🥛 Dairy

Vegan Parmesan Cheese Substitute - - Best Alternatives

Discover the best vegan parmesan cheese substitutes for dairy-free cooking. Nutritional yeast, cashew parmesan, and other plant-based alternatives.

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Quick Answer

The best vegan parmesan cheese substitutes are nutritional yeast, cashew parmesan, store-bought vegan parmesan, and homemade nut-based alternatives. Use 1:1 ratio for most recipes.

Best Substitutes

Nutritional Yeast

1:1

Deactivated yeast flakes with cheesy, umami flavor and golden color

Best for:

pastasoupssaladspopcorngrain bowls

Most accessible and budget-friendly option

Cashew Parmesan

1:1

Blend of raw cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt

Best for:

pastapizzasaladssoupsgrain bowls

Homemade blend of cashews, nutritional yeast, and salt

Store-Bought Vegan Parmesan

1:1

Commercial vegan parmesan made from nuts, nutritional yeast, or coconut

Best for:

pastapizzasaladssoupsbaking

Convenient option, check ingredients for allergens

Almond Parmesan

1:1

Blend of blanched almonds, nutritional yeast, and seasonings

Best for:

pastapizzasaladsgrain bowlsbaking

Nutty flavor, higher in protein than cashew version

Hemp Seed Parmesan

1:1

Blend of hemp seeds, nutritional yeast, and seasonings

Best for:

pastasaladsgrain bowlssoupsbaking

High in omega-3s, nutty flavor

Coconut Parmesan

1:1

Blend of coconut flakes, nutritional yeast, and seasonings

Best for:

pastapizzasaladsbakinggrain bowls

Slightly sweet, tropical flavor

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For cashew parmesan: Soak cashews for 2-4 hours for creamier texture
  • 💡Nutritional yeast works best when added at the end of cooking
  • 💡Store homemade vegan parmesan in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
  • 💡Freeze vegan parmesan for up to 3 months for longer storage
  • 💡For nut-free options, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
  • 💡Add a pinch of miso paste to enhance umami flavor
  • 💡Toast nuts before blending for deeper, nuttier flavor
  • 💡Use a food processor for best texture - pulse, don't over-blend

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Find the best vegan parmesan cheese substitutes for dairy-free cooking. Nutritional yeast, cashew parmesan, and store-bought alternatives with recipes and tips.