegan meal I can get behind.
http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2012/05/tomato-basil-roasted-pepper-vegan.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: HEALTHY HAPPY LIFE
This recipe was made for all the serious meat-lovers out there. If that’s you, or you know one, you’ll want to make this awesome vegan version of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. The steak substitute is tofu, but the trick to making it taste like a Philly cheesesteak is to slowly bake it with all the right seasonings.
The tofu steaks are combined with sauteed vegetables and topped with a creamy avocado aioli. These Philly cheesesteaks are topped off with store-bought vegan cheese. The entire sandwich is then wrapped in aluminium foil and baked so that all the flavors can morphe together. This will provide you with a delicious, cheesy and warm Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
https://namelymarly.com/vegan-philly-cheezsteak/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: NAMELY MARLY
Chips and salsa go great together, but chips and nacho cheese might just be better. This recipe still blows my mind every time I make it. It is made from boiled carrots and potatoes that are blended together with a few other ingredients making it the perfect vegan nacho cheese.
The taste is so similar, it is exciting and scary all at the same time! The jalapenos give this nacho cheese the perfect kick of heat to compliment all the savory cheese flavors. Your non-vegan friends will be mind blown too.
https://www.hotforfoodblog.com/recipes/2015/1/22/nacho-cheese PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: HOT FOR FOOD BLOG
This vegan grilled cheese takes a childhood favorite and makes it vegan-friendly. The cheese is made with coconut milk, coconut vinegar and agar powder. It doesn’t take on a coconut flavor and it will make the perfect dupe for an ooey-gooey grilled cheese.
This recipe also includes a homemade smoky tomato soup. Tomato soup and grilled cheese pair perfectly together and what better way to dip into your soup than with a cheesy and crunchy sandwich. This recipe will definitely be family approved.
https://olivesfordinner.com/2012/09/vegan-grilled-cheese-with-smoky-tomato.html#.VszXphPF_Mc PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: OLIVES FOR DINNER
What makes cream cheese so great is its versatility. You can use it as a spread on bagels, in wraps and even as a dip with veggies or crackers. Cream cheeses come in so many flavors that there is bound to be a favorite for everyone.
For those who need dairy-free options for allergy reasons or simply choose to eat plant-based, this recipe is for you. This customizable recipe makes a vegetable and herb flavored cream cheese that is filled with exquisite flavors and a creamy texture.
https://www.veggieinspired.com/veggie-cream-cheese-spread/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: VEGGIE INSPIRED
Goat cheese is well known for its tangy and sharp flavor. Many use it to compliment a salad or enjoy it on a cracker. Once again there is a vegan alternative that you too will enjoy.
This cheese is made up of soaked cashews and macadamia nuts that when ground up create the consistency of a cheese. The trick to making this cheese is to add tangy flavors of lemon and apple cider vinegar to give the cheese it’s bold flavor.
https://www.spabettie.com/2012/08/17/vegan-goat-cheese-recipe/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SPABETTIE
An appetizer that tastes great can be a huge game changer when it comes to entertaining friends and family. Impress all your non-vegan friends with these vegan jalapeno poppers. For convenience, these poppers have a cheesy filling made out of store-bought vegan cream cheese.
The vegan cream cheese is combined with chives, garlic and vegan sausage crumbles for added flavor. After you stuff the jalapenos you’ll top it off with breadcrumbs to give them a crispy texture. To top off this appetizer you’ll drizzle a homemade sun-dried tomato aioli making everyone coming back for seconds.
https://www.hotforfoodblog.com/recipes/2016/2/4/the-best-vegan-jalapeno-poppers PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: HOT FOR FOOD
Broccoli is a difficult food to make a picky eater love. This recipes takes a powerhouse vegetable like broccoli and turns it into a kid-approved cheesy vegan soup.
This soup is naturally thick and creamy yet it remains dairy-free. It’s made out of wholesome plant-based ingredients that you’ll feel good about feeding to your family. This soup is easy to make and will be made in under an hour. You might just want to double the recipe so you can take this for lunch all week long.
https://www.staceyhomemaker.com/vegan-broccoli-cheese-soup-recipe/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: STACEY HOMEMAKER
Biscuits often pair well with salads, soups, and quite honestly any meal. These cheesy herbed biscuits are vegan-friendly and full of flavor.
This recipe is really easy to throw together and calls for minimal ingredients. You get to use store bought vegan cheese in this recipe which means no crazy cheese making for this treat! You’ll have your house smelling like Grandma’s kitchen in no time.
https://namelymarly.com/vegan-cheddar-and-herbed-biscuits/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: NAMELY MARLY
Nachos are one of those amazing appetizers that you can enjoy with a group of friends. However, many restaurant-styled nachos are loaded with cheese, sour cream, and sometimes ground meat. It is quite obvious that none of those food choices are acceptable on the vegan diet but rest assured, it too can be made vegan.
This recipe takes on flavors we love about nachos and turns it into a casserole. This casserole is loaded with protein-packed black beans and has delicious Mexican flavors of cumin, cayenne pepper and salsa. Nutritional yeast is what gives these nachos their cheesy flavor while the tortilla chips give this casserole the perfect crunchy texture. You could enjoy this dish as an appetizer with friends, but it’s filling enough that it can make a great weeknight meal too.
https://buildyourbite.com/vegan-taco-casserole/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: BUILD YOUR TRIBE
It’s hard to believe that lasagna can be made vegan without feeling like it’s lacking what we love most about it, the cheese! Once again, you definitely can make it vegan and you might just fall in love with it.
The secret to this recipe starts with grilled vegetables. Grilling them will enhance their flavor and brighten the meal. The other secret is to use layers of vegan ricotta and mozzarella cheese to maintain an authentic cheesy flavor. It is then complemented by a homemade basil pesto and savory puttanesca sauce. This will certainly melt in your mouth.
https://forward.com/food/323080/vegan-grilled-garden-vegetable-lasagna-with-puttanesca-sauce/?shareimg=323078 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORWARD
When I first went plant-based I was really nervous about leaving my beloved pizza behind. Pizza is a quick and easy meal that is most definitely comforting, satisfying, and filling. Those are just some of the reasons why so many love it.
Don’t let giving up on pizza stop you from trying vegan meals because there are always substitutions. This recipe shows you how to do just that. This pizza is crispy, garlicky and topped with an ooey-gooey homemade vegan mozzarella cheese. This will definitely quench your pizza craving and it will most likely be added to your weekly meal rotations.
https://www.blissfulbasil.com/vegan-caprese-pizza/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: BLISSFUL BASIL
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