This Paleo AIP American Cheese Alternative is dairy-free, lactose-free, and Autoimmune Protocol elimination phase compliant that can be sliced, cubed, baked, or melted!
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Get your cheese fix…without the dairy! If you’re following the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, you may be missing the taste and texture of cheese. Luckily, there’s a delicious and healthy alternative: zucchini cheese. This dairy-free cheese is made from zucchini, nutritional yeast, and a few other ingredients, and it’s perfect for adding to salads, sandwiches, or just snacking on its own.
Not only is this recipe AIP-friendly, but it’s also gluten-free. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to any diet. In this article, we’ll go over the benefits of the AIP diet and why dairy is excluded, the health benefits of zucchini cheese, the ingredients needed for the recipe, step-by-step instructions for making the cheese, tips for perfecting it, how to use it in your favorite recipes, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions.
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What is AIP and Why is it Dairy-Free?
The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet is an elimination diet that aims to reduce inflammation in the body and improve autoimmune conditions. It involves removing certain foods that are known to trigger inflammation and immune reactions, such as grains, legumes, dairy, processed foods, and nightshades.
Dairy is excluded from the AIP diet for several reasons. First, many people have lactose intolerance or sensitivity to dairy proteins like casein or whey. These can cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. Second, dairy products might increase inflammation in some people that can contribute to autoimmune antibodies. Third, some dairy can contain hormones or antibiotics that may disrupt the immune system or even cause allergic reactions.
The Health Benefits of Zucchini Cheese
Zucchini is a nutrient-dense vegetable that’s high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, folate, and phytonutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin. These nutrients can help boost your immune system, support healthy digestion and metabolism, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, protect your eyesight and skin health.
Zucchini cheese is a great alternative to traditional dairy cheese because it still has a cheesy flavor and texture! It’s also free from lactose and casein which might cause digestive issues for some people. Unfortified nutritional yeast is used to give the cheese a cheesy flavor without adding any dairy products. Nutritional yeast is a good source of protein and some B vitamins.
BUY UNFORTIFIED NUTRITIONAL YEAST
Tips for Perfecting Your Zucchini Cheese
To make sure your zucchini cheese turns out perfectly every time:
– Use fresh zucchinis that are firm and not too large.
– Don’t overcook or undercook the zucchini slices before blending them.
– Use nutritional yeast that’s unfortified (no synthetic vitamins or minerals).
– Use refined coconut oil for greasing the pan for a coconut-free flavor.
– Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences.
How to Use Zucchini Cheese in Your Favorite Recipes
Zucchini cheese can be used in many different ways:
MELTED:
– As a dip for veggies, AIP crackers, or plantain chips
– As an AIP pasta sauce
CHILLED AND GRATED OR SLICED:
– As a filling for AIP sandwiches, burgers, or wraps
– As a topping for AIP salads or soups
– As an AIP pizza topping
AIP-Friendly Serving Suggestions for Zucchini Cheese
Here are some ideas for serving zucchini cheese:
– On its own, chilled and cubed, as a snack or with sliced fruit like apples or pears
– Melted, with sliced veggies like carrots or cucumbers
– Chilled and grated, then sprinkled on top of sweet potato toast
Let’s Be Pals on Social Media!
I hope you enjoy this delicious Paleo AIP American Cheese Alternative! If you make the recipe below, please take a snapshot and tag me on social media @itsallaboutaip – I’d love to see what you’re whipping up in the kitchen!!
Looking for More Recipe Accompaniments Like this Paleo AIP American Cheese Alternative?
Check out my AIP Sauces section for tasty dips, dressings, and sauces! Enjoy!
Paleo AIP American Cheese Alternative (Dairy-Free)
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped zucchini
- ¼ cup plain gelatin
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp sea salt
- Pinch turmeric
- Coconut oil for greasing
Instructions
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Microwave or steam zucchini for about 6 minutes or until slightly soft. Drain gently (retaining some of the juices from steaming is okay).
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Add hot zucchini, gelatin, olive oil, nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and turmeric to a high-speed blender.
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Blend on medium for 1 minute or until smooth (but not foamy).
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Pour into a lightly greased (with coconut oil) loaf-sized baking dish.
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Cool to room temperature, then cover and chill for 5 hours or until firmly set.
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Slice or cube your “cheese” if desired. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Recipe Notes
This makes a great sliceable cheese to top your burger patties with.
Try it melted and heated then used as a dip for pork rinds or as a topping for steamed veggies.
Serve slices inside NUCO coconut wraps with uncured turkey, stuffed into celery stalks, or on top of apple slices.
You can also melt it back down in individual portions, then serve it with plantain chips and browned ground beef for AIP nachos!
PRODUCTS USED IN THE RECIPE:
[…] a cheeseburger pizza by using this AIP American cheese as both your sauce and “cheese,” then top pizza with cooked, grass-fed ground beef and minced […]