No, mascarpone is not dairy-free. It is an Italian cheese made from cream and a coagulant or some acidic substance, such as lemon juice or vinegar. Since it’s made from cream, it contains dairy and is not suitable for people who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you might want to consider vegan cheeses or spreads. There are also recipes for vegan mascarpone, which usually use ingredients like soaked cashews, coconut cream, or tofu as the base.
Dairy-Free Mascarpone Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Soak the cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will soften them and make them easier to blend.
- After soaking, drain the cashews and rinse them thoroughly.
- Combine the soaked cashews, coconut cream, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor.
- Blend the mixture until it’s completely smooth. Depending on the power of your blender, this could take 1 to 5 minutes.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the acidity or saltiness as needed by adding more lemon juice, vinegar, or salt. Blend again if necessary.
- Transfer the mixture to a container and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or until it’s firm. This will give the mixture a chance to set and help it thicken to a consistency similar to traditional mascarpone.
And there you have it – dairy-free mascarpone! This can be used in many ways as regular mascarpone, such as in tiramisu or other desserts, as a spread on toast, or as a creamy addition to pasta sauces. Enjoy!
Best Dairy-Free Cheese Brands
Daiya
This brand is known for its wide variety of dairy-free cheeses. While not identical to dairy cheese, Daiya melts well and has a decent flavor, making it a good option for pizzas or nachos.
Follow Your Heart
They produce a range of dairy-free cheeses that are well-regarded for their taste and texture. Their vegan parmesan has a flavor profile very close to traditional parmesan.
Chao (by Field Roast)
A favorite among many for its creamy texture and natural flavors, Chao slices are great for sandwiches or burgers. The Coconut Herb variety is a popular choice.
Kite Hill
Known for its almond-based cheeses, Kite Hill offers a delicious soft cream cheese, a great dairy-free alternative for spreads or dips.
Violife
Their products are known for excellent melting capabilities, especially their mozzarella-style cheese, which is perfect for pizzas or lasagna. Violife also offers a great feta alternative.
Miyoko’s Creamery
Miyoko’s artisan vegan cheeses are highly praised especially their cashew-based mozzarella. Their products have a more natural, less processed flavor and texture.
Tips for Buying Dairy-Free Cheese
Read the Ingredients: Some dairy-free cheeses still contain casein, a milk protein. Make sure to read the ingredients list carefully.
Check Nutritional Content: Some dairy-free cheeses can be high in saturated fats and sodium. Compare labels to make the healthiest choice.
Experiment with Different Brands: Not all dairy-free cheeses are created equal. Try different brands to find which ones you prefer.
Consider Your Usage: Different dairy-free cheeses melt and stretch differently. Consider what you’ll be using it for before buying.
Check for Allergens: Many dairy-free cheeses are made from nuts, soy, or other common allergens. Check labels if you have other food sensitivities.
Be Open to New Flavors: Dairy-free cheeses often have a different flavor profile from dairy cheeses. Be open to new tastes and textures!
Frequently Asked Questions
What plant-based milks can I use in dairy-free mascarpone?
You can use any thick, creamy plant-based milk in dairy-free mascarpone. Coconut cream is a popular choice due to its rich, creamy texture. Almond milk can also work, particularly if it’s homemade and less watery than store-bought versions. Soy and oat milk could also be used for a creamier texture.
What nuts can I use in dairy-free mascarpone?
Cashews are often used in dairy-free mascarpone due to their creamy texture when soaked and blended. However, you can also use blanched almonds or macadamia nuts. Remember that each nut will offer your final product a slightly different flavor and texture.
Is parmesan cheese dairy-free?
Traditional Parmesan cheese is not dairy-free as it’s made from cow’s milk and uses animal rennet in its production. However, dairy-free alternatives are available on the market made from various plant-based ingredients, such as cashews and nutritional yeast.
Is feta cheese dairy-free?
Traditional feta cheese is not dairy-free as it’s made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk. However, vegan and dairy-free feta alternatives are available, often made from tofu or almonds, which mimic the crumbly texture and tangy flavor of feta.
Is cream cheese dairy-free?
Standard cream cheese is not dairy-free as it’s made from animal milk. However, numerous dairy-free cream cheeses are on the market made from various plant foods like nuts, soy, and root vegetables.
Is cottage cheese dairy-free?
Traditional cottage cheese is not dairy-free since it’s made from cow’s milk. Dairy-free alternatives can be made from tofu or nuts and are available at some health food stores or online.
Is goat cheese dairy-free?
No, goat cheese is not dairy-free. It’s made from goat’s milk. Some dairy-free alternatives use plant-based ingredients to mimic goat cheese’s creamy and tangy characteristics.
Is ricotta cheese dairy-free?
Traditional ricotta cheese is not dairy-free as it’s made from whey, a by-product of cheese made from cow’s milk. However, vegan and dairy-free versions of ricotta can be made using tofu, nuts, or even certain types of seeds, and there are also commercial dairy-free ricotta cheeses available.
