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    Home » How To

    Vegan Parmesan Cheese (Nut Free)

    By Maggie Updated Jan 12, 2023 · Published Sep 11, 2020

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    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe

    Vegan Parmesan cheese is tangy, cheesy, and delicious! This nut-free vegan Parmesan has just four simple ingredients and is ready in under 5 minutes.

    Parmesan Cheese on White Background

    Remember that Parmesan you used to sprinkle out of a green can onto pizza and pasta? Well, this is that. Except for a million times tastier!

    This Parmesan won't melt, but is delicious sprinkled on just about anything. I love sprinkling it on gluten-free pizza, mini pepper poppers, and even popcorn!

    Most recently I used it on eggplant rollatini and couldn't stop eating it!

    Jump to:
    • What is Vegan Parmesan Cheese Made of?
    • How to Make Vegan Parmesan Cheese
    • How to Store Vegan Parmesan Cheese
    • How to Use Vegan Parmesan Cheese
    • More How-To Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    What is Vegan Parmesan Cheese Made of?

    Vegan Parmesan cheese is made from 4 simple ingredients:

    • Sunflower Seeds - Make sure to use raw unsalted sunflower seeds. I use sunflower seeds because they are economical and provide a nut-free option. I have also made vegan Parmesan successfully with pumpkin seeds and cashews.
    • Nutritional Yeast - Nutritional yeast is a deactivated form of yeast that adds a cheesy flavor to things. It is also high in nutrition and provides large doses of Vitamin B-12 and fiber.
    • Granulated Garlic Powder - I like to use granulated garlic powder as I think it has a cleaner taste, but the powdered garlic will work too.
    • Salt - this boosts the cheesiness factor and a little can go a long way!
    • Spices (optional) - Use dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to amp up the flavor.
    Vegan Parm Ingredients

    How to Make Vegan Parmesan Cheese

    This Parmesan cheese is so quick to make that I almost hesitate to call it a recipe!

    You will need a food processor or coffee/spice grinder to make this. A coffee grinder is the perfect size for this recipe and I think results in a more finely "grated" cheese.

    1. Start by adding all the ingredients to the bowl of a food processor or coffee grinder.
    2. Next, process until desired consistency is reached. I stop when it's about the texture of breadcrumbs. That's it!
    Ground Vegan Parm

    How to Store Vegan Parmesan Cheese

    Nut-free vegan Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks and in the freezer for several months. This cheese has a long shelf life, but it's so delicious I bet you'll use it up before it expires!

    How to Use Vegan Parmesan Cheese

    Vegan Parmesan cheese is wonderful on almost anything you'd use real grated Parm on, but here are some ideas to get you started:

    • Eggplant Rollatini
    • Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes
    • Kale salad
    • Sprinkled on popcorn
    • Sprinkled over spaghetti

    What will you sprinkle your Parmesan cheese on top of?

    Vegan Parmesan Cheese

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    Did you make this recipe?
    Please leave a rating and tell us how you liked it!

    📖 Recipe

    Vegan nut-free parmesan cheese on a spoon and in a bowl behind it.

    Vegan Parmesan Cheese (Nut Free)

    Vegan Parmesan is cheesy, tangy and delicious!  This nut free vegan Parmesan has just four simple ingredients and is ready in under 5 minutes.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 tablespoons
    Author: Maggie
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    Equipment

    • Food Processor or Spice Grinder

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup raw sunflower seeds (unsalted)*
    • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon herbs such as basil, oregano or thyme (optional)**

    Instructions

    • Add all the ingredients to the bowl of a food processor or coffee grinder.  Process until desired consistency is reached. I stop when its about the texture of breadcrumbs.  Enjoy!
      Ground Vegan Parm

    Notes

    *I have successfully used pumpkin seeds and cashews in place of the sunflower seeds.
    **Adding herbs to this adds additional flavor, but isn't necessary.  The cheese is wonderful either way.
    Storage: Place in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 weeks or in the freezer for several months.
    This Parmesan is wonderful sprinkled on top of eggplant rollatini, salads, pastas, popcorn and more!
    Did you make this recipe? Share your experience! Mention @AlternativeDish on Instagram or Facebook, or drop a comment below—I'd love to hear from you!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 45kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 117mg | Potassium: 73mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg

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    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. A.R. Siek says

      September 16, 2021 at 12:07 pm

      5 stars
      Looking forward to trying this! Thank you for creating and sharing delicious recipes for foods we can actually eat.

      Reply
      • Maggie says

        September 16, 2021 at 1:35 pm

        My absolute pleasure! Enjoy!

        Reply
    Headshot of Sarah Pilley.

    Hi, I'm Sarah!

    I’m so excited you stopped by! I'm thrilled to share my passion for tasty vegan food with you on the Alternative Dish. I focus on creating recipes that everyone can enjoy with allergy-friendly tips! 

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