Are you a cheese lover who is also passionate about plant-based eating? Look no further! We have the perfect remedy for you: a melty, tasty vegan cheese used to make a grilled cheese sandwich. This mouthwatering creation will satisfy your cravings while aligning with your dietary choices. Say goodbye to missing out on the classic comfort food and say hello to a guilt-free indulgence. Get ready to be convinced that vegan grilled cheese can be just as tasty, if not better, than the traditional version!
What is Plant-Based Cheese?
Plant-based cheese, also known as vegan cheese, is a dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese that is made entirely from plant-based ingredients. It’s crafted to mimic the flavour, texture, and melting properties of dairy cheese, but without any animal products.
Instead of using cow’s milk, they use things like nuts, soy, or even tapioca starch to create that cheesy goodness. They mix it all up with some magical ingredients like nutritional yeast (which adds that cheesy flavour) and a dash of spices for that perfect taste.
And the best part? Plant-based cheese comes in all shapes and sizes, just like regular cheese! You’ve got slices, shreds, blocks – you name it. Want classic cheddar or maybe something with a bit of a kick like jalapeño jack? They’ve got you covered!
So, next time you’re craving a grilled cheese sandwich or a cheesy pizza but want to skip the dairy, reach for some plant-based cheese. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all that cheesy goodness guilt-free!
Ingredients:
4 slices of your favourite bread (sourdough, whole grain, or gluten-free if preferred)
1 cup of shredded vegan cheese (cheddar-style or mozzarella-style works great)
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1 medium tomato, sliced
1/4 cup of baby spinach leaves
2 tablespoons of vegan butter or margarine
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavour
Recipe for Vegan Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Plant Based Cheese:
Preheat your pan:
Place a non-stick skillet or pan over medium heat and allow it to warm up while you prepare your sandwich.
Assemble your sandwich:
Take two slices of bread and lay them flat on a clean surface. On each slice, layer the shredded vegan cheese, avocado slices, tomato slices, and baby spinach leaves. Sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika on top if desired. Place the remaining two slices of bread on top to form two sandwiches.
Spread the butter:
Spread a thin layer of vegan butter or margarine on one side of each sandwich. This will help create that crispy golden crust when you grill them.
Grill the sandwiches:
Carefully place the assembled sandwiches, buttered side down, onto the preheated skillet or griddle. Allow them to cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted to perfection.
Press and flip:
If you have a spatula or a heavy panini press, gently press down on the sandwiches while they cook to help them crisp up evenly. After a few minutes, carefully flip the sandwiches over and cook the other side until golden brown.
Serve and enjoy:
Once both sides are crispy and the cheese is gooey, remove the sandwiches from the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Let them cool for a minute or two, then slice them in half diagonally and serve immediately.
Optional:
Pair your vegan grilled cheese sandwiches with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara or spicy aioli, for an extra burst of flavour.
Enjoy your deliciously melty and satisfying vegan grilled cheese sandwiches! Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste preferences, adding extras like caramelised onions or roasted red peppers for even more flavour.
Pro Tip- Double the Cheese, Double the Deliciousness
For an extra indulgent and melty vegan grilled cheese sandwich, try mixing two types of plant-based cheese! Combining a sliceable cheese with a meltier variety, like a vegan cheddar and mozzarella blend, creates a gooey texture that’s reminiscent of traditional grilled cheese sandwiches. Just layer the cheeses between your favourite fillings and bread slices before grilling for an irresistibly cheesy experience.
What to Pair Vegan Grilled Cheese Sandwich With?
The combinations you can think of for vegan grilled cheese are almost limitless! Here are a few tasty suggestions:
Soup: this is a traditional match! For the ultimate comfort food pairing, dunk your grilled cheese into a steaming cup of tomato soup, creamy broccoli soup, or butternut squash soup.
Pickles: Serve your grilled cheese with a side of pickled veggies or dill pickles to add some crunch and acidity. For a well-rounded bite, the pickles’ acidity balances the sandwich’s richness.
Roasted vegetables: Elevate your meal with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. The caramelised flavours and tender texture of the veggies complement the cheesy sandwich beautifully.
Salsa and guacamole: Give your grilled cheese a Mexican twist by serving it with salsa and guacamole. The bright, zesty flavours of the salsa and the creamy richness of the guacamole add a delicious contrast to the sandwich.
Final Note: Vegan Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
As you take that final bite of your perfectly grilled, ooey-gooey vegan cheese sandwich, savour the melty goodness and the burst of flavour from the fresh ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick lunch, a cosy dinner, or a midnight snack, this plant-based twist on a classic comfort food will leave you feeling satisfied and happy. Here’s to delicious, cruelty-free eating that’s good for you and the planet!
