These delicious sprinkles are called Vegan Parmesan Cheese because they resemble grated parmesan in texture. However, they make a wonderful nut-free, dairy-free cheese substitute in general, so I often call it cheesoning! Pepitas (pumpkin seeds without their hulls) give it a lovely rich umami flavor. It's a quick and easy dairy cheese substitute to add flavor to soups, baked dishes, salads, pasta, tacos, really anything savory. I love that a big jarful literally takes just 5 minutes to make!
Any time of year is the right time to enjoy this vegan, nut-free version of parmesan cheese sprinkles. It adds an ideal salty cheesy flavor boost to savory dishes and is very quick and easy to make and to apply to a dish.
Based on this version made with almonds, I wanted to create an option for those of you who can't eat nuts but would like a non-dairy alternative to parmesan.
For a cheesy-bacon-ish topping that's dairy-free and pig-free, try Smoky Hemp Heart Seasoning Mix.
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Ingredients
With only four pantry ingredients including salt, this nut-free vegan parmesan cheese couldn't be easier to make!
Pepitas, or pumpkin seeds: Any will do, as long as their hulls (shells) are removed. Nutrients include fiber, protein, iron, zinc, and more. Here, sprouted pepitas are being used. They are already salted, so I won't be adding salt.
Note: If you're using salted pumpkin seeds, skip adding salt.
Nutritional yeast: This brings that cheesy flavor and provides nutrients including vitamin B12 and fiber.
Turmeric: This adds a bit more golden color.
Salt: Use to balance the flavors (if the seeds are salt-free).
See recipe card for quantities.
Equipment
Here are the tools you'll need to make this vegan parm:
Measuring spoons and cups
Food processor (can hold 4 cups or more)
A standard-sized jar (32 oz) or other sealed container that can be stored in the fridge
A jam funnel is optional but recommended; it helps pour the ingredients into the jar.
Instructions
In just a few minutes, you've got vegan cheese for days!
Place all of the ingredients in a food processor, then pulse until the seeds have been broken down well into a crumbly texture. Taste & adjust seasoning, if needed.
Pour the vegan parm into a jar. A jam funnel really helps ensure it all pours into the jar.
Top tip
When combining in the food processor, pulse until well chopped; however, avoid overprocessing or it will start to clump together into a butter consistency.
Storage
Store the sealed jarful of vegan cheese in the fridge. If kept dry inside the jar and stored in the fridge, the "parm" can keep for weeks at a time.
FAQ
Traditional parmesan cheese contains dairy, the milk from a mother cow, and rennet. For more information, Masterclass has an article about it.
Plant-based oils and starches tend to be main ingredients in store-bought brands of vegan parmesan. I like making mine simply at home using nuts or seeds, nutritional yeast, and salt. Impressively, the combination satisfies as a traditional parm substitute on pastas and other dishes. Also, traditional parm requires a long aging process. This homemade vegan version can be made and ready to eat within just 5 minutes.
Related
Looking for other cheesy recipes? Try these:
Pairing
These are some of my favorite dishes to serve with vegan parmesan cheese:
The Recipe
Vegan Parmesan Cheese (nut-free)
Equipment
- measuring cups and spoons
- 1 food processor that can hold 4 cups or more
- 1 standard-sized jar (32 oz) or other sealed container that can be stored in the fridge
- 1 jam funnel optional, for pouring parm into jar
Ingredients
- 3 cups pepitas pumpkin seeds without hulls
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon turmeric optional
- 2 teaspoons salt or more, to taste (if using salted seeds, omit and adjust seasoning at the end)
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in the food processor and pulse until well chopped and crumbly.
- Taste and add more salt, if desired.
- Pour into a standard jar or similar sealed container and store in the refrigerator.
Rough Nutrition Estimate provided by WPRM (based on generic ingredients and limited specification options)
Food safety
- Wash hands and ingredients well before using
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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