If you’ve ever wished for a savory, nutty, and totally plant-based cheese alternative that you can sprinkle on everything, you’re about to discover your new kitchen staple: Vegan Parmesan Cheese. In just five minutes, you’ll have a flavorful, golden blend that tastes incredible on pasta, salads, vegetables, and beyond. This recipe is not only delicious and versatile but also incredibly easy, making it perfect for both seasoned vegans and those just dipping their toes into dairy-free eating.

Vegan Parmesan Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Vegan Parmesan Cheese is in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special to the mix—richness, tang, umami, and that craveable cheesy flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Raw Cashews: These form the creamy, rich base, delivering both texture and a subtle sweetness that mimics real Parmesan’s mouthfeel.
Nutritional Yeast: The secret weapon for cheesy flavor, this ingredient adds a savory, tangy punch and a boost of B vitamins.
Garlic Powder: A touch of garlicky depth makes this blend irresistibly savory, perfect for Italian-inspired dishes.
Onion Powder: This adds a gentle sweetness and complexity, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the ingredients together and enhancing the overall cheesy taste.

How to Make Vegan Parmesan Cheese

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

First, round up everything you need: raw cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Measuring out your ingredients ahead of time makes the process quick and totally seamless.

Step 2: Blend to Perfection

Add all your ingredients to a food processor or a high-speed blender. Pulse the mixture in short bursts until you achieve a fine, crumbly texture. You’re aiming for something that looks just like traditional grated Parmesan cheese. If you like a super-fine powder, simply blend a little longer.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Give your Vegan Parmesan Cheese a quick taste. Want it cheesier? Add another tablespoon of nutritional yeast. Prefer a bit more saltiness? Sprinkle in a pinch more salt. This is your chance to make it perfectly suited to your palate.

Step 4: Store for Freshness

Transfer your finished Vegan Parmesan Cheese to an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to three weeks. Now it’s ready whenever you need a burst of umami magic.

How to Serve Vegan Parmesan Cheese

Garnishes

Sprinkle a generous handful of Vegan Parmesan Cheese over steaming bowls of pasta, fresh salads, or piping hot soups. Its golden color and crumbly texture make every dish look and taste just a little bit fancier. For an extra pop, add a pinch of fresh cracked black pepper or chopped herbs.

Side Dishes

Take your side dishes up a notch by dusting roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, or even homemade garlic bread with this savory cheese. Its rich flavor instantly elevates simple sides into showstoppers that everyone will be talking about.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Try stirring Vegan Parmesan Cheese into dips, mixing it into breadcrumbs for a crispy coating, or even using it to top off popcorn for a unique and craveable snack. It’s a flavor booster you’ll find endless uses for.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Vegan Parmesan Cheese at its best by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh, flavorful, and ready to sprinkle for up to three weeks. Always use a clean, dry spoon to avoid introducing moisture.

Freezing

Need to make a big batch? No problem! You can freeze Vegan Parmesan Cheese for up to three months. Portion it into smaller containers or freezer bags so you can thaw just what you need, whenever you need it.

Reheating

There’s no reheating required for Vegan Parmesan Cheese, but if you like it warm, simply sprinkle it over hot dishes and let the heat from your food do the work. It retains its flavor and texture beautifully, even straight from the fridge or freezer.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?

Absolutely! While cashews create the creamiest base, almonds, macadamia nuts, or even sunflower seeds work well, especially if you have a nut allergy or just want to mix things up.

Is this Vegan Parmesan Cheese gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free! All the ingredients are safe for gluten-sensitive eaters, so you can sprinkle away without worry.

How long does homemade Vegan Parmesan Cheese last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to three weeks. Always check for any changes in smell or texture, just to be safe.

Can I make this recipe without a food processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, a high-speed blender will do the trick. Just pulse in short bursts and scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is evenly blended.

What dishes pair best with Vegan Parmesan Cheese?

It’s a superstar on pasta, pizza, roasted veggies, salads, soups, popcorn, and even avocado toast. Once you try it, you’ll want to sprinkle it on just about everything!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Vegan Parmesan Cheese and see just how easy and delicious dairy-free can be. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking for something new to jazz up your meals, this recipe is sure to become a kitchen favorite. Give it a whirl and let your tastebuds be the judge!

Vegan Parmesan Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cup (about 16 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

This Vegan Parmesan Cheese is a simple, dairy-free alternative to traditional Parmesan, made with raw cashews and nutritional yeast. It offers a cheesy, savory flavor perfect for sprinkling on pasta, salads, soups, and roasted vegetables. Quick to prepare and stored easily, it’s an ideal condiment for vegan and gluten-free diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

1 cup raw cashews
4 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Place the raw cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt into a food processor or high-speed blender.
Pulse to Desired Texture: Pulse the mixture until it resembles fine crumbs similar to grated Parmesan cheese. For a finer, powdery consistency, blend a little longer.
Store Properly: Transfer the vegan Parmesan cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to 3 weeks.

Notes

For a cheesier flavor, add an extra tablespoon of nutritional yeast.
If you prefer a finer texture, blend longer until powdery.
This vegan Parmesan is delicious sprinkled over pasta, salads, soups, and roasted vegetables.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Blending
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired