Inspired by: @lilanovel
Craving that gooey, melty vegan cheese on your pizza but short on time? Look no further! This incredible Paparella recipe, shared by abillion user lilanovel, is an absolute game-changer. It's an effortlessly easy and quick dairy-free alternative that comes together in just 5 minutes with only 3 simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute pizza parties, or anyone seeking a delicious, homemade plant-based pizza topping.
This recipe answers the call for a truly accessible vegan cheese, proving that homemade vegan cheese doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. As lilanovel shared, "I thought everyone knew this recipe, it’s so easy and tasty!!". And the community agrees, with comments like "Omg 😍😍" and "Delicioso!!🙌🫶" pouring in. Get ready to elevate your pizza night with this fantastic, melt-in-your-mouth Paparella!
What is Paparella?
"Paparella" is a playful name for a super simple, homemade vegan cheese that's gaining popularity for its speed and versatility. It's often potato-based, leveraging the potato's starchiness for a thick, cheesy consistency when blended with nutritional yeast and a liquid. It's naturally gluten-free and egg-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. This recipe is your secret weapon for making vegan pizza that truly satisfies.
Yields & Prep Time
- Yields: Approx. 1 cup (240ml)
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes (blending only)
Ingredients
- 2 medium Potatoes, peeled and cooked until very soft
- ½ cup (120ml) Water or Plant Milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- ¼ cup (60ml) Nutritional Yeast
- Pinch of Salt (to taste)
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Pot for boiling potatoes
Instructions
- Peel and dice the potatoes. Boil them in water until they are very soft and easily mashable. Drain thoroughly.
- Transfer the cooked potatoes to a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Add the water (or plant milk), nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water or plant milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Pour over your favorite pizza base and bake until warm and slightly bubbly.
Variations & Adaptations
This Paparella recipe is incredibly versatile!
- Extra Creaminess: As one user noted, "Yo a veces le agrego almendras en remojo🤭" (I sometimes add soaked almonds). For an even richer, creamier texture, soak ¼ cup of raw almonds overnight (or for at least 4 hours) and blend them with the other ingredients.
- Flavor Boosts:
- Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder for more savory depth.
- A tiny pinch of turmeric powder can enhance the yellow "cheesy" color without affecting flavor.
- For a smoky kick, incorporate ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Consistency Control: Adjust the amount of liquid (water or plant milk) to achieve your desired thickness. Thicker Paparella is great for spreading, while a thinner consistency works well as a sauce for pasta or a dip.
- Serving Suggestions: While perfect for pizza, Paparella is also fantastic as a sauce for vegan mac and cheese, a dip for crackers or veggies, or even spread on toast.
Tips & Hacks
- Cook Potatoes Until Very Soft: The key to a silky-smooth Paparella is to ensure your potatoes are cooked until incredibly tender. This prevents a gritty texture.
- Hot vs. Cold: Blending warm potatoes can help create a smoother consistency, but chilled Paparella will thicken as it cools. You can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave if it becomes too firm.
- Storage: Store leftover Paparella in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It may thicken when chilled, so add a splash of water or plant milk when reheating if needed.
- Batch Cooking: This recipe doubles or triples easily if you want to make a larger batch for meal prep.
Ready to transform your pizza?
Don't wait any longer to try this unbelievably simple and delicious Paparella recipe! It's a testament to how easy and rewarding homemade vegan cheese can be. Whip up a batch today and share your cheesy creations on abillion! We can't wait to see your amazing pizzas!
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