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
- Super flavorful
- 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
- Tastes so good!
Ingredients and substitutions
You can make this healthy 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 vegan parmesan cheese
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
Is vegan parmesan cheese healthy?
Yes! This particular recipe for vegan parmesan cheese is super heathy. It’s gluten free, dairy free, and made with a combination of healthy fats and spices. Simple and good for you!
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 the recipe below. It’s also super helpful for other readers if you share any changes you made! Thank you for sharing your kitchen with NK! We’re so grateful you’re here.
Print5-Ingredient Dairy-Free Parmesan Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
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!
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted and salted cashews
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Make vegan parmesan. Add all ingredients to a 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.
Notes
If you have a cashew allergy this recipe could easily be made with hemp heart, raw walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds instead.
Use on pizza, pasta, risotto, salad, or anywhere else you’d normally use parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: condiment
- Method: food processor
- Cuisine: healthy
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