5-Ingredient Dairy-Free Parmesan Cheese Recipe

This homemade plant-based parmesan cheese is the ultimate dairy free alternative for regular parmesan cheese. It is quick to make, savory, and combines just a few simple ingredients, including roasted, salted cashew nuts and nutritional yeast. This grated “parmesan” recipe is Paleo, Whole30 compatible and gluten free, and ready in 5 minutes!

The best vegan parmesan cheese

This has been my go to dairy free parmesan cheese recipe for as long as I’ve been cutting back on dairy in my diet.

While it’s definitely not the real deal, it does satisfy the same craving for a savory, umami rich topping on any dish that you would normally add parmesan cheese to!

If you’re interested in other dairy free “cheese” recipes, be sure to check out our recipes for Creamy Cashew Queso, Pumpkin Cashew Queso, Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe, and Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese.

Why you’ll love this dairy free parm

It is:

• Savory
• Full of umami flavor
• Easy to make
• The perfect alternative to regular parmesan cheese
• Made with 5 ingredients
• Ready in less than 5 minutes
• Great for meal prep
• Super tasty!

Ingredients and substitutions

You can make this condiment with just a few simple pantry friendly ingredients that you probably already have on hand in your kitchen.

Here’s what you need

• Roasted and salted cashews – In my opinon, roasted and salted cashews make the best vegan parmesan. The salty, nutty flavor lends itself perfectly to the savory nature of the recipe. If you don’t have any roasted cashews feel free to use raw cashews, and if you don’t have any salted cashews, simply increase the salt in the recipe to your preference.
• Nutritional yeast – Nutritional yeast is a naturally occurring yeast that is the same type of yeast used to bake bread and brew beer. It’s also sometimes called Brewers yeast. A popular ingredient for many vegan recipes as it closely resembles the nutty, umami rich flavor of cheese.
• Kosher salt – Just a small amount is needed if you’re using salted cashews. If you’re not using salted cashews, simply adjust the amount to your preference.
• Garlic powder and onion powder – Garlic powder and onion powder are added for more savory flavor.

Can you use something other than cashews for this parmesan cheese?

Yes, there are several alternatives you could use instead of cashews for this vegan parmesan cheese.

You could substitute:

• Hemp hearts
• Raw walnuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds

Use all in equal parts to the roasted and salted cashews.

How to make

This dairy free parmesan is actually super simple to make. All you need are the few ingredients listed above and a food processor. It can be ready in less than 5 minutes!

Here’s the step-by-step

• Make vegan parmesan. Add all of the ingredients to your food processor and pulse together until coarse and crumbly, being careful not to over process. Taste and add a little more salt if desired.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

What can you use vegan parm for?

You can use this dairy free parmesan in any way that you would use regular parmesan cheese!

Serve it on:

• Pizza
• Pasta
• Risotto
• Salad

Did you love this vegan parmesan recipe? Try these other dairy free cheese recipes!

• Creamy Cashew Queso
• Pumpkin Cashew Queso
• Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
• Dairy Free Queso Fundido
• Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese

If you enjoyed this recipe, we’d love it if you would take 5 seconds to rate and review it below! It’s also super helpful for other readers if you share any modifications you made to the recipe. 

Thank you for sharing your kitchen with NK. We’re so grateful you’re here!

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