Tested for Grilled Cheese, Pizza, Pasta & Snack Time
If you’ve ever taken a bite of vegan pizza or grilled cheese only to find a rubbery, unmelted layer where ooey-gooey cheese should be, you’re not alone. Meltability is one of the biggest deal-breakers in the plant-based cheese world. Recently VeganCheese.co rated Which Vegan Cheeses Melts The Best, but they were all mass-produced brands. What if we told you that not only do artisan vegan cheeses melt great but they’re better than ever.
We tested four artisan vegan cheeses (plus one snack favorite) to find the true champions of melt: cheeses that stretch, bubble, and ooze in all the right ways. Whether you’re craving comfort food or an elevated plant-based meal, these picks actually deliver.
Let’s dive into the top vegan cheeses that passed the melt test from grilled cheese, pizza, pasta bake, and even mozzarella sticks.
🔥 1. Cheeze & Thank You – Fresh Mozzarella Ball (Soy-Based)
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Best For: Pizza, lasagna, baked ziti
Texture: Silky and springy straight out of the fridge; rich and creamy when melted
Flavor: Mild, milky, and clean and one of the closest matches to traditional mozzarella
Melt Test: Melts beautifully in the oven at 425°F+ with visible bubbling; stovetop needs a cover to coax the melt
Top Use: Caprese-style pizza with cherry tomatoes and basil you can expect a golden, stretchy finish
If you’re after the pure mozzarella experience, Cheeze & Thank You delivers. This soy-based ball is perfect for layering on homemade pizzas, lasagna, or ziti. It stretches, browns, and melts with near-authentic flair, especially under oven heat. On the stovetop, it needs a little help (covering the pan works wonders), but the flavor and texture make this a top choice for melty comfort food.
Cheeze & Thank You isn’t just making delicious vegan cheese, it’s making headlines for turning dairy-free creations into edible art, as featured in ARTnews.
Why You’ll Love It: It nails the delicate balance of dairy-like texture and flavor without overpowering your dish.
👉 Perfect for pizza night or pasta bakes.
🔥 2. Scratch House – Mozzarella & Fresno Jack (Allergen-Free)
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Best For: Grilled cheese, quesadillas, dips, and enchiladas
Texture: Grates easily; melts to a smooth, gooey consistency
Flavor: The Mozzarella is neutral and creamy, while Fresno Jack adds a hint of spice
Melt Test: Consistently great in all applications, stovetop, oven, or broiler etc.
Top Use: Grilled cheese or quesadilla with that Instagram-worthy cheese pull
For those avoiding allergens, Scratch House is a dream. Both their Mozzarella and Fresno Jack are free from soy, nuts, and gluten, yet they still deliver buttery meltiness and an indulgent mouthfeel. The Fresno Jack version spices things up with just the right amount of kick, while the Mozzarella keeps it classic.
Why You’ll Love It: Allergen-friendly without sacrificing melt or flavor. These cheeses perform beautifully whether you’re melting them into a dip or creating the perfect grilled sandwich.
👉 Make the grilled cheese of your dreams—gooey, golden, and dairy-free.
🔥 3. Uncreamery – Smoked Gouda (Almond-Based)
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Best For: Mac & cheese, creamy sauces, smoky quesadillas
Texture: Dense and firm when cold, softens quickly when heated
Flavor: Rich, bold, and smoky and loaded with savory umami from almonds
Melt Test: Melts easily into sauces or shreds well for baking
Top Use: Smoky mac & cheese that brings serious depth of flavor
For a more grown-up, gourmet take on vegan cheese, Uncreamery’s Smoked Gouda is where it’s at. It brings a bold smoky flavor that elevates any dish, especially mac and cheese or creamy pasta sauces. It’s easy to shred, quick to soften, and adds serious personality to your meal.
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re tired of bland vegan cheese, this delivers a flavor-packed punch with real meltability. It’s indulgent, comforting, and ideal for elevated plant-based recipes.
👉 Add smoky depth to creamy pastas and baked casseroles.
🔥 4. Butcher’s Son – Mozzarella Sticks (Soy & Gluten-Free)
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Best For: Snacks, appetizers, party plates
Texture: Crispy, crunchy breading with a stretchy, gooey cheese core
Flavor: Classic mozzarella profile with mild, savory, and totally snackable
Melt Test: Melts perfectly in an air fryer or oven, thanks to the coating holding in that cheesy center
Top Use: Classic mozzarella sticks with marinara dipping sauce
Sometimes, you just want to snack and The Butcher’s Son knows how to do it right. These vegan mozzarella sticks offer the full pub-style experience: crisp outside, melty and stretchy inside. Just toss them in the air fryer or oven, and they come out picture-perfect with zero effort.
The Butcher’s Son made headlines when it took over a traditional meat and cheese shop, proving that indulgent, melty vegan comfort food can win over even the most skeptical carnivores.
Why You’ll Love It: They’re quick, satisfying, and deliver the fun factor of cheesy snacking without any dairy. Great for kids, parties, or late-night cravings.
👉 Snack smarter with gooey, crispy indulgence.
🧀 Final Melt-Off: Which One Should You Choose?
| Cheese | Best For | Melt Score | Allergen Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheeze & Thank You Mozzarella | Pizza, baked pasta | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Contains soy |
| Scratchhouse Mozzarella / Fresno Jack | Grilled cheese, dips | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Allergen-free |
| Uncreamery Smoked Gouda | Mac & cheese, sauces | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Contains almonds |
| Butcher’s Son Mozzarella Sticks | Snacks & appetizers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Contains wheat & cashew |
Each of these cheeses earned top marks in different areas, from stretch to flavor to ease of use. If you’re building a vegan pantry for all kinds of comfort food moments, we suggest mixing and matching:
- For classic Italian dishes: Cheeze & Thank You
- For grilled melts & allergen-friendly cooking: Scratchhouse
- For smoky sophistication: Uncreamery
- For snack time magic: Butcher’s Son
💬 The Bottom Line
You don’t have to compromise anymore. These artisan vegan cheeses prove that meltiness, flavor, and texture can exist in harmony without a single drop of dairy. Whether you’re planning a cozy pasta night, grilled cheese sandwiches, or putting out game-day snacks, these picks bring the indulgence you’ve been missing.
And if you’re ready to turn these melty cheeses into a shareable masterpiece, this easy vegan snack board guide shows you how to build a crowd-pleasing spread for any occasion.
Craving the melt? Your next comfort meal is just a cheese away.
