Vegan Grilled Cheese

When I first became vegan, I had no idea what to eat, so I ate frozen veggie burgers and made vegan pizza consisting of pita bread topped with pizza sauce, shredded vegan mozzarella cheese, and whatever veggies I had around.Back then, there was only one kind of vegan cheese that existed and it was ok, but nothing totally amazing!

Once I learned how to prepare more foods, I left the world of vegan cheese deeming it as far inferior to real cheese.

I recently returned to the vegan cheese section of Whole Foods and noticed that there are now TONS of different brands, and they come in slices, shreds, and blocks!

I decided to give some cheddar slices a whirl. Here's the verdict: I'm not going to say it tastes exactly like cheese, but it is definitely an amazing substitute that stretches and melts very similarly.

Anyway, I just LOVED every bite of this grilled cheese - it made me feel like a kid again.

​The cheese was dripping everywhere and it was super messy and delicious, just like a proper grilled cheese should be!! Enjoy!

Cost per serving: $1.25
Calories per serving: 210 (varies depending on bread you use - I used this kind at 45 calories per slice)
Equipment you'll need: panini press (if you don't have one, scroll to the end of the method section)

Ingredients: ​makes 1 grilled cheese
2 slices of whole-grain or gluten-free bread
2 slices of vegan cheddar cheese slices (I used this kind)
optional add ins: tomato slices and kale (highly recommended!)

Method:
1. Heat up panini press to medium-high heat.
2. Top bread with cheese and optional add ins.
3. Place cheese sandwich (soon to be grilled cheese) in panini press, and cook until the cheese is sufficiently melted.*If you don't have a panini press, you can toast your bread, then add cheese and toppings. Microwave for 30 seconds until cheese is sufficiently melted. I have not tried this method, but I know others have had success this way!