Since the beginning of my plant-based journey, I have been on the lookout for quality dairy-free cheese. Most of the brands I have tried are often tasteless or full of highly processed, suspicious ingredients. After months of trial and error, recipe attempt after another, I have finally got it. This 5-Minute Vegan Parmesan Cheese will change the way you think about ‘cheese’.
As I said, I researched a lot of recipes and methods to achieve this final product. I wish I could take full credit for this recipe, but the reality is, it is a combination of all the things I learned and loved most. I have linked to those recipes that inspired me the most down below. They are super helpful if you wish to go on your own alternative cheese adventure.
For the base of this ‘cheese’, I went with a mix of cashews and hemp seeds. The cashews provide the perfect mealy texture and lend a subtle sweetness that reminds me of real parmesan. Hemp seeds help to bulk up the cheese while providing healthy fats and essential omega 3’s.
To get that ‘cheesy’ taste, I used nutritional yeast. It has a unique savory flavor that is so close to the real thing, you won’t be able to tell the difference. Not only is it the perfect color, but it’s also full of vitamin B-12, which is necessary for every plant-based eater.
The use of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder is super important here. Parmesan cheese is naturally salty and rich, so the use of these ingredients is imperative to recreate that. Feel free to mess around with the ratios to get a perfect balance that you best enjoy.
Ways To Enjoy Vegan Parmesan ‘Cheese’
This vegan parmesan is so versatile and can be used the same way as the real thing. I love to keep a container in the fridge to use in a pinch, remember it only takes 5-minutes!
Some of my favourite uses of this parmesan are:
- With homemade or store-bought pizza, (great when there are no vegan cheese options)
- Sprinkled over any pasta dish (as shown)
- Topped on salads
- Used in dressings are sauces, such as pesto (as shown)
- On top of eggs, baked potatoes, or soups, like my Favorite Minestrone Soup.
5-Minute Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- ¾ cup cashews raw
- ¼ cup hemp seeds
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt more to taste
- ⅛ tsp onion powder optional
Instructions
- Place cashews in a food processor and pulse until it turns into a fine mealy mixture. About 30 seconds.
- Add all remaining ingredients and pulse until well combined.
- Use immediately or store in an air-tight container in the fridge.
