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This Vegan Parmesan Cheese recipe is a quick, delicious, and dairy-free alternative to traditional Parmesan. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for sprinkling on pasta, pizza, salads, and more!
This Vegan Parmesan Cheese recipe is a quick and easy way to add nutty, cheesy flavor to your dishes. Its crumbly texture makes it perfect for sprinkling on pasta, pizza, salads, and roasted veggies. It’s a healthier and delicious alternative made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients.
While it doesn’t melt like traditional cheese, it has an excellent texture and delivers a bold, cheesy taste that enhances any meal.
Inspired by the flavors of traditional Parmesan, this dairy-free version uses cashews as a base, combined with nutritional yeast and simple seasonings to create a cheesy, savory flavor profile. Best of all, it comes together in just minutes!
Every time I make this recipe, I’m amazed at its versatility and how quickly it is ready. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I always have a jar prepared to sprinkle on everything from pasta to soups.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based options, this Vegan Parmesan Cheese will elevate your meals!
If you need a nut-free alternative, take a look at this recipe.
WHAT ALLERGENS/INGREDIENTS IS THIS RECIPE FREE FROM?
This Recipe is:
- Dairy-Free: Completely plant-based and free from milk or cheese.
- Oil-Free: Contains no added oils, making it lighter and healthier.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally free from gluten.
- Soy-Free: Suitable for soy-sensitive diets.
This recipe suits those following vegan, oil-free, whole food plant-based (WFPB), and gluten-free diets.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS AND WHY IS GOOD FOR YOU
This Vegan Parmesan Cheese is:
Cheesy and Savory: Thanks to nutritional yeast and garlic powder, it mimics the rich flavor of traditional Parmesan.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes with a food processor or blender.
Versatile: Sprinkle it on pasta, pizza, salads, soups, and more.
Wholesome: Made with simple, nutrient-rich ingredients that are good for you.
HOW TO PREPARE THIS VEGAN PARMESAN CHEESE RECIPE
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
With just a few ingredients and a quick pulse in the blender, you’ll have a delicious condiment ready to elevate your dishes.
Let’s explore kitchen tools, the required ingredients, and the steps with helpful pictures if needed.
USEFUL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mayo:
- High-Speed Blender or Food Processor: For a fine, crumbly texture.
- Airtight Container: This is for storing the Parmesan in the fridge.
Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions in some cases.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this mayo:
- Raw Cashews are the base for the cheese. Substitution: Use sunflower seeds or raw almonds for a variation option. If you need a nut-free alternative, take a look at this recipe.
- Nutritional Yeast: Adds the cheesy, savory flavor. Substitution: None, as this is essential for the cheesy taste.
- Garlic Powder: For depth of flavor.
- Onion Powder (Optional): Adds a subtle complexity.
- Sea Salt: Enhances the overall taste. Substitution: Adjust to taste or skip for a low-sodium option.
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this recipe, follow these steps:
Blend Ingredients: Add the raw cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), and sea salt to a food processor or high-speed blender.
Pulse: Pulse until the mixture reaches a fine, crumbly texture resembling grated Parmesan cheese. Be careful not to over-blend, which can turn the mix into cashew butter.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the Parmesan and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, nutritional yeast, or garlic powder to suit your preference.
Store: Transfer the Vegan Parmesan Cheese to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
WHAT WILL YOU LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE?
Well, you will find that it is:
- Easy to Make: It takes just minutes to prepare with minimal effort.
- Customizable: Adjust the flavor to your liking or try variations with different nuts or seeds.
- Nutritious: Packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals from the cashews and nutritional yeast.
- Long-Lasting: Keeps well in the fridge, making it a convenient, go-to meal topping.
Let’s prepare this delicious vegan parmesan cheese!
MORE VEGAN CHEESE RECIPES!
PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
VEGAN PARMESAN CHEESE RECIPE (with cashews)
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor or High-Speed Blender (For a fine, crumbly texture)
- 1 Airtight container (This is for storing the Parmesan in the fridge)
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews (150 g)
- 3 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder optional
- 1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: Add all the ingredients to a food processor or high-speed blender.
- Pulse: Pulse until the mixture reaches a fine, crumbly texture resembling grated parmesan cheese. Be careful not to over-blend, as it can turn into cashew butter.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust the seasoning. If desired, add more salt, nutritional yeast, or garlic powder.
- Store: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
Notes
- This vegan parmesan is excellent for sprinkling on pasta, pizza, salads, and roasted vegetables.
- You can substitute sunflower seeds for cashews for a nut-free or variation option. Or try this recipe.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS RECIPE
- Sprinkle: For a cheesy topping, pasta, pizza, or roasted vegetables.
- Mix: Into soups or sauces for added flavor.
- Garnish: Over salads or grain bowls for extra texture and taste.
- Bake: Use it as a topping for casseroles or vegan lasagna.
This Vegan Parmesan Cheese is a must-have for your plant-based pantry. It’s quick, easy, and flavorful, making it a perfect topping for any dish. Try it out and see how it transforms your meals!
DID YOU MAKE THIS VEGAN PARMESAN CHEESE RECIPE?
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