If you’ve been craving that classic savory-salty hit on top of your favorite pasta or roasted veggies but want to keep things entirely plant-based, Vegan Parmesan Cheese is your new go-to hero. This simple yet flavor-packed sprinkle lands somewhere between nutty, cheesy, and wonderfully umami, all without a trace of dairy. Using just a handful of wholesome ingredients and five minutes of your time, you’ll whip up something that truly rivals the original. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or just looking for a nutritious homemade topping, Vegan Parmesan Cheese is about to become your secret kitchen weapon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Vegan Parmesan Cheese all comes down to just four pantry staples, each bringing something unique to the table. You may be surprised by the bold, punchy flavor and authentic texture you can achieve in minutes!
- Raw Cashews: These form the base of the cheese, lending a creamy, buttery texture when pulsed into fine crumbs.
- Nutritional Yeast: The not-so-secret ingredient that gives a delicious, savory cheesiness and golden hue to the finished product.
- Salt: Crucial for bringing out all the flavors and giving that unmistakable parmesan-style punch.
- Garlic Powder: Just a touch is enough to deepen the layers of flavor, echoing the depth you’d expect from a classic parm.
How to Make Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by making sure you have all four ingredients measured and ready: raw cashews, nutritional yeast, salt, and garlic powder. No need to soak the cashews since you want them to stay dry for the signature crumbly texture.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Processor
Toss the cashews, nutritional yeast, salt, and garlic powder right into your food processor or high-powered blender. Keeping the ingredients dry ensures you get a parmesan-style consistency that sprinkles perfectly over your dishes.
Step 3: Pulse to Crumbly Texture
Pulse the mixture in short bursts, checking often. You’re aiming for a fine, grated consistency—much like real parmesan. Be careful not to over-blend, or you’ll end up with cashew butter! Scrape the sides as needed and stop processing as soon as it looks evenly ground and crumbly.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Give it a quick taste. Depending on your preferences, you might add a touch more salt for boldness, or a dash of onion powder or smoked paprika for extra personality. This is your chance to make it your own!
Step 5: Store Your Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Spoon the finished Vegan Parmesan Cheese into an airtight jar or container and pop it in the fridge. It keeps fresh and fabulously flavorful for up to three weeks. That’s it—you’re ready to sprinkle!
How to Serve Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Garnishes
This Vegan Parmesan Cheese is pure magic as a finishing touch, delivering a salty, cheesy crunch wherever you use it. Sprinkle generously over steamy bowls of pasta, grilled vegetables, or soups for that perfect umami pop. It brings color and extra appetizing appeal to any plate—don’t be shy!
Side Dishes
You’ll love it layered over a crisp Caesar salad, stirred into quinoa, or dusted atop oven-roasted potatoes. Even plant-based pizzas and stuffed mushrooms turn into showstoppers with a vibrant scatter of Vegan Parmesan Cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Take things up a notch by pairing this cheese with homemade garlic bread or swirled through dairy-free dips. Try shaping it into little domes and toasting lightly for an extra-crunchy topping, or layer into lasagna for a nutty, crave-worthy finish. The possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Vegan Parmesan Cheese fresh by storing it in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. It’ll easily keep its flavor and texture for up to three weeks, making it a fantastic batch-prep condiment for busy weeks.
Freezing
If you want to make a larger batch, this cheese freezes beautifully! Place it in a sealed freezer-safe container and it will last for up to three months. Let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving to bring back its irresistible crumbly texture.
Reheating
Vegan Parmesan Cheese really doesn’t require reheating, thanks to its no-cook nature. If you’d like it warm for certain dishes, simply sprinkle it over hot food and let the steam do the work. For a crunchier top, try broiling a finished dish for just a minute or two with the cheese on top.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides cashews?
Absolutely! While cashews are loved for their mild flavor and creaminess, almonds or macadamia nuts can also make a delicious Vegan Parmesan Cheese. Just make sure they’re raw and unsalted for the best texture.
Is nutritional yeast necessary?
Nutritional yeast is what gives Vegan Parmesan Cheese its signature cheesy, umami punch. It’s well worth using, but in a pinch, you can swap in a tiny bit of white miso paste for some extra depth.
Does Vegan Parmesan Cheese melt?
This cheese won’t melt in the traditional sense, as it’s meant to be a dry, crumbly sprinkle. If you’re seeking a melty vibe, try using it as a topping right before broiling or mixing into creamy sauces for extra flavor.
How can I adjust the flavor?
Customizing Vegan Parmesan Cheese is easy! For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of onion powder, Italian herbs, or smoked paprika. Taste as you go and make it truly yours.
Is this recipe gluten-free and allergy-friendly?
Yes! Vegan Parmesan Cheese is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and can fit many dietary needs. If nut allergies are a concern, sunflower seeds or hemp seeds are an excellent substitute.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making your own Vegan Parmesan Cheese, there’s never been a better place to start. With just four humble ingredients and a couple of minutes, you’ll have a jar of magic ready to transform meals all week long. Go on, give it a try—your pasta, salads, and soups will thank you!
Print
Vegan Parmesan Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Learn how to make a delicious Vegan Parmesan Cheese that’s perfect for topping pasta, salads, and more. This dairy-free alternative is quick and easy to prepare, offering a cheesy flavor without any animal products.
Ingredients
Cashew Parmesan:
- 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: Place cashews, nutritional yeast, salt, and garlic powder in a food processor or blender. Pulse until the mixture reaches a fine, crumbly texture similar to grated Parmesan. Avoid over-processing to prevent turning it into a paste.
- Store: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- You can add a pinch of onion powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Works great sprinkled over pasta, salads, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan / Plant-Based
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
