Sometimes when we cut out animal products, we replace them with unhealthy plant-based products -- and dairy-free cheese can fall into this vegan junk food trap. (Wondering if you eat too much vegan junk? Take this quiz!)
There are a handful of vegan alternatives constantly popping up in the Trader Joe's cheese aisle, and I've admittedly always approached them with caution. With the exception of Kite Hill, which is a spreadable vegan cheese similar to Boursin, I've never had a truly enjoyable non-dairy cheese that I would buy again.
High-Protein Avocado Vegan Mac Cheese a.k.a. I Can’t Believe It’s Not Dairy!!
While some people might use plain yogurt in place of mayo, I firmly believe that there is a certain creaminess in texture and flavor that only mayonnaise can achieve. Which brings me to Trader Joe's vegan mayo spread and dressing. I'd been eyeing this TJ's creation since it hit shelves. I've seen it advertised as both vegan and health conscious, made with avocado oil, mustard flour, garlic, onion, and chickpea broth in lieu of egg. But could it taste anything like real mayo?
I've had my fair share of vegan mac 'n' cheese before. I've had Annie's vegan boxed mac, and I've even made it from scratch using homemade cashew "cheese" and butternut squash purée. But let me tell you...the homemade version is a process. So I can see why dairy-free eaters would be very excited about the idea of a ready-to-eat vegan mac 'n' cheese that tastes closer to homemade than the boxed stuff.
A friend of mine was raving to me about Trader Joe's vegan feta, so naturally I had to pick it up on my next TJ's run. One of the newer additions to Trader Joe's vegan cheese repertoire, this non-dairy feta alternative is made of coconut oil, potato starch, and potato protein.
I'm back, and must add: This recipe is now my beginner plant-based cheezmaker go-to. It's produced better results than our first tries at those advanced rejuvelac recipes, and I'm happily trying different mods to it. How can this be this easy?? I bet this costs a fraction of the price of buying a decent vegan cheez, and it's lower in fat than cashew-based cheezes (and blows dairy-based outta the water). Plus it's fun and fast to make and eat immediately as a very spreadable cheese. I've also noted that salty/acidic elements seem to mellow out the following days.
Mac and cheese no longer has to be off the menu if you don't do dairy. A blend of hearty cauliflower, butternut squash, cashews and nutritional yeast gives this vegan macaroni and cheese the gooey, cheesy texture and flavor of traditional mac, without a bit of dairy!
This dairy free cheese sauce is great! I do add a couple of ingredients. I sauté a medium button mushroom in avocado oil (safer than olive oil for heat) and I do use about 2 TBSP nutritional yeast as well. To keep the cheese soy free, I use a TBSP homemade soy sauce substitute because I do not actually like coconut aminos much. I generally double the amount of lemon juice to give a bit more bite to the taste. What I appreciate about this recipe is the ability to change it up according to taste and application. I often use it in gluten free grilled cheese sandwiches with some cooked chicken and homemade tomato free pasta sauce added too. My husband and son love it!
Follow Your Heart believes that a better world begins with better food choices. We make Vegenaise, the best vegan cheeses, and other delicious and innovative plant-based alternatives. Follow Your Heart Earth Island Vegenaise Vegan Gourmet Rocket Cakes VeganEgg Better Than Mayo Live Healthy are registered trademarks of Follow Your Heart/Earth Island 2ff7e9595c
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