Quickmelt cheese is a type of processed cheese that melts rapidly when heated. It is a convenient option for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, nachos, quesadillas, and more where you want the cheese to melt quickly and smoothly. However, some people prefer to avoid highly processed foods or are intolerant to ingredients commonly used in quickmelt cheese products. In those cases, it can be helpful to find good substitutes for quickmelt cheese that offer similar melting properties without relying on excessive processing. There are a few different natural cheese varieties and techniques that can mimic the melting behavior of quickmelt cheese.
What Makes Quickmelt Cheese Melt Faster Than Regular Cheese?
Quickmelt cheese is able to melt faster and smoother compared to regular block cheeses because of how it is manufactured. Here is an overview of the key processing steps:
- Emulsifying salts are added – These salts help bind fat and water together more effectively in the cheese.
- The pH is adjusted – Quickmelt cheeses tend to be slightly more acidic which helps the proteins melt more readily.
- The cheese is heavily processed – Extensive shredding, mixing, and heating gives quickmelt cheese a very smooth texture with an open protein matrix.
- Oils may be added – Vegetable oils improve the meltability.
Together these steps result in a cheese that quickly forms a smooth, uniform liquid when heated. Natural cheeses made in the traditional way from milk do not undergo this intensive processing, so they tend to melt more slowly and less evenly.
Best Substitutes for Quickmelt Cheese
When looking for a good quickmelt cheese alternative, the goal is to find cheeses that have some natural characteristics that lend themselves to easy melting. Here are some of the top options:
Muenster Cheese
Muenster is a semi-soft washed rind cheese that originated in France. It has a smooth, creamy texture and melts exceptionally well due to its higher moisture content. The open texture also allows Muenster to melt smoothly without becoming lumpy or separating when heated. For an easy quickmelt cheese substitute, look for authentic Muenster cheese and slice or shred it thickly. The result is a melted cheese that tastes much less processed.
Fontina Cheese
Fontina is an Italian semi-soft cheese praised for its excellent melting abilities. True Fontina cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a supple, creamy texture similar to Havarti or Gouda. When young and sliced thickly, Fontina can deliver that effortless, smooth melting effect. Aged Fontina tends to get firmer and needs to be shredded before melting. For a fast melting cheese, stick with younger Fontina.
Gouda Cheese
Gouda is a Dutch cheese traditionally made from cow’s milk. Young Gouda tends to be creamy, pliable, and melts smoothly when heated. Aged Gouda can become drier and needs to be shredded first before melting. But generally, Gouda’s subtle nutty flavor and stretchy melted texture make it a tasty quickmelt cheese alternative. Try using a young Gouda and slicing it about 1/4 inch thick for sandwiches and other melted cheese applications.
Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack is an American cheese made in a semi-soft style. It contains more moisture than cheddar or swiss cheeses, allowing it to melt smoothly. When sliced thickly or shredded, Monterey Jack cheese can duplicate that effortless melting effect sought after in quickmelt cheeses. Plus it has a very mild flavor that works well in quesadillas, nachos, burgers, and more. Just be sure to avoid any Monterey Jack cheeses with added vegetable oil, as this can change the flavor and texture.
Asiago Cheese
Asiago is an Italian cow’s milk cheese that comes in different aging variations. Fresh Asiago is soft and flexible with a smooth, dense texture that melts evenly. More aged Asiago gets drier and needs to be shredded first. But in general, Asiago is a good melting cheese that can be substituted for processed quickmelt cheeses. Its tangy, nutty flavor pairs especially well with Italian dishes.
Using Cheese Slices
One shortcut for getting cheese to melt fast and smooth is to use presliced cheese. Look for natural cheese slices without added oils or emulsifiers. Cheddar, swiss, provolone, and havarti often come in convenient presliced packages that work well for grilled sandwiches or burgers. The thin slices promote even melting. Just avoid individually wrapped cheese “singles” as these tend to contain additives.
Other Tips for Improving Melting
There are a few other simple tricks that can help maximize the meltability of any substitute cheese:
- Shred the cheese – Shredding creates more surface area for the cheese to melt smoothly.
- Look for younger cheeses – Young, fresher cheeses tend to be more pliable and melt better than aged, drier cheeses.
- Slice cheese thinly – Thin slices of around 1/4 inch melt more evenly than thick chunks.
- Mix in a small amount of starch – Adding just 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch per 1 cup of shredded cheese can help it melt more smoothly.
- Combine cheeses – Blending cheeses like cheddar and swiss can improve melting compared to using just one type.
With these tips in mind, almost any natural cheese can achieve that quick melting effect without artificial additives.
Non-Dairy Substitutes for Quickmelt Cheese
For those who need to avoid dairy, there are a few non-dairy alternatives that can mimic the functionality of quickmelt cheese:
Vegan Cheese Slices
There are several brands such as Follow Your Heart that make vegan cheese slices designed to melt smoothly. They rely on vegetable oils, starches, and gums to create the stretchy melting effect. Flavors and quality can vary significantly between brands.
Nut Cheese Sauces
Cheese sauces made from nuts and seeds like cashews, almonds, and sunflower seeds can make good vegan quickmelt substitutes. They are naturally smooth and creamy when blended, and melt easily into cheese-like sauces for nachos, sandwiches, etc.
Nutritional Yeast Sauces
Nutritional yeast can be blended with plant milks, spices, and thickeners to create smooth, melty cheese sauces. These tend to have a savory, cheesy flavor profile. Water or vegetable broth is key for getting a nice creamy sauce.
Coconut Oil-Based Cheeses
Some vegan cheese products use coconut oil along with tapioca starch, potato starch, etc to create a smooth, melty texture. Brands like Daiya rely on this approach. The coconut oil allows rapid melting without separating.
Thick Cashew Cream
Soaking raw cashews then blending into a thick cream can make for an easy nacho cheese sauce. Add a little lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and spices for flavor. The cashew cream becomes smooth and liquid when heated but holds its shape when cooled.
Overall, it may take some trial and error to find a non-dairy quickmelt cheese substitute with the perfect melt, stretch, and flavor for your tastes. Reading reviews of products can help identify the best vegan cheese for melting smoothly in recipes.
Quick Q&A on Quickmelt Cheese Substitutes
Here are quick answers to some common questions about substituting for quickmelt cheese:
What is the best cheese for melting?
Mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Muenster, and Fontina are some of the best natural cheeses for melting smoothly. Young, semi-soft cheeses tend to melt best.
Why does processed cheese melt better?
Processing includes emulsifying salts, increased acidity, and extensive smoothing of the cheese proteins to allow rapid, even melting.
Can you duplicate quickmelt with natural cheeses?
Yes, choose younger cheeses that are naturally higher in moisture like Muenster or Monterey Jack. Slice or shred thickly, and melt slowly at medium-low heat for a smooth, liquid texture.
What makes vegan cheese melt?
Vegan quickmelt cheeses rely on vegetable oils, gums, and starches to create stretchy melting properties without dairy.
Is quickmelt cheese bad for you?
Some quickmelts include additives for texture rather than flavor. Read labels and choose products with no artificial colors, oils, or preservatives.
What cheese has sodium citrate?
Sodium citrate is an emulsifying salt added to some processed cheeses. Natural cheeses rarely contain sodium citrate unless it is added artificially.
Can I make quickmelt at home?
Yes, you can add a small amount of sodium citrate to shredded cheese to improve melting. Use 1/2 teaspoon per 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Conclusion
While convenient, quickmelt cheeses rely on extra processing and additives to achieve that instant melting effect. Fortunately, there are many great natural cheese varieties that can melt just as smoothly. Cheeses like Muenster, Fontina, Monterey Jack, and Gouda become fantastic quickmelt substitutes when sliced or shredded thickly. Following melting tips like shredding, using younger cheeses, and combining cheeses can help maximize the meltability of any good quality cheese. With some experimenting, it’s definitely possible to duplicate the melting properties of quickmelt cheese using wholesome, natural ingredients.