Make your own Vegan Parmesan Cheese with this easy recipe! Ready in less than 5 minutes with 4 ingredients, it's irresistibly cheesy and delicious. Perfect on top of pasta, pizza, and more!
This cheese not only tastes great but also is a time and money saver. With this recipe, you have control over the ingredients, avoiding unknowns often found in store-bought options.
Whether you're vegan, cutting back on dairy, or just want a healthier option, this recipe is a must-try. Its creamy texture and rich flavor will leave you wondering why you didn't make it sooner!
Looking to enhance your dairy-free dishes? Try pairing this cheese with my Vegan Pizza, Vegan Bolognese, and Vegan Caesar Salad recipes for a burst of flavor in every bite!
Jump to:
🌟 Why you'll love this recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for those busy days when you need a quick yet flavorful addition to your meals.
- Versatile: Whether sprinkled on pasta, pizza, salads, or roasted vegetables, this vegan cheese enhances every dish with its delicious flavor.
- Healthier Option: Unlike dairy-based Parmesan, this plant-based option is perfect for vegans or those avoiding dairy. Enjoy a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor!
- Customizable: Feel free to customize this recipe to taste. You can adjust the amount of nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Cost-effective: Making your own cheese at home is not only healthier but also more cost-effective than buying store-bought vegan Parmesan alternatives.
🧾 Ingredient notes
Raw Cashews: Go for raw cashews for the best results. Unsalted ones are ideal, but if you only have salted, you can use less salt in the recipe.
While roasted cashews work too, raw ones bring out a better flavor since roasted cashews can impart a strong nutty taste.
Cashews have a milder flavor compared to other nuts, making them the preferred choice. For a nut-free twist, swap them out with sunflower seeds or hemp seeds.
Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor to this recipe. If you don't have it on hand, you can substitute it with brewer's yeast for a similar savory taste.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder enhances the flavor of this recipe with its savory taste.
If you want, you can swap it out for onion powder or mix them both. But honestly, I think it usually works best with just garlic powder.
Salt: Real Parmesan cheese is naturally salty, so it's an essential ingredient.
While any type will do, I prefer iodized salt because it is the most reliable way to ensure adequate intake of iodine on a plant-based diet.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
📋 Variations
- Spicy Vegan Parmesan Cheese: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Herb-infused Vegan Parmesan Cheese: Mix in ½ teaspoon each of dried oregano, basil, and thyme for an extra burst of flavor.
- Smoky Vegan Parmesan Cheese: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to give it a smoky twist.
- Zesty Lemon Vegan Parmesan Cheese: Grate in the zest of 1 lemon to brighten up the taste with a hint of citrus freshness.
- Fiesta Vegan Parmesan Cheese: Blend in 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning for a fiesta-inspired cheesy topping.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1. Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or a high-powered blender.
Step 2. Pulse until all the ingredients are fully blended and the texture resembles grated Parmesan cheese.
💭 Expert tips
- Use Unsalted Raw Cashews: Opt for unsalted raw cashews to easily control the amount of salt in your cheese.
- Avoid Over-blending: Be careful not to over-blend the mixture, or you'll end up with a creamy texture similar to Cashew Butter.
- Opt for a High-Speed Blender for Finer Consistency: Choose a high-speed blender to create a smoother and creamier texture, especially if you prefer a finer consistency.
- Go for a Food Processor for Convenience: Opt for a food processor for easy blending. Plus, it's less likely for cashews to get stuck in the bottom.
- Release Stuck Cashews: If some of the cashews get stuck in the bottom between pulses, simply use a butter knife to release them before pulsing again for a smoother blend.
❓Recipe FAQs
It can typically last in the fridge for about 2 to 3 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container.
However, it's always a good idea to check for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in color, texture, or odor, before consuming it.
If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the cheese to ensure food safety.
Yes, you can freeze it. Portion it into servings, seal it in airtight containers or freezer bags, and label it with the date.
Freezing it is a breeze and saves time. You can scoop out what you need before dinner, and by the time you're finished cooking, it's ready to use! Use within 3 to 6 months for best quality.
It is a versatile condiment that enhances a wide range of vegan dishes.
Whether sprinkled on Vegan Meatballs, tossed in Vegan Caesar Salad, or layered on Vegan Pizza, its savory flavor elevates every bite.
From Vegan Spaghetti to Vegan Lasagna and even creamy soups, this cheese adds depth and richness to any dish, making it a must-have in the vegan kitchen.
To make a nut-free version, simply substitute the cashews with seeds such as sunflower, hemp, or even pumpkin seeds.
Yes, it is gluten-free as it is made from naturally gluten-free plant-based ingredients such as cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices.
Always double-check store-bought or packaged products for gluten content, as some may contain gluten additives.
🧀 Other delicious vegan cheese recipes
Did you like this recipe? Please leave a rating and comment below!
Easy Vegan Parmesan Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or a high-powered blender.
- Pulse until all the ingredients are fully blended and the texture resembles grated Parmesan cheese.
Video
Notes
- Use Unsalted Raw Cashews: Opt for unsalted raw cashews to easily control the amount of salt in your cheese.
- Avoid Over-blending: Be careful not to over-blend the mixture, or you'll end up with a creamy texture similar to Cashew Butter.
- Opt for a High-Speed Blender for Finer Consistency: Choose a high-speed blender to create a smoother and creamier texture, especially if you prefer a finer consistency.
- Go for a Food Processor for Convenience: Opt for a food processor for easy blending. Plus, it's less likely for cashews to get stuck in the bottom.
- Release Stuck Cashews: If some of the cashews get stuck in the bottom between pulses, simply use a butter knife to release them before pulsing again for a smoother blend.
Mary Beth Marier says
Easy to make and it taste great but it’s a little too salty. I did the exact measurements, so just wondering what do you think I should do to take away from the saltiness? Thank you.
Iosune says
Hi Mary Beth! Add less salt time next time, maybe 1/2 teaspoon. To fix the parmesan you've already made, double the recipe but omit the salt, and mix it with the parmesan you already have. Hope it helps 🙂
Terre says
I've made this recipe many times - it has become a staple in my house. I don't refrigerate it at all. It sits on the counter until it's gone, which can take a few months.
Adriana @ Simple Vegan Blog says
Hi Terre! So glad you liked it 🙂
Patricia says
Great recipe, it also works with pumpkin seeds
, and Imho, is the better option. And it is an amazing sprinkle on everything - salads, pasta, veggies, the final flourish before putting on the top lid of a veggie sandwich, pizza, etc
Adding Italian seasoning is also a delicious variation.
Iosune Robles says
Hi! Thanks for your kind comment 🙂
Mama Lynn says
Excellent! Also tried it with walnuts and with sunflower seeds, salted/roasted.
Delicious on most everything!
Iosune Robles says
Hi! Sounds so good with sunflower seeds, salted/roasted 🙂
Sarah Lou says
This was amazing! I had to put it away as I started eating it out of the jar! I had it with tomato and corn risotto.. so tasty it’s going to be a staple in my fridge going forward. Thank you!
Iosune Robles says
Hi Sarah! I'm so glad you liked it 🙂 Thanks for your kind comment!
KAL says
This is a wonderful recipe I made it with cashews the first time and then I experimented with 1/2 cup cashews and 1/2 cup walnuts and I even liked it better. I've bought some vegan parmesan at stores and never really liked them, but this is great. I use it on pizza and also with soup. It makes just about any entree taste better. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe.
Iosune Robles says
Hi! Thanks for your kind comment 🙂 I'm glad you liked it!
Jeannie says
This turned out really good! Thank you for sharing. Ever since I have started going Vegan Parmesan Cheese is one thing that I really missed. Taste just like it!
Iosune Robles says
Hi! I'm so glad you liked it 🙂
Country Mouse in the Boondocks says
I tried this as an experiment, since my hobby is making different types of cheese. I hate to admit it but this has replaced the Parmesan cheese that I would normally make.
It is that good. My 30 year daughter is eating it with a spoon out of the jar even as we speak. Telling me it's the best cheese I've ever made.
I didn't tell her it was vegan.
Thanks. I'll make this again for sure.
Iosune Robles says
Thanks for your kind comment 🙂 So glad you liked it!
Peggy says
Made this it is delicious I can’t wait to try it on my vegetarian Spaghetti
Iosune Robles says
Hi Peggy! Enjoy it!