Vegan Mozzarella

This vegan mozzarella is cheesy, stretchy, and meltable! It’s unbelievably easy to put together and makes the perfect alternative to traditional mozzarella cheese. Use it to top your favorite dishes, like pizza, pasta, grilled cheese, and more!

Unlike some other vegan cheese recipes out there, this vegan mozzarella requires minimal ingredients and is so simple to prepare! For another fuss-free cheese, check out my vegan Parmesan recipe.

Why I Love This Recipe

Gone are the days of spending an arm and a leg at the store for a tiny block of plant-based cheese! This vegan mozzarella recipe is made with a handful of easily accessible ingredients, mostly pantry staples. It’s much friendlier on the wallet than any store-bought option but tastes just as delicious!

Extra-firm tofu and soy milk create a rich and creamy base, while nutritional yeast imparts that classic cheesy flavor we all love. The texture is incredibly smooth and meltable, making it an excellent substitute in any dish you’d normally use traditional mozzarella in. Try making vegan Caprese Salad or pairing it with vegan bruschetta for best flavor combinations.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this vegan mozzarella cheese recipe:

• Extra-Firm Tofu: Provides a firm base and creamy texture, giving the cheese structure.
• Soy Milk: Adds creaminess and helps blend the ingredients. Choose unsweetened and plain soy milk to better control the final flavor.
• Nutritional Yeast: Gives a cheesy, umami flavor essential for that authentic mozzarella taste. Look for nutritional yeast at your local bulk food store for the best price.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtly savory note without overpowering the flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness. Use sea salt for a purer taste.
• Tapioca Starch: Helps achieve the gooey, stretchy texture mozzarella is known for. It's crucial for achieving the meltable characteristic.
• Agar Agar Powder: This acts as a gelling agent to firm up the cheese. Make sure to use the powder form for best results.
• Coconut Oil: Used to coat the jar, helping the cheese slide out easily. Use refined coconut oil to prevent a coconut flavor from impacting the cheese.

Substitutions

• Tofu: Extra-firm tofu works best, but you can get away with firm tofu in a pinch.
• Milk: If you don’t have soy milk, pea, hemp, almond, or cashew milk will also work.
• Nutritional Yeast: Can’t find nutritional yeast? Use a small amount of white miso paste.
• Garlic Powder: Onion powder will add a similar flavor profile. Use the same amount.
• Tapioca: You can also use cornstarch instead of tapioca starch. It will thicken the mixture, but the texture may be slightly different.

How to Make

Making this vegan mozzarella is too easy! Just follow all my tips and tricks for the best results.

Cooking

Step 1
Place the crumbled tofu, soy milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, tapioca starch, and agar agar into a high-speed blender. Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the blender if needed.

Step 2
Transfer the blended mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously for 4-5 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken and become gooey like cheese. I suggest using a non-stick saucepan to prevent the mixture from sticking and burning.

Step 3
Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from heat. Coat the inside of a jar or glass with coconut oil, then transfer the mixture to the container and refrigerate for 2-4 hours to firm up.

Step 4
After your vegan mozzarella has firmed, turn the jar upside down and gently jiggle it until it slides out. If the cheese doesn’t slide out easily, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to loosen, and enjoy it in any dish you’d like!

Expert Tip

To achieve a smooth, lump-free vegan mozzarella cheese texture, you need to stir it continuously while the mixture heats. This step is crucial to achieving that gooey, stretchy texture reminiscent of traditional mozzarella.

Another important factor is letting the cheese set in the refrigerator for the full 2-4 hours so it firms up properly, making it easier to slice and use in your favorite dishes. These steps might seem small, but they make a big difference in the final result.

Variations

• Herb-Infused: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme to the mixture before cooking for an Italian flavor profile perfect for gourmet vegan pizza.
• Spicy: Mix in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño for a spicy twist. This variation is great for nachos or spicy sandwiches!
• Smoked: Add 1-2 drops of liquid smoke before cooking to pair with dishes like BBQ pizzas or grilled vegetable sandwiches.

Cooking Tips

• Taste Before Cooking: Adjust the seasoning in the blended mixture before cooking. It will be too hard to season it once it’s done.
• Stir Continuously: While cooking, remember to stir the cheese mixture constantly. This prevents it from sticking to the pan and promotes even thickening.
• Cook Until Gooey: The mixture should be stretchy and gooey before you remove it from the heat. This texture is essential for a good meltable vegan mozzarella cheese!
• Adjust the Agar Agar: If you prefer a firmer or softer cheese, you can slightly adjust the amount of agar agar you add. This allows you to customize the texture to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing & Reheating

Once your vegan mozzarella cheese is set, it's best to keep it in the fridge to preserve the quality and taste.

Fridge
Store the cheese in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make sure the container is well-sealed to prevent the cheese from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

Freezer
Freezing this vegan mozzarella is another option for longer storage. Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container. This will keep the cheese fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using it again.

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