🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Nutritional Yeast Substitute for Baking: Baked Goods

Discover the best substitutes for nutritional yeast in baking recipes. Learn about parmesan cheese, miso paste, and other umami-rich alternatives for breads, crackers, and savory baked goods.

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Quick Answer

The best substitutes for nutritional yeast in baking are parmesan cheese, miso paste, or a blend of ground nuts with salt. Use 1:1 ratio for parmesan and 1:1 ratio for miso paste, but reduce other salt in the recipe.

Best Substitutes

Parmesan Cheese

1:1

Hard Italian cheese with intense umami flavor that bakes beautifully into breads and savory baked goods

Best for:

Savory breadsCrackersBiscuitsSconesFocaccia

Best substitute for baking. Grate fresh and mix into dry ingredients. Reduce other salt in recipe by 1/4 tsp per 1 tbsp parmesan.

Miso Paste

1:1

Fermented soybean paste that adds deep umami flavor and richness to baked goods

Best for:

Savory breadsCrackersPretzelsBagelsVegan baked goods

Dissolve in warm water before adding. Use white miso for milder flavor. Reduce other salt in recipe by 1/2 tsp per 1 tbsp miso.

Ground Nuts + Salt + Garlic Powder

2:1

Nut-based substitute that provides texture and savory flavor to baked goods

Best for:

Vegan breadsNutty crackersGranola barsEnergy barsVegan baked goods

Blend almonds, walnuts, or cashews with salt and garlic powder. Mix into dry ingredients.

Mushroom Powder

1:1

Natural umami powder that enhances the savory flavor of baked goods

Best for:

Savory breadsCrackersPretzelsBagelsFocaccia

Add to dry ingredients. Use porcini or shiitake for best flavor. Mix well to distribute evenly.

Vegemite/Marmite

1/4 the amount

Concentrated yeast extract that adds intense umami flavor to baked goods

Best for:

Savory breadsCrackersPretzelsBagelsVegan baked goods

Very concentrated. Mix with warm water first. Reduce other salt in recipe by 1/2 tsp per 1 tsp Vegemite.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Parmesan cheese works best when grated fresh and mixed into dry ingredients
  • 💡Miso paste should be dissolved in warm water before adding to wet ingredients
  • 💡Ground nuts provide the best texture match for nutritional yeast in baked goods
  • 💡Mushroom powder should be mixed well with dry ingredients to distribute evenly
  • 💡Vegemite/Marmite is very concentrated, so start with small amounts
  • 💡Always reduce other salt in the recipe when using salty substitutes
  • 💡Test the dough or batter before baking to ensure proper seasoning

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for nutritional yeast in baking?

Parmesan cheese is the best substitute for nutritional yeast in baking. Use 1:1 ratio and mix it into the dry ingredients, but reduce other salt in the recipe by 1/4 tsp per 1 tbsp parmesan.

Can I use miso paste instead of nutritional yeast in bread?

Yes, miso paste works well in bread baking. Dissolve it in warm water before adding, and use 1:1 ratio. Reduce other salt in the recipe by 1/2 tsp per 1 tbsp miso.

How do I substitute nutritional yeast in vegan baking?

Use miso paste + ground nuts + salt for vegan baking. Add miso to wet ingredients and mix ground nuts into dry ingredients for texture and flavor.

Can I use parmesan cheese instead of nutritional yeast in crackers?

Yes, parmesan cheese is actually better than nutritional yeast for crackers. It adds great flavor and texture when mixed into the dough.

What can I use instead of nutritional yeast in savory scones?

Use parmesan cheese, miso paste, or mushroom powder. Mix into the dry ingredients and reduce other salt in the recipe accordingly.

Summary

Discover the best substitutes for nutritional yeast in baking recipes. Learn about parmesan cheese, miso paste, and other umami-rich alternatives for breads, crackers, and savory baked goods with ratios and cooking tips.