Consumers used to raise an eyebrow at dairy alternatives, assuming they were “weird” or “fake.” Today, there has been a bit of a role reversal, as more shoppers are avoiding dairy products for both health and ethical reasons. People have come to realize that milk isn’t as pure as they once thought, as it contains unnecessary cholesterol and trace amounts of pus. Cheese, although beloved by many, is also being questioned, as it also contains high levels of cholesterol, saturated fat, and often leads to digestive issues. However, it’s hard to give up the foods we love, even when we know they’re not the best for us. Cheese has even been scientifically linked to addictive properties.
Thankfully, innovation in plant-based cuisine has kept up with the demand for dairy-free options, so there is no need to go through cheese withdrawal. On June 4 (and every day), we’re celebrating National Cheese Day with these 15 gooey, melty, creamy, cheesy vegan recipes.
15 Gooey, Melty, Creamy, Cheesy Vegan Recipes
1. Quick and Easy Vegan Grilled Cheese
When in you’re in a rush and need one of those minimal effort recipes for munching on-the-go, a vegan grilled cheese will never fail. Use a super melty cheese brand, like So Delicious shreds or MyLife, to get that Instagram-worthy cheese-pull.
Get the recipe here.
2. Easy Vegan Bean and Cheese Burritos
In the great burrito versus taco debate, we’re team burrito all the way with this awesome recipe!
Get the recipe here.
3. Vegan Cheesy Pull Apart Pizza Bread
Calling all deep-dish pizza fans, this one is for you! It’s essentially bread and gooey cheese, with just the right amount of marinara. Bring it to a potluck and watch guests literally tear into it. For an authentic, melty mozzarella, try Miyoko’s Kitchen brand.
Get the recipe here.
4. Vegan Cheese Quesadilla
Guess what the cheese is made out of? Corn! Blended with a few simple ingredients, like nutritional yeast, the corn turns into a silky vegan cheese sauce perfect for slathering on quesadillas. This Mexican dish is also stuffed with guac!
Get the recipe here.
5. Cashew-Free Vegan Queso Dip
Run out of chips? This queso is so good you could eat it by the spoonful.
Get the recipe here.
6. Creamy Dreamy Vegan Mac N’ Cheese
Mac n’ cheese. Vegan comfort food at its finest.
Get the recipe here.
7. Vegan Aged Camembert Cheese
Slice onto a plant-based cheese platter, melt it in on a vegan meaty burger, or even deep fry it – this camembert does it all.
Get the recipe here.
8. Vegan Cheesy Hasselback Potato
So much better than cheese fries.
Get the recipe here.
9. Vegan Veggie-Topped White Pizza
Skip the classic red sauce and go for something a bit more inventive for your next pizza night. This white sauce pizza goes way beyond the boring cheese and pepperoni. It’s all about the plants!
Get the recipe here.
10. Vegan Chicken Parmesan
One of the best things about vegan cuisine is that plant-based comfort food tends to be healthier than its animal-based counterparts. The chicken is made of chickpeas, which means all the protein, none of the cholesterol! However, the cashew-based vegan parm makes this dish. Blend up a large batch and sprinkle it on everything from pasta, pizza, and roasted veggies.
Get the recipe here.
11. Epic Vegan Seitan and Cheese Burger
Um, you’re going to need a knife and fork to eat this.
Get the recipe here.
12. Baked Almond Feta Cheese
Got almonds? Make vegan feta.
Get the recipe here.
13. Vegan Philly Cheesesteak
You don’t need to live in Philadelphia to make this epic sandwich. It’s packed with peppers, onions, and tons of mushrooms, all melded together with gooey vegan cheese. Mmmm…
Get the recipe here.
14. Vegan Broccoli and Blue Cheese Pasta Bake
Finally, a casserole we don’t have to pretend to like! Make this cheesy vegan centerpiece your new family recipe.
Get the recipe here.
15. Vegan Italian-American Lasagna
A vegan lasagna to rival that of any Italian nonna.
Get the recipe here.
