How to Make Vegan Parmesan Cheese: A Simple, Delicious Alternative

Parmesan cheese is one of those irresistible toppings that takes a dish from good to extraordinary. But if you’re vegan or transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle, finding the perfect alternative can feel tricky. Thankfully, this vegan Parmesan cheese recipe will be your go-to for all your cheesy cravings! And the best part? It only takes 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to whip up something magical.

Imagine sprinkling this on your favorite pasta, salads, or roasted vegetables, all while knowing it's healthier, plant-based, and just as satisfying as the original. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you won’t look back!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Parmesan Cheese Recipe

• Only 5 Ingredients! You won’t need to scan the store aisles for complex, store-bought alternatives. With raw cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt, you’ve got everything you need.
• 5-Minute Prep. Seriously, 5 minutes is all it takes to have your very own vegan Parmesan cheese, ready to elevate any meal.
• Healthy and Delicious. Packed with B12 from nutritional yeast and healthy fats from cashews, this cheesy topping is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.

Notes on Ingredients

• Raw Cashews: These are essential for that creamy, cheesy base. Be sure to use unsalted and unroasted cashews to get the right texture.
• Nutritional Yeast: The superstar of vegan cheese recipes. Not only does it provide that signature cheesy flavor, but it also packs in B12, which is great for vegans.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These add that extra savory, umami flavor, making your vegan Parmesan cheese even more irresistible.
• Sea Salt: A touch of salt brings out all the cheesy goodness and balances the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Vegan Parmesan Cheese

1. Grind the Cashews. In a food processor, pulse the raw cashews until they resemble a fine meal, similar to the texture of store-bought grated Parmesan.
2. Add the Rest of the Ingredients. Throw in the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt. Pulse a few more times until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to over-process—it should remain crumbly, not turn into a paste.
3. Enjoy Immediately! Your vegan Parmesan cheese is now ready to be sprinkled over your favorite dishes.

Tips for Success

• Nut Allergies? No problem! Swap the cashews for sunflower seeds or pepitas. The texture and flavor will be a little different, but still deliciously cheesy.
• Don’t Over-Mix. A few pulses are all you need once the ingredients are in. If you blend too long, you’ll end up with a cashew butter-like paste—not quite what we’re going for!
• Use a Food Processor. A blender won’t give you the same results. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a rolling pin to crush the cashews in a plastic bag. The consistency will be coarser but just as tasty.

Variations

While the classic recipe is amazing on its own, you can experiment by adding some optional flavors:

• Herbs: A dash of dried basil or oregano can give your vegan Parmesan a unique twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest brightens up the flavor, perfect for sprinkling over salads.

How to Use Vegan Parmesan Cheese

This vegan Parmesan cheese is super versatile and can be used just like regular Parmesan. Here are some delicious ways to incorporate it into your meals:

1. Pasta Dishes: Sprinkle generously over any pasta dish for a cheesy, savory finish. It pairs beautifully with marinara, Alfredo, or pesto sauces.
2. Pizza: Add it as a finishing touch on top of your homemade vegan pizza for extra cheesy goodness.
3. Salads: Toss it with salads for a bit of savory, nutty flavor—especially great on Caesar salads or kale salads.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Sprinkle over roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts for a flavor boost.
5. Soups and Stews: Stir a spoonful into soups, like minestrone or creamy vegetable soups, to enhance richness.
6. Garlic Bread: Spread some vegan butter on your bread, sprinkle the vegan Parmesan on top, and broil for a cheesy, crispy garlic bread.
7. Popcorn: Give your popcorn a cheesy twist by sprinkling this on top after adding a little vegan butter or olive oil.
8. Baked Potatoes: Add some vegan Parmesan on top of your baked potatoes with a dollop of vegan sour cream for the ultimate comfort food.

How to Store

• Refrigerate: Store your vegan Parmesan cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Although most ingredients are shelf-stable, refrigeration will keep the raw cashews fresh.
• Freeze: If you want to extend its shelf life, freeze the cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Just make sure there’s no moisture in the container, and you can scoop and use it directly from frozen.

Can I Freeze This Recipe?

Yes! Freezing your vegan Parmesan cheese is a great option if you’ve made a big batch or just want to make it last longer. Simply transfer it to a freezer bag or airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 6 months. You can scoop and use it straight from the freezer without any issues.

How to Make Vegan Parmesan Cheese

🍴Servings: 18 tablespoons
⏲️Prep Time: 5 minutes
⏲️Total Time: 5 minutes

This vegan Parmesan cheese recipe is quick, easy, and it tastes amazing—and you only need 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to make it!

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup + 1 tbsp raw cashews
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¾ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, blend the cashews until they resemble a fine meal.
2. Add the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt. Pulse a few times until everything is well combined.
3. Enjoy your homemade vegan Parmesan cheese over pasta, pizza, salads, and more!

Notes:

• Refrigerate: Keep your vegan Parmesan in the fridge for up to 2 months.
• Freeze: Store in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 6 months.

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 32 kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 98mg, Fiber: 1g

I hope you love this quick and easy vegan Parmesan cheese recipe as much as I do! Whether you’re topping your favorite pasta or sprinkling it on a salad, this vegan cheese will definitely become a staple in your kitchen.