How To Make Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Easy, 4-ingredient vegan parmesan cheese that's perfect on top of pastas, pizza, and anywhere you'd usually use parmesan cheese!
Servings 16 (1-Tbsp servings)
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 3 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor and mix/pulse until a fine meal is achieved. Be careful not to overblend or it will become a paste. Store in the refrigerator to keep fresh. Lasts for several weeks.
- I love vegan parmesan on top of chilaquiles, vegan pizza, breadsticks, pastas and gratins. It’s also a great addition to vegan meatballs and can be converted into mexican cheese 3 ways!
Video
Notes
*This is not my original recipe, but one I learned from other vegan bloggers and have adapted for my own use!
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
*Recipe (as originally written) makes ~1 cup.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
*Recipe (as originally written) makes ~1 cup.
Nutrition (1 of 16 servings)
Serving: 1 tablespoon Calories: 44 Carbohydrates: 3 g Protein: 1.8 g Fat: 3 g Saturated Fat: 0.6 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 92 mg Fiber: 0.7 g
Below are some of my recipes which use Vegan Parmesan Cheese:
Vegan Pesto Parmesan Breadsticks // My Favorite Vegan Pizza // Vegan Zucchini Gratin // The Best Vegan GF Mac’n Cheese // Vegan Eggplant Parmesan // Simple Vegan Meatballs // Vegan Green Chili Mac’n Cheese // Vegan Caramelized Onion Mac’n Cheese // Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Pasta // Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Arancini // Mushroom & Leak Risotto // Pea Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Arugula
Sandy says
I have made this many times and it is by far the best and easiest vegan Parmesan cheese by far. My fussy husband enjoys it too!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! Thanks, Sandy!
Amy says
I love this recipe and use it a lot Especially on top of vegan lasagna. It is the only vegan Parmesan cheese I use! Thanks for the fantastic recipe.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you’re enjoying it, Amy! Thank you so much for your kind words and support! xo
Jay says
Hi. I am trying to find out about this recipe – do i have to use soaked cashews or just dry ones out of the pack? Thanks in advance.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Dry cashews!
Michael Castellano says
Hello can you use non fortified nutritional yeast instead of nutritional yeast?
And can you not use salt?
Please let me know thanks!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Michael, the nutritional yeast doesn’t have to be fortified. But salt is key for the right flavor! You could use slightly less though, if preferred.
terri says
My son is allergic to cashews. Is there any substitute that would work well?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Terri, we have a cashew-free version here. Hope this helps!
terri says
Thank you so much!
Danae says
Excellent recipe! Tasty, easy and healthy! Thank you :)
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Woohoo! Thanks, Danae!
Sheila says
Yum just made this to go on my vegan pesto with pine nuts.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! We’re so glad you enjoy it, Sheila! xo
JD says
I was wondering if this would work to make homemade pesto?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yes!
Leslie Vincent says
Just made this today, delicious. I couldn’t find anything about if it should be put in the fridge to keep it fresh or not. Anyone know?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Leslie, we suggest storing it in the refrigerator. It will last a few weeks there!
Liz says
Hi just wondering does this vegan parmesan cheese work well inside a recipe for example Fritters my recipe calls for regular fresh shredded parmesan cheese as part of the filling or is it meant for just sprinkling on top of a recipe? I’m trying to veganize a recipe to take to a dinner party Thank you kindly, Liz :))
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Liz! The vegan parmesan will add a nice flavor to your fritters, however if the original fritter recipe is using the fresh parmesan as a binder the vegan parmesan will not have the same effect. Hope this helps!
Liz says
Hi thanks for your response… yes I believe it is a binder in the recipe so
I don’t think it will work for my recipe but its a great recipe for many
other uses thank you. Liz :))
Zoe Corman says
I didn’t make this recipe yet- Cashew allergy. Is there any other nut that can be substituted?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Zoe, we have a cashew free version here, hope this helps!
Lori Veirs says
This Vegan Parmesan Cheese is delicious and beyond easy. I didn’t have raw cashews and used roasted salted. I added no salt to compensate. It is yummy and I am so excited it will keep refrigerated for 2 months. Psych! Although I doubt it will last that long. I love cheese and stopped eating it long ago. Thank you so much Minimalist Baker for so many spectacular recipes.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Ha! Love it! Thanks so much for sharing, Lori! xo
Meg V. says
How do u store this, in the fridge or cabinet?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Meg! We suggest storing it in the fridge for 3-4 weeks or in the freezer for 3 months!
Don says
Can roasted cashews be used instead of raw
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Don, the flavor will be different but it will technically work, yes!
Honii des Lysses says
This recipe sounds so super cool and simple, but I’m wondering why the cashews are not roasted since the raw product contains urushiol and is quite toxic when ingested. Most, if not all cashews sold retail have been blanched to remove the toxin, but for those who are unaware of this may use actual raw nuts and pay a visit to the emergency room, but I’m going to try this recipe anyway.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Honii, by raw cashews we’re referring to those from the grocery store, which have been blanched to remove the toxin.
Kim Norrie says
This is the BEST cheese replacement! It’s so good, I let people try it all the time who aren’t vegan and they love it and ask for the recipe all the time. Really really cannot recommend it enough.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Whoop! We’re so glad you’re enjoying it, Kim. Thank you for sharing! xo
J says
Seems like the commercial product NoochIt that I paid $10 for four ounces!
Lee says
I cut the salt a bit and it came out delicious!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! Thanks for the review, Lee!
Ines says
The most awesome vegan Parmesan hands down!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Whoop! Thank you for the lovely review, Ines! xo
Nic says
My 4 year old has loved this since she was 2. We are a plant based household and it’s so versatile! Today we use it for your lasagna recipe!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Amazing! We’re so glad you both enjoy it, Nic. Thank you for the lovely review! xo
Sheena says
Absolutely love this recipe. Simple and delicious! Now will be making my way through other recipes 😍
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! We’re so glad you enjoy it, Sheena. Thank you for the lovely review! xo
Paula Bell says
Would adding a little vegan lactic acid bump up the cheese flavor?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Paula, We haven’t experimented with adding lactic acid. Let us know if you try it!
Jo says
OMG this was delicious! So easy to make & tastes delicious. I’m sprinkling it on everything. 😊
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Whoop! It’s one of our favorites too =) Thank you for the lovely review, Jo! xo
Monica says
Have you tried freezing the vegan Parmesan? We used to freeze the traditional type to keep it longer and was wondering if this would work the same?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yes, it freezes well!
Sophia says
My mom is allergic to cashews; do you think I could use a different nut?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Sophia, we have a cashew-free version here. Hope that helps!
Carol says
I love this recipe! As a newly diagnosed dairy and salicylate intolerant person it’s a godsend. I made it and then added in some sunflower oil for more of a paste. Then I mixed some into some vegan sour cream and added some chives. It’s was absolutely delicious.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Love your creative modifications, Carol! We’re so glad the recipe is helpful for you! xo
Emily says
Amazing recipe! I was worried I wouldn’t use the whole amount in a month but I have been putting it in everything and finished it within two weeks. Made it exactly as written.
I love cooking some whole wheat pasta, adding a can of white beans, baby spinach, garlic and pepper then topping with a massive amount of this “cheese.” So healthy and satisfying and takes less than 20 mins.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Amazing! We’re so glad you’ve been enjoying it, Emily! Thank you for sharing! xo
Shannon lynn says
Since none of the ingredients actually come from refrigeration, does it absolutely NEED to be refrigerated? Just thinking of bringing a jar for camping/RV trips…
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Shannon, it will be fine at room temperature for a few days!
Polly says
Sooooo delicious!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! Thanks, Polly!
Robert says
Should this be stored in the Fridge or Freezer due to having raw cashews as an ingredient?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Robert! We store this in the refrigerator.
Alix says
I tried it on a vegan pizza and everyone loved it! I just thought it was a bit too salty.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad it was a hit, Alix! Feel free to start with half the salt and add more to taste!
Kaci Davignon says
Hey! Do you have a substitute for nutritional yeast?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Kaci, you can find our yeast-free version here. Hope that helps!
Petra says
I absolutely love this recipe! Been making it for quite a while now and I’ve always got a small container of it in the pantry. (Not that it’s lasts long!)
I sprinkle (more like heap) it on pasta dishes as well as on stir fried veggies with a can of crushed tomatoes! So yum!
When I don’t have cashews I use sunflower seeds that I’ve roasted and it’s sooo tasty still! Thank you!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Petra! Thank you for sharing! xo
Holly says
I had to make this twice. The first time it was too salty, the second time I eliminated the salt completely. Sooooo good. Thank you.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks for sharing, Holly!
Purna Rodman says
This recipe is great. It is easy to make. But more than that, because of the simplicity of only four ingredients, it doesn’t taste fake. A satisfying parmesan alternative.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Purna! Love your description of it! xoxo
Joan says
My first time making this and it did help the pasta dish I made. I have been df for about 7 months and never thought about if I could even make my own version of parm cheese. I cannot wait to try it on other dishes. So easy!
Thank you
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad it was helpful, Joan! Thank you for sharing! xoxo
Kellie says
I don’t have a food processor, could a blender work as well?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yes! We have made this successfully in the Vitamix!
Sarah says
My three year olds refuse dinner every single night. It doesn’t matter what we make and they eat meals and healthy snacks at regular times throughout the day. I made this on an Udi GF crust and added mushrooms because I knew they probably wouldn’t touch it. I ran out of nutritional yeast and cashews so I used part of a brick of parmesan and walnuts which I lightly toasted. I barely measured and threw things into the Vitamix. I regret eating the slice I did because my kids polished off the entire pizza. WHOA. Our new go to! Thank you! I will have to try it the way as written next time.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Whoop! We’re so glad it was enjoyed by the whole family! Thank you for sharing, Sarah! xo
Patti says
Yum! Excellent recipe and easy to make. Thank you.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! Thanks, Patti!
Donna Genova says
Just made for 1st time it was tasty. Nutritional yeast does have a cheesy taste to me but I do like the flavor it gives. Trying to keep a quasi vegan menu. I love simplicity but lots of flavor. Will definitely continue to make the faux Parmesan!!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Donna! Thank you for sharing! xo
Leanna says
Made this in the spur of the moment to top a mushroom risotto… SO GOOD. So easy and quick. I will be sprinkling this on everything. Thank you!!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! So glad you enjoy this recipe, Leanna. Thanks so much for the great review!
Bridget says
THIS IS SO BEYOND YUMMY!!!!!!! I can’t stop eating it by the spoonful😂 Truly it’s so delicious. Savory, nutty, subtly sweet. I’m going to keep this on hand always.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Whoop! We’re so glad you enjoy it, Bridget! We always have it stocked too =) Thank you for the lovely review! xo
Sandra says
I made this today and can’t wait to have it on my Caesar salad tonight together with your dressing and croutons.
My issue in preparing was the food processor. Even with the small bowl insert, the cashews just spin. Not the first time I’ve had to substitute my Vitamix which as usual came through with flying colours.
My non vegan but trying harder husband, is my taste tester and he was amazed at how similar to Parmesan it is. That says a lot right there. He loves the dressing too.
Thanks for the great recipes!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you both enjoy it, Sandra! Thank you for sharing! We used an 8-cup food processor for this recipe, so if yours is larger, it might work better to make a double batch. Glad to hear the Vitamix worked well though!
Melody says
I don’t have any cashews on hand at the moment. Have you used almonds to make this with good results? I have lots of almonds!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Melody, it will be a little less rich, but still tasty!
Kay says
Has anyone tried to make an extra large batch and feeze some?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Kay, It freezes well!
John says
Can I substitute brewer’s yeast?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi John, brewer’s yeast is more bitter, so we wouldn’t recommend it.
Debra says
I’ve just made a batch, using almond meal as that’s what I had. Very tasty, but the thing I recall about parmesan from my childhood was we called it stinky cheese. Hoping to stink it up a bit, I added a small pinch of asafetida. Wonderful!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Interesting! Thank you for sharing, Debra!
Delphine says
The best recipe! I make this often and store it in the fridge. It is the perfect balance and I love it on pasta. Thank you for the great recipe!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! Thanks so much for the review and kind words, Delphine. We love it too!
Kristen says
I’ve made many vegan Parmesan cheese recipes over the past 15 years, but this is the only one I’ve wanted to eat by the spoonful. 😃 Do yourself a favor and double the recipe. Thank you!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Aw, love that! Thank you for sharing, Kristen! xoxo
Julie says
Okay! I finally gave in and made this only because I trust your recipes. And it’s so tasty. YUM! I can’t wait to try it on pasta. Eating it straight with a spoons not bad either :)
Thanks so much for all your work in bringing wonderful recipes to us.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Aw, thank you so much for your kind words and lovely review, Julie! xoxo
S says
Nice! I put it in a ziploc bag and crushed with a rolling pin since I don’t have a food processor and it looks the same as your pictures!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Smart! Thank you for sharing!
Lee says
I love this vegan parmesan but I cut the amount of salt the second time I made it since it came out very salty the first time.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
So glad you enjoy it, Lee! Thank you for sharing!
Emma says
I am making this for the second time and it’s unbelievable as a topping for my restaurant ordered vegan pizza. I sprinkle a lot of it on top especially when I reheat leftover slices in the pan on the stove. It’s delicious on baked potatoes, popcorn, pasta dishes (just before serving)-you name it. Thank you for sharing it.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Amazing! Love all those creative uses, Emma. Thank you for the lovely review! xo
Brenda Torres says
Hi! Love your recipes! How long can this last in the fridge? Thanks!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Brenda! This lasts for 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.
Elizabeth says
Could this be baked in a torte or is it best used as a topping?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Elizabeth, it will add nice flavor, but won’t be melty. Hope that helps!
Susan says
Do you need to soak the cashews?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Susan, we don’t recommend soaking the cashews for this recipe. It requires that they be dry or else it will be more like a cashew ricotta. Hope that helps!
Verity says
I make this, and much prefer it to crumb style parmesan cheese which was always nothing to me, but I use almond flour since I prefer the taste to cashews.
In fact, almond flour has replaced cashews in all my vegan recipe and I make it into a paste in the blender for making almost free skinless almond milk. There’s my plug for almond flour.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks for sharing your experience, Verity! We’re so glad you enjoy the vegan parmesan! xo
Ronald McCoy says
I wasn’t sure about this, but thought I would give it a go. I did, and it’s amazing! How simple is this, and how good is it? Thank you so much!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for giving it a try and leaving a review!
Thom D says
Made this tonight. The meatballs were delicious.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing, Thom!
Kara says
This was amazing. I didn’t miss real Parmesan at all and maybe even like this better. Used it to sprinkle on top of our spaghetti tonight! Delicious 😋
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Woohoo! We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Kara. Thank you for the lovely review! xo
Nelly Vaccaro says
I am allergic to nutritional yeast, what can I use, help. Thank you.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Nelly! We haven’t tried it without the nutritional yeast but other readers have made the Vegan Parmesan Cheese without it and were successful in doing so! If you try it, let us know how it goes! xo
Dawn says
I’m sensitive to cashews, could you make this with almonds or another type of nut?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yes! Best would be a blend of slivered (blanched) almonds, brazil nuts, and raw sunflower seeds!
Susan says
I just made this recipe + subbed 3 tablespoons of finely group dried shiitake mushrooms for the nutritional yeast. AMAZING! Could also use dried porcini mushrooms as well. You could just use the ground mushroompowder as a flavouring if you want to avoid the fat from the nuts.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Love that creative sub, Susan! Thank you so much for sharing! xo
Mb says
Does this work for soups? I’m trying to find a vegan replacement for the Parmesan flavour thats been a long stable in all my favourite soups
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi there! It would depend on the type of soup, but we love using it as a garnish! There’s an example here. Hope that’s helpful!
Rebecca says
I would think just adding the “nooch” (nutritional yeast) in increments to your soup would be a better way to replace Parmesan. It is not exactly the same flavor but it is definitely cheesy flavored and it would blend in to your soups in a similar way to how real Parmesan melts and blends into your hot recipes. The inclusion of the nuts to this recipe is to add texture and richness and to help mimic what a ground or shredded Parmesan would add when sprinkled onto dishes. But in a soup, the ground nuts/or seeds would separate from the “nooch” as the “nooch” melts away and it might leave a slight ground nut grittiness to your soup. You may or may not like that texture. But “nooch” alone – added a Tablespoon at a time and then testing until you approve- might be the key. Good luck!
Abby says
Holy cow! I’ve been vegan for a couple weeks now and made this on a whim, not expecting too much as I’m not the hugest fan of nutritional yeast yet. But this recipe is definitely greater than the sum of its parts! I was eating it straight from its container while I was waiting for my pasta to cook. Salty, nutty, cheesy, exactly what I needed in my life. Wow.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Aw, yay! We’re so glad you enjoy it, Abby! Thanks for sharing! xo
Kylene says
I haven’t made this exact recipe but I made one very similar & it turned into cashew butter! It was awful! Lol! Help! What did I do wrong??
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Oh no! That likely mean it was processed too long. We’d suggest pulsing until the texture resembles a fine meal. Hope that helps!
MATTHEW says
I just did this. All stuck together. Went too far i guess learning from these statements TY
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Matthew, sorry to hear that happened! Yes, it does sound like that was the issue.
Sarah Cook says
Daaaang! Sometimes I get on a kick and make a bunch of your recipes in one day. So glad I have added this one now, it is perfectly divine. Thank you!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Amazing! Thanks for the kind review, Sarah. We do love our vegan parm! xo
Ktchn Essentials says
Incredible! I have been so apprehensive to making my own vegan cheese and this recipe made it super simple. Thanks so much for sharing!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
xoxo!
Bre says
Yum! This vegan parmesan is deadly. I eat it by the spoonful (can’t help myself!). I’ve gifted a homemade jar to my Mom who says it’s yummy on baked potato. It’s the perfect companion to pizza, pasta or burgers. Thank you for sharing such an addictive and foolproof concoction!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Bre! Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Screaming Jay says
I made this to shake on pizza. I love it! I’m surprised at how much it tastes like parm. I’ll also use it on pasta.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! Love that! Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Emma says
This is SO GOOD. I love it on pasta with the vegan pesto from Trader Joe’s.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Sounds like a delicious combo! Thanks for sharing, Emma! xo
Lisa says
Hello Dana and MBTeam—Your Vegan Parm was my introduction to your site. I respectfully stayed inside the lines the first time I made this recipe, and, of course, tried it on everything and loved it. But my kitchen is nothing if not recklessly experimental, so your VParm has evolved to include a Tablespoon of “greens and shrooms” powder and two Tablespoons of hemp seeds in the mix. Although we still use our “green Parm” version everywhere, we use it religiously on air-popped popcorn (along with a wee bit of olive oil, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, and a toss of a mysterious Casablanca spice blend that my partner used to be able to obtain regularly from a shop in Rotterdam before the quarantine—sigh…). It is always the best popcorn I’ve ever had and my favorite snack of all time. I’ll wax rhapsodic over other recipes in your canon that we love another time. I’m about to, finally, purchase your cookbook so I can disconnect from electronics while playing in the kitchen. Thank you for playing such a big role in our home kitchen—we love your work! Best—Lisa
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Wow love these ideas!! Thanks so much for sharing, Lisa!
Hannah says
Just wow! I’m not vegan but I love your recipes and I had run out of normal parm one day so thought I’d try this. I wasn’t sure we would like it but was willing to have a go. Where has this been all my life?! So simple but so so moreish. We were eating it by the spoonful! Now just pondering what meals I can sneak it in/on to. Thank you Dana.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Aw, yay! We’re so glad you gave it a try and enjoy it, Hannah! Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Susan says
Wow!!! So delicious! This is a game changer.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Susan! xo
Gabriela says
Hi, what kind of blender is this? I currently have a nutribullet blender but I’m starting to think I’ll need to invest in more cooking equipment. Especially since for things like this a blender will not work. Can you advise please? Thank you in advance!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Gabriela, a food processor works best with this recipe. You can find our recommendations for cooking equipment here. Hope that helps!
Rodney says
Hi
Looks super tasty and I’m going to try, my question is how does it go by roasting the cashews first?
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
It will work the same but just have a roasted nut flavor, which may not be what you’re going for? Let us know if you give it a try!
April says
Thank you for this easy recipe! I made this and it is delicious! All ingredients were in my pantry and it was super easy to whip up. I used my Ninja single serve blender and it worked just fine, and I saved myself the work of cleaning my food processor. Thanks again! I love this and MANY of your recipes
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! Thanks so much for your kind words and lovely review, April! xo
Shannon says
One of my faves to have on hand! I’ve been making it with raw sunflower seeds instead of cashews for a cheaper option, just as good!!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Love that! Thanks for sharing, Shannon!
Thuyduong says
My baby is 17 months old, can use it? Can you share recipes for kids? thank you
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi, we don’t see why it would be a problem, but we are not experts in this topic and can’t offer medical advice. We’d suggest checking with your pediatrician or a pediatric nutritionist.
Michelle says
This parmesan cheese is amazing. We use this all the time. :)
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! Thanks for the lovely review, Michelle! xo
Catherine says
Loved this recipe and so easy to make too!!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks so much for the lovely review, Catherine. We are so glad you enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo
kitcheniest says
I LOVE this parmesan cheese recipe! It tastes so much like the real thing…only better. And I had no idea what nutritional yeast was and can’t believe I’ve been missing out on this super healthy gem!
Super easy and just as good.
LOVE!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for the lovely review!
Kate says
This is incredibly easy, and the results taste like i really laboured over its making, lol. How can I not love something that is ready in 5 secs in the thermomix. Love the taste so, so much. Thanks again for an incredible recipe. I added it to your lentil bolognese. Perfect combo!! X
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Woohoo! Thanks so much for the lovely review, Kate!
Patrick says
Best to make a double batch and store in the freezer. A staple for anyone planning on going WFPB.
Heidi says
Hello. I can not eat raw cashews. What can I sub for this ingredient? Roasted cashews? Almonds? Any other kind of nut?
Thank you.
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Best would be a blend of slivered (blanched) almonds, brazil nuts, and raw sunflower seeds!
Annie says
Hi. Just wanted to let you know I’ve made this with walnuts and it’s fabulous. It really is hard not to eat the whole jar with a spoon!
Martha says
I’ve never used this before. Does it melt? I’m looking for alternatives to cheese for eggplant parmesan.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Martha, no, it doesn’t melt, but it would be delicious sprinkled on top! We’d suggest this recipe for more of a melty consistency. Hope that helps!
Tracy Hall says
It’s not cheese. It’s garlic-yeast flavored ground cashews.
Ashley says
Don’t you know what vegan means? Lol, silly Tracy.
kim says
this stuff is soooooo good! I put it on salads. I put it on toast with cream cheese. I put it on top of stuffed peppers! I put it on everything I can think of! I love it!!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Agreed. Love all your serving ideas, Kim! Thanks so much for sharing!
Marie says
This “parmesan” is so good. Works well with so much different meals and I always have some in a jar in my kitchen. Yummy!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Marie! Thanks so much for sharing!
Patrick says
Super good and easy. I have been using other prepackaged vegan parm but ran out. So I made this in a pinch. I forgot how truly good this quick and easy parm is. And inexpensive to boot. I’m going back to this as my go to for most uses in the future.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Agreed! Thanks for sharing, Patrick!
Lisa says
Absolutely perfect! Simple and delicious! Thank you!
Karen says
Hi,
I would love to try the vegan Parmesan but can’t have cashews. What alternatives would you suggest?
Thanks
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Karen, check out this recipe instead: https://minimalistbaker.com/5-ingredient-vegan-parmesan-cheese/
Edie says
I used Almonds in a version I made.
lavenda says
how did you calculate the sodium?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi, we like to use a nutrition calculator called cronometer.
Melissa Longiaru says
What is the recommended shelf life for the vegan parm? Thank you!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
For me it lasts up to 6-8 weeks, sometimes more. But of course, the fresher it is the more potent the flavor is.
Kerry says
I would like to know that as well as I have an allergy to cashews
Lucile says
Hi,
I would like to l my ale this recipe but only have brewers yeast. Would it work ? Thanks
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Lucile, we don’t think that would work. But let us know if you try it.
Charlie says
Nope. Nutritional yeast is an inactive yeast used as flavouring, and usually fortified with B12.
It’s absolutely nothing like brewers yeast.
If you can’t find nutritional yeast in a local supermarket try health food stores, or of course you can get it online.
Maureen says
Question on the nutritional yeast. It was asked on Dec 7, 2016 but still not certain. The link on the instructions shows a picture of Bragg Nutritional Yeast Seasoning but your answer to the question Flakes or Seasoning was Flakes. Has this changed? If we use the Bragg Nutritional Yeast Seasoning should we use the same 3 Tbsp? I am helping my daughter with her food allergies. Thank you.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Maureen, either would work!
Sarah says
Just made this with toasted walnuts and added in some paprika and it is BANGIN’! Thank you for the recipe!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Whoop! We’re so glad you enjoy it, Sarah! Thanks for sharing!
Annette says
Why do you require two pages to print this recipe? Is that minimalist? What a waste of paper and ink and time and space. Oh help!
The recipe is delicious, however.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Annette, it looks like with using the print function, everything you’ll need to make the recipe shows on 1 page. So you could either change the setting to print double sided or change the print range to just print the first page. Hope that helps!
Chris says
Wow – you take a star off because you can’t change your own printer settings? Seems pretty unfair to me.
Tina says
Thank you for sharing your vegan parmesan recipe. We had it last night to go with your one-pot Tuscan-style Beef and Lentil Soup recipe. Our three children aged 13, 11 and 9 years of age couldn’t keep their fingers out of the condiment bowl that I had the vegan cheese in on the meal table and we’ve never had nutritional yeast flakes before! I have made another batch to go with nachos tonight!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Aw, yay! We’re so glad your family enjoyed it, Tina! xo
Stella says
So delicious and easy! I like it more tham regular parmesan.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Whoop! Thanks for sharing, Stella! xo
Rita says
can this be frozen?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yes!
Sophie says
Ehm.., Why print at all?
Kevin Pierce says
Can a roasted nut be substituted for raw?
Thank You
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Kevin, It will work the same but just have a roasted nut flavor, which may not be what you’re going for? Let us know if you give it a try!
Claire says
I’m not vegan, but I’ve always been curious about vegan parm after seeing it in so many MB recipes. And…the verdict is, it’s tasty! I made this in my mini food processor and added more garlic, salt, and nutritional yeast. I think I kept the power button on too long, since it’s more like a powder now instead of tiny pieces, but it’s still yummy.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks for giving it a try and sharing, Claire! xo
Bel says
Ah so good!!! And took 2 mins to make, Thanks so much
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! Thanks, Bel! xo
Melinda Muyargas says
Great alternative!
Randall A. Little says
I made this for your vegan Alfredo recipe and it was perfect!! I’ve been vegan for a while,my family is loved it too and it’s super easy to make, I will definently make this for other meals in the future! thank you!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you and your family enjoyed it, Randall! Thanks so much for sharing!
Bobbie says
My Go-To recipe! How should we store it ?
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! Thanks, Bobbie!
Bobbie Greene says
How would you store this for future use ? 😍
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
In the fridge for up to 3 weeks and the freezer for several months.
Heather says
I’ve been seeing this “Vegan Parmesan Cheese” a lot as I try different Minimalist Baker recipes and each time I thought… it just can’t possibly be that good. This was partly due to my lack of experience using nutritional yeast. I was still not so sure about it. Then I FINALLY tried this recipe when I made “The Best Vegan Meatballs” (which were delicious). And I was so PLEASANTLY surprised! It’s really good! (And easy!) It’s always nice to find a recipe that is so quick and versatile – I can see myself using this with a lot of different dishes going forward. Thanks!!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Whoop! We’re so glad you gave it a try and enjoyed it =) Thanks so much for sharing!
Connie Moultroup says
Oh My!!!!! The very best stuff on earth!!!! It’s actually VEGAN CRACK!!!! Thank you!!!!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Whoop! We’re so glad you enjoy it, Connie! Thanks so much for the lovely review!
Emily says
This recipe works really well with raw almonds too! I almost never have cashews because they’re expensive but I tried it with almonds and it’s such a perfect texture and flavor.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks for sharing, Emily!
Emily says
Can we use roasted cashews? How much would it affect the flavor?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Emily, we think so, but we haven’t tried it so can’t guarantee the results. Let us know if you try it!
Liz L. says
Just, wow!!!
Caryn says
WOW. This is insanely delicious. I’m stunned. I made it tonight to go over zucchini noodles and it’s even better than real parm! There’s now a jar in my fridge and it’s not going to make 3-4 weeks. Not a chance.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Whoop! Thanks so much for the lovely review, Caryn!
Alicia says
This is our version of Frank’s Red Hot. We put that sh*t on everything!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Ha- love it!
Nicole says
So delicious, as soon as I saw it I had to make. As a vegan, I had to try some over my sweet potato hash and definitely worth it.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
That sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing, Nicole!
David B says
Sorry! Would have given this 5 stars in my previous comment but didn’t spot the stars until I hit send! (and I don’t see a way to edit my comments) :)
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks David!
Diana says
This was my first time making this recipe and I really enjoyed it. I love how customizable and easy it is. I ended up adding another tablespoon of nutritional yeast, but it was lovely exactly how it was written. I spent more time cleaning the food processor than actually making the vegan parmesan. If only everything in life were this simple. So perfect! Thank you!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks so much for the lovely review, Diana. We are so glad you enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo
David B says
Absolutely amazing! New to a vegan lifestyle, I have been missing parmigiana so much. I personally like it better with more nutritional yeast and way more salt and garlic. I felt it made it taste richer and more like the real thing.
Diana says
I would give this recipe a 5 star! I love that it has healthy ingredients and can be made so quickly. ❤
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks Diana! xo
Mahsa says
Does it melt on pizza?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Mahsa, no, this one doesn’t melt. This recipe would be better for that.
Tracy Deakyne says
Wanted to say just how delicious this is – it’s over the top!! I just added it to a vegan spinach dip and wow, it just took it to a whole new level! Thanks for such an amazing condiment. We will be using over and over again!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Whoop! Thanks for sharing, Tracy!
C. says
My pizza thanks you! I thank you!
Jennifer says
Absolutely amazing on pasta (and roasted cherubs and garlic …yummm) with an adapted kale chimichurri I’m recently obsessed with having on hand. This was the perfect finishing touch and I am delighted to have such a great recipe! Thank you, this is brilliant.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Jennifer! Thanks so much for sharing!
Melinda Fagan says
Can you make it with a blender? I don’t have a food processor
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yes, but pulse gently!
Brianna Fehrer says
I made this for your vegan Alfredo recipe and it was perfect!! I’ve been vegan for a while, the rest of my family isn’t but they even loved it! super easy to make, I will definently make this for other meals in the future! thank you!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Brianna! Thanks so much for the lovely review!
Emily says
I was so pleasantly surprised by this recipe! I knew I would like it, but not that I’d like it this much. I followed the recipe exactly and measured everything out and it was spot on. No additions or substitutions necessary. I haven’t written a review for an online recipe in years but I had to write one for this!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Emily! Thank you so much for the lovely review! xo
Nicole says
Made this in 5 mind and it tasted heavenly. I can finally eat cheese again without any repercussions!
Christina says
This is so good! I was skeptical but it was so so tasty. I’m not even vegan, I just can’t eat dairy right now and I barely noticed I wasn’t eating real Parmesan. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe :)
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Whoop! So glad you enjoy it, Christina! Thanks for sharing!
Vani says
Taste good. Too much salt though. I would probably not add any salt next time or add only 1/4 tsp instead of the 3/4
Jenny says
This is delicious! I was looking for a Parmesan cheese sub and I was way beyond pleasantly surprised! I’ve made this exactly as it was written and I’ve also made it with a few dashes of red pepper flakes and about a tablespoon of hemp seeds. I loved it both ways.
I discovered Minimalist Baker in the last year or so and it has become my go to cookbook and website. It has given me confidence in my cooking and I’m having so much fun in my kitchen. Thank you for continuing to create thoughtful, creative, accessible, flexible, and delicious recipes! Keep up the wonderful work. It is much appreciated!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Aw, thanks so much for your kind words and lovely review, Jenny! We’re so glad you enjoy our recipes! xo
Ru B says
Seriously! Amazing! I’ve started making large batches and bottling to keep. Best cheese replacement ever! So versatile. My 7 year old loves it!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Whoop! Thanks for sharing, Ru!
Misha says
This is out of this world delicious! Really restaurant worthy! I cut the garlic down to 2 large cloves in the pasta recipe and 2 large cloves (cooked) in the sauce recipe. I used daiya cream cheese which is the only one available here. There is no need to blend the cream cheese and spices, just heat it all on low in a sauce pan (saves dishes). I used 1 tbsp lemon juice and added a splash to each plate.
Lakin says
This has been me and my girlfriend’s go-to Parmesan recipe since transitioning to a plant-based diet. It really brings our pastas to the next level. Thank you so much for sharing!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoy it! Thanks for sharing, Lakin!
Apurva Gupta says
What can we use if we don’t have yeast??
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Apruva, use this recipe instead: https://minimalistbaker.com/yeast-free-cashew-parmesan-5-minutes/. Hope that helps!
Jackie says
Followed the recipe exactly and LOVE it. Just so good! My husband has to watch his sodium so next time will make his batch with half the salt. Thanks for a wonderful, easy recipe
Laura Cofman says
Can this be used in an artichoke dip?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yes, here’s our recipe for inspiration: https://minimalistbaker.com/cheesy-vegan-spinach-artichoke-dip/
Amy says
To make this even easier, I swapped out the cashews for hemp seeds and used 1tsp garlic salt instead of the separate garlic powder and salt. Just as delicious, tastes about the same, and took 10 seconds to make :)
Heather says
Hi Amy, thanks for that note! My son is allergic to cashews so I was reading the comments to see if there was another option. Did you keep the same amount? Cup for Cup? Or change the amount of hemp seeds? Thank you!
Betsy says
This vegan parm is WAY better than what I can buy at Whole Foods and so easy to make. I used a vitamix, froze the nuts for about 30-45 minutes, and kept a close eye on the blending, stopping often to shake the contents so that I wouldn’t end up with cashew butter. The ingredients came together quite nicely.
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks for sharing, Betsy!
Debra Vanderpoole says
This recipe is simply amazing!!! We’ve used it to add flavor to spaghetti, popcorn, other vegan sauces, stews, soups, etc.! It lasts a long time in the refrigerator (although we go through every batch fairly quickly!). It has become a must-have on hand staple!! Thank you so very much for the wonderful recipe!!! ?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks so much for the lovely review, Debra! We’re so glad you enjoy it!
Kerry Armstrong says
I just made this in 30 seconds flat.. 5/5 Had it on my 3 minute instantpot spagetti made with whole wheat pasta and red lentils. Fantastic flavour. My new go to.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Now that is a fast dinner! We’re so glad you enjoyed it!
HyeMi Jung says
I made this to make cheesy cheetos for my toddler! he absolutely loved it and i did too! Thank you so much :)
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks so much for the lovely review. We are so glad you both enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo
Cathy Mcfarlane says
Thank you! Thank you for this recipe!! I miss cheese so much (I have developed allergies and end up with horrible sinus infections if I eat it/ any dairy), and didn’t think I would ever find options that really tasted good/ similar to what I used to eat. This is so tasty AND easy. There was major celebration when I made this last night.
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks for sharing, Cathy!
Jen says
Could I make this recipe with cashew butter as a substitute for raw cashews?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
That might be tasty, but it won’t have the same texture. The cashews are just slightly processed in this recipe so they yield a powdery texture.