Are you a cheese lover who is also looking for healthier and more sustainable options?
Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to make cheese from oat milk?
Well, wonder no more!
In this article, we will explore the world of oat milk-based cheeses and discover the benefits of using this plant-based alternative.
From creamy mac and cheese to probiotic-rich cultured cheese, we will delve into the different types of oat milk cheeses and learn how to make them at home.
So, grab a glass of your favorite oat milk and let’s get started on this cheesy adventure!
Can You Make Cheese From Oat Milk?
The short answer is yes, you can make cheese from oat milk. Oat milk is a versatile and healthy plant-based alternative to dairy milk, and it can be used to make a variety of delicious and nutritious cheeses.
One of the most popular types of oat milk cheese is mozzarella. This vegan cheese can be grated, sliced, and melted just like traditional mozzarella, making it a great option for pizzas, sandwiches, and more. Oat milk mozzarella is also economical, allergy-friendly, and healthy, as it is made from cultured oat milk.
Another popular oat milk cheese is cultured cheese. This type of cheese is high in probiotics and helps with digestion. It’s also low in fat and high in soluble fiber, making it a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cheese.
To make cultured oat milk cheese, you will need to make rejuvelac first. This process involves soaking quinoa in water for 2-3 days until it becomes fermented. Once you have your rejuvelac, you can mix it with oats, nutritional yeast, garlic, paprika, agar agar, and salt in a blender. After blending the mixture until smooth, you will need to cook it on the stove until it gets thick and bubbly. Then, add potato starch, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum to thicken the mixture even more. Finally, transfer the mixture to a glass container and chill it in the fridge until it’s ready to use.
The Benefits Of Oat Milk-Based Cheese
Oat milk-based cheese offers a range of benefits that make it a great alternative to traditional dairy cheese. One of the main benefits is that it is lactose-free, making it a great option for those who are lactose intolerant. Oat milk-based cheese also has a creamy texture and slightly sweet taste, which makes it a delicious option for a variety of dishes.
Additionally, oat milk-based cheese is rich in nutrients and vitamins. Oats are a rich source of vitamins and minerals like folate, magnesium, vitamin B, thiamin, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, and copper. These vitamins and minerals are also extracted from oats when making oat milk-based cheese. This means that you can get a dose of each of these vitamins and minerals when you consume oat milk-based cheese.
Furthermore, some store-bought oat milk brands are fortified with additional vitamins and nutrients like calcium, vitamin B12, and riboflavin. This makes oat milk-based cheese an even healthier option for those looking to increase their nutrient intake.
Lastly, oat milk-based cheese is also a great option for those who are looking to reduce their fat intake. Unlike traditional dairy cheese, oat milk-based cheese is low in fat, making it a healthier alternative for those who are watching their fat intake.
Creamy Mac And Cheese Recipe Using Oat Milk Cheese
If you’re a fan of mac and cheese but are looking for a healthier and dairy-free alternative, then this creamy mac and cheese recipe using oat milk cheese is perfect for you. Not only is it deliciously cheesy, but it’s also easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes.
To start, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions and set it aside. Then, in a medium saucepan, combine oat milk and queso cheese sauce, whisking them together and gently warming them up. Be careful not to overheat or let the mixture boil. Once the mixture is warm, reduce the heat to low and add the oat milk cheese. Whisk until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Taste and add more salt/seasoning if desired.
Next, add the cooked pasta to the pot of cheese sauce and stir until the sauce is evenly distributed. Let the mac and cheese cool for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese sauce has thickened a little bit and sticks to the noodles.
This recipe is versatile, so you can use any shape of pasta that you prefer or have available. If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, just opt for gluten-free pasta. You can also use any type of vegan cheese that you prefer, such as cheddar-style or mozzarella-style vegan cheese.
How To Make Cultured Oat Milk Cheese
Cultured oat milk cheese is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional dairy cheese. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup oats
– 3 cups boiling water
– 1/2 cup rejuvelac
– 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon agar agar powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons potato starch
– 2 tablespoons tapioca starch
– 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
Instructions:
1. Make rejuvelac by soaking quinoa in water for 2-3 days until it becomes fermented.
2. Pour oats and boiling water into a medium bowl. Stir and let it cool completely.
3. Once cooled, add rejuvelac to the oat mixture and let it sit for 24 hours to culture.
4. After the oats have cultured, pour the mixture back into a high-powered blender.
5. Add 1 cup of water, nutritional yeast, garlic, paprika, agar agar, and salt to the blender. Blend until smooth.
6. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat until it thickens and becomes bubbly.
7. Remove from heat and return the mixture to the blender.
8. Add potato starch, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum to the blender and blend until well combined.
9. Transfer the mixture to a glass container of your choice and chill in the fridge until it’s ready to use.
This recipe makes a firm vegan cheese that can be shredded or sliced for use on sandwiches, pizzas, or crackers. It’s also high in probiotics and fiber, making it a healthy alternative to traditional dairy cheese. Give it a try and see how delicious cultured oat milk cheese can be!
Comparing Oat Milk Cheese To Traditional Cheese
When comparing oat milk cheese to traditional cheese, there are several differences to consider. First and foremost, oat milk cheese is dairy-free and vegan-friendly, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. Traditional cheese, on the other hand, is made from animal milk and is not suitable for those who follow a vegan or dairy-free diet.
Another difference is the texture and taste. Oat milk cheese tends to be creamier and softer than traditional cheese, as it does not contain the same amount of fat and protein. However, oat milk cheese can still be melted and used in a variety of dishes, just like traditional cheese.
In terms of nutrition, oat milk cheese is generally lower in fat and calories than traditional cheese. It’s also high in soluble fiber, which can help with digestion and overall health. Traditional cheese, on the other hand, can be high in saturated fat and sodium, which can have adverse effects on health if consumed in excess.
Oat Milk Cheese Brands To Try
If you’re interested in trying out oat milk cheese but don’t want to go through the hassle of making it yourself, there are a few brands that offer this plant-based alternative.
One such brand is OATzarella, which offers both shredded cheese alternatives and solid cheese wheels made from purity protocol steel cut oats. Their products are organic, vegan, and free from top allergens and added proteins.
Another brand to check out is Miyoko’s Creamery, which offers a wide range of vegan cheese options, including some made from oats. Their Oat Milk Butter is a popular choice among those looking for a dairy-free alternative to traditional butter.
Finally, if you’re looking for a more artisanal option, consider trying Dr-Cow’s Tree Nut Cheese. While not made specifically from oats, their cheeses are made from a variety of nuts, including cashews, macadamias, and Brazil nuts. They offer a wide range of flavors and textures, making them a great option for those looking for something unique and flavorful.
