Cheese substitutes
Cheese substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Nutritional yeast
2-3 tbsp nutritional yeast for every ¼ cup cheese
Deactivated yeast flakes with nutty, cheesy flavor. Rich in B vitamins and protein.
The best substitutes for cheese are nutritional yeast, cashew cream, tofu, or plant-based cheese alternatives depending on the type and use.
- The tweak —
- Use directly as a topping or mix into sauces.
- Best for —
- pasta
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked · per ¼ cup cheese| # | Substitute | Instead of ¼ cup cheese |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutritional yeastpasta | 2-3 tbsp nutritional yeast |
| 2 | Cashew creamcheese sauces | 1 cup soaked cashews + ¼ cup water + 1 tbsp lemon juice + ½ tsp salt per 1 cup cheese |
| 3 | Plant-based cheesemelting | Same amount |
| 4 | Tofucrumbled on salads | Same amount |
| 5 | Coconut creamcheese sauces | ½ cup coconut cream + 1 tbsp nutritional yeast + ½ tsp salt per 1 cup cheese |
| 6 | Hummusspreading on bread | Same amount |
Nutritional yeast
cheesy, nutty
Deactivated yeast flakes with nutty, cheesy flavor. Rich in B vitamins and protein.
- Best for
- pasta, popcorn, soups, sauces, salads, vegan parmesan
- Texture
- powdery
- Prep
- Use directly as a topping or mix into sauces.
Best for adding cheesy flavor, not texture or melting. Sprinkle on top of dishes.
Cashew cream
creamy, slightly nutty
Blended cashews create rich, creamy texture good for sauces and spreads.
- Best for
- cheese sauces, dips, spreads, pasta, vegan ricotta, cheesecakes
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
- Prep
- Soak 1 cup raw cashews in water for 2-4 hours. Drain and blend with ¼ cup water, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and ½ tsp salt until smooth.
Soak cashews 2-4 hours for best results. Add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
Plant-based cheese
varies by brand
Commercial alternatives made from nuts, coconut, or other plant sources. Quality varies by brand.
- Best for
- melting, spreading, snacking, pizza, sandwiches, baking
- Prep
- Some brands melt better when heated slowly.
Look for brands with good melting properties. Some are better for specific uses.
Tofu
neutral taste · varies by type
Soy-based protein that can be crumbled, sliced, or blended. High in protein and versatile.
- Best for
- crumbled on salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, scrambled eggs, ricotta substitute
- Prep
- For crumbling: press firm tofu, then crumble. For blending: use silken tofu directly.
Firm tofu works best for crumbling. Silken tofu for blending. Press to remove excess water.
Coconut cream
slightly coconut
Rich, creamy texture from coconut milk. Great for rich, tropical dishes.
- Best for
- cheese sauces, dips, desserts, curries, vegan cream cheese
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
- Prep
- Refrigerate coconut milk overnight, use the thick cream on top. Mix with nutritional yeast and salt for cheesy flavor.
May impart coconut flavor. Add nutritional yeast and salt for cheesy taste.
Hummus
savory, slightly nutty
Chickpea spread with creamy texture and protein. Works well as a spread substitute.
- Best for
- spreading on bread, dips, sandwiches, wraps, crackers
- Texture
- smooth, spreadable
- Prep
- Use directly as a spread. For thinner consistency, add a little water or lemon juice.
Works well as a spread but doesn't melt. Choose plain hummus for neutral flavor.
Questions
4 questionsWhat's the best vegan substitute for cheese?
It depends on the use. Nutritional yeast for flavor, cashew cream for texture, or commercial plant-based cheese for melting properties.
Can I use nutritional yeast in place of any cheese?
Nutritional yeast works best for adding cheesy flavor to dishes but won't provide the texture or melting properties of real cheese.
How do I make cashew cream for cheese substitution?
Soak raw cashews for 2-4 hours, then blend with water, lemon juice, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Do plant-based cheeses melt like regular cheese?
Some do, but quality varies by brand. Look for brands specifically designed to melt, often made with coconut oil or other plant fats.
Tips for substituting cheese
10 tips- Choose your cheese substitute based on the recipe's needs
- For flavor: nutritional yeast adds cheesy taste without texture
- For melting: plant-based cheeses work best, but quality varies by brand
- For creaminess: cashew cream or coconut cream create rich textures
- For protein: tofu provides protein and can be crumbled or blended
- For spreading: hummus or plant-based cream cheese work well
- For pasta: nutritional yeast + cashew cream creates cheesy sauce
- For pizza: plant-based mozzarella alternatives melt best
- For salads: crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast add protein and flavor
- For baking: plant-based cheese alternatives work in most recipes