What can possibly be blander than a pizza without cheese? No doubt there exists a huge fan base for pizzas doused in a pool of the lovely, yummy cheese.
But can you substitute cheese with anything and still get that delicious, cheesy flavor that makes you go wild? The answer is yes! We are going to deal with them today.
Some of the best cheese substitutes for pizza are ricotta cheese, Daiya, olives pesto, cashew cheese, and zucchini cheese.
Cheese pizzas are much-loved baking specials that effortlessly brighten up your evenings and holidays. You might be called a cheesehead, but that still doesn’t stop you from savoring cheese pizzas.
That said, let us talk about why there is a need to find substitutes for pizzas and what they are.
Read on more to find out more!
What's In The Post
Quick Peek: What Makes Pizza With Cheese Special?
So what is the magic that cheese wields on pizza? Cheese adds creamy texture, structure, and moisture to baked food items, especially pizzas. It can intensify the rich, piquant tangy taste by rendering its mild, fresh flavor.
Cheese comes with many added health benefits as well. It is a great source of fat, protein, and calcium. It improves bone and dental health, regulates blood pressure, and helps in building healthy cells.
Why Should We Substitute Cheese In Pizza?
Despite being a yummy heartbreaker, cheese isn’t deserved for many. There are people who are sensitive to cheese—starting with vegans, who strictly avoid cheese in any of their food products.
Cheese is a big no when it comes to lactose-intolerant people as its consumption can cause severe digestive distress. Some are allergic to casein, a protein found in milk products.
Cheese is loaded with fat and sodium and might be one of the food items that should be skipped by people who are suffering from obesity and high blood pressure.
This makes it imperative to find some substitutes for cheese in pizza so that your pizza party goes unhampered. Let us talk about them right away!
Other Food Substitutes You Can Try
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- Best Cream Cheese Substitutes in Cheesecake
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- Best Havarti Cheese Substitutes You Can Try
11 Best Cheese Substitutes in Pizza
Now that you know what makes cheese special on pizza let us talk about its substitutes. The eleven best cheese substitutes for pizza are as follows:
1. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is an Italian cheese variety prepared by reheating the leftover whey in the production of other cheeses. It has a mild flavor with a sticky texture.
With less fat and salt, ricotta cheese can be one of the best cheese substitutes in pizza. Moreover, it contains calcium and phosphorus, which help maintain healthy muscles.
2. Daiya
Daiya cheese is a kind of cheese analog made using coconut oil, tapioca flour, vegetable flavors, and natural extracts. It is a gluten-free alternative that melts like real cheese and can be used in pizzas and sandwiches.
The texture and flavor of Daiya make it a considerable alternative for cheese in pizzas.
3. Olives
Olives are another great replacement for cheese in pizza. They simply perk up the quality of the pizza you are baking with a rich aromatic flavor and a meaty texture.
Olives are natural appetizers and are easy to find and use on a pizza, making them one of the best cheese substitutes for pizza.
4. Pesto
Pesto is an Italian green-colored sauce that comprises a hard cheese, basil leaves, pine nuts, salt, and garlic. It has a rich herbal flavor with a subtle taste of garlic and olive oil.
The profound flavor of pesto, combined with its thick texture, makes it a considerable substitute for cheese in pizza.
5. Cashew Cheese
Cashew cheese is a lovable alternative if you are a vegan. This creamy cheese obtained from grinding soaked cashews is a good substitute for pizza cheese due to its nutty, salty flavor and thick consistency.
It is nutritious, tasty, healthy, and flavorsome – what more do you want to adorn your pizza? Cashew cheese is a perfect cheese substitute due to these reasons!
6. Zucchini Cheese
Zucchini cheese is prepared using zucchini, coconut oil, yeast, salt, gelatin, and water. It renders a cheesy flavor and a texture similar to processed meat.
Go for a homemade zucchini cheese to replace cheese on pizza, and you won’t be disappointed. Add in seasoning agents like basil or parsley for a more profound flavor.
7. Spinach
Spinach has a mild, sweet taste with a grassy, vegetal flavor. It can be a worthy substitute for cheese in terms of nutritional value and availability.
Spinach leaves are usually added towards the end of the pizza for a refreshing flavor. Although the word is that, they have to be cooked before adding. It totally depends on you, chef!
8. Mushrooms
Behold the umami-flavored mushrooms, which can dramatically intensify the flavor profile of your favorite pizza! Mushrooms have a rich earthy flavor with a spongy texture, making them a good option for replacing cheese on pizza.
They are easily available and nutritious too! Some of the popularly used mushrooms are button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and cremini mushrooms.
Ensure you cook the mushrooms before adding them so that you don’t miss out on their juicy flavor!
9. Roast Cauliflower
Considering its flavor and texture, the roast cauliflower is a considerable alternative for cheese on pizza. Being roasted, it has a smoky flavor with a crunchy texture.
It is a delicious, healthy gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan substitute for cheese in pizza. Get a bowlful of roast cauliflower and generously use them in lieu of cheese.
10. Chicken
Meat lovers must be thanking me now for this succulent alternative for cheese in pizza. When roasted or fried with the right seasonings, chicken has an amazing, yummy flavor that will make you forget about cheese for a while. *chuckles*
If you are allergic to cheese, opt for a bunch of chicken thighs or breasts, roast or barbecue them and enjoy your pizza.
11. Tuna
Tuna is yet another alternative for meat lovers. Fresh tuna with vinegar is already a favorite accompaniment to pizza for many. Tuna has a juicy, creamy taste with a tender structure.
On the health radar, tuna has an amazing profile as it is rich in low-fat protein and iodine. If you are on a diet with an irresistible urge for a pizza bite, go for tuna.
Short Recap
The points given below will help you remember the details of cheese substitutes for pizza in a jiffy:
Flavor: Best substitutes in terms of flavor would be ricotta cheese, Daiya, and cashew cheese.
Texture: Best substitutes in terms of texture would be ricotta cheese, Daiya, pesto, cashew cheese, and zucchini cheese.
How To Use Cheese Substitutes For Pizza In A Recipe
Cheese Substitutes For Pizza
Ingredients
- Ricotta Cheese
- Daiya
- Olives
- Pesto
- Cashew Cheese
- Zucchini Cheese
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Roast Cauliflower
- Chicken
- Tuna
Instructions
- Go through the substitutes and see which one seems fit for the recipe.
- Collect your ingredients and use your preferred substitute.
- Use the substitute in the required amount and proceed to make the dish according to the recipe.
Final Musings
So, that was all about finding the best cheese substitutes for pizzas. I write this with a sigh of relief because the hard part is really done. *grins*
I am kidding! The rest is up to you, my foodies, and chefs to try out and let me know the results. Go ahead and share them with me. See you soon!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What are some of the healthy alternatives to cheese?
Ricotta cheese, tofu, vegan cheese, tahini, hummus, yeast, pesto, soy cheese are some of the healthy alternatives to cheese.
What can I use as toppings on pizza?
Fresh vegetables, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bacon, onions, extra cheese, peppers, chicken are some of the popularly used toppings on pizza.
What can I use instead of cheese on pizza?
Capers, jalapenos, peppers, onion, vegan cheese, tofu are some of the cheese alternatives on pizza.
What cheese can you use instead of mozzarella for pizza?
Cheddar cheese, ricotta cheese, tofu, pesto, cashew cheese are some of the options that can be tried in lieu of mozzarella for pizza.
