Vegan Parmesan (Easy Cashew Parmesan Cheese)
There are a few staples we always keep on hand in our house, and vegan parmesan is right up there. It’s one of those super simple recipes that instantly levels up pasta night, roast veggies, salads, or even a cheeky garlic bread - all without needing dairy at all!
If you’ve ever wondered “is parmesan vegan?” (short answer: no), this parmesan vegan cheese is the next best thing. I love how easy this recipe is, how spot it tastes and how versatile it can be as a topper on so many recipes.
This vegan parmesan recipe takes less than 5 minutes, uses pantry staples, and keeps well for weeks. It’s also a great way to introduce people to dairy free parmesan without overthinking it.
This vegan parmesan has quietly become one of those staple recipes in our house that we always have on hand. With two kids, anything that lets them feel involved in their meals is a win, and this is one of those simple additions they can sprinkle themselves.
It’s especially handy for family favourites like lentil bolognese, veggie-loaded pasta bakes, or even just buttered toast when they want something “cheesy”. Because it lives in a jar in the pantry, there’s no prep, no mess, and no complaints from the kids.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Parmesan
Quick & easy
Family-friendly
Budget-friendly
Versatile
Naturally dairy free
From a practical point of view, this cashew parmesan also adds a bit more substance to meals. Cashews bring healthy fats and texture, while nutritional yeast contributes that savoury flavour people associate with parmesan.
While this isn’t meant to replace whole foods or main protein sources, it’s a simple way to add flavour and satisfaction to plant-based meals, especially helpful when kids are still warming up to vegetables and legumes.
How to Store Vegan Parmesan
One of the best things about this vegan parmesan is how well it keeps. Once blended, transfer it to an airtight jar or container and store it in the pantry or fridge. Because there’s no fresh ingredients or moisture, it lasts for weeks without any fuss.
We usually keep ours in the pantry so it’s easy for the kids to grab at dinner time, but refrigeration can extend the freshness even longer if you prefer.
What Is Vegan Parmesan?
Traditional parmesan is made from dairy, so it’s not vegan. Vegan parmesan (also known as vegan parm, cashew parmesan, or a parmesan cheese substitute) recreates that savoury, salty, umami flavour using plant-based ingredients that most households would have readily available.
To add to inclusiveness of this recipe, this version is:
Dairy free
Plant based
No weird additives
Customisable to taste
Time-Saving Tip
Make a double batch and keep it in a jar in the fridge. It lasts for weeks and saves you reaching for store-bought vegan cheese every time.
Ingredient Highlights
Cashews
Cashews form the base of this cashew parmesan, giving it a creamy, slightly buttery flavour once blended. They’re mild, neutral, and perfect for mimicking cheese textures. The blended nuts provide a great overall texture for this recipe.
Nutritional Yeast
This is what gives vegan parmesan its signature cheesy, savoury flavour. It’s a non-negotiable for a good parmesan vegan cheese and adds that umami hit people expect.
Garlic Powder & Salt
Simple seasonings that bring everything together. You can adjust these depending on how salty or garlicky you like your parmesan.
Ways to Use Vegan Parmesan
We use this vegan parm on a variety of household favourites, such as:
Roasted vegetables
Salads
Garlic bread
Pizza
Soups (especially minestrone or tomato-based soups)
It’s also a great topper for kids’ meals, letting them sprinkle it themselves makes it fun and low-pressure.
Customisable & Easy to Adapt
Another bonus to this parmesan alternative cheese is just how super flexible it can be:
Want it saltier? Add a pinch more salt
Want more cheesy flavour? Increase the nutritional yeast
Want a nut-free option? Try sunflower seeds instead of cashews
Want a finer texture? Pulse a little longer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parmesan vegan?
No, traditional parmesan is made from dairy and animal rennet, so it isn’t vegan. This recipe is a fully dairy free parmesan alternative.
How to make vegan parmesan at home?
Simply blend cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder and salt until crumbly. It literally only takes about 5 minutes and no cooking at all!
What is the best vegan parmesan cheese substitute?
Cashew-based versions like this one are among the most popular because they’re simple, affordable, and taste great on a wide range of dishes.
Does vegan parmesan taste like real parmesan?
It doesn’t taste identical, but it surprisingly delivers perfectly on that salty, savoury, umami flavour people love, and is a pretty darn good alternative to parmesan.
How long does vegan parmesan last?
If stored in an airtight container, it will last several weeks in the fridge or pantry.
This vegan parmesan is one of those recipes that makes plant-based eating feel approachable, especially for families. It’s easy to make, it’s flexible, and it’s a great introduction to parmesan vegan cheese for anyone who’s still a bit unsure - so what have you got to lose?
If you give it a go, let me know how you use it, and if you’re feeding kids, expect them to want to sprinkle it on literally everything!
INGREDIENTS
Vegan Parmesan
½ cup raw cashews
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
METHOD
Add the raw cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder and salt to a high-speed blender or food processor.
Blend until the mixture is fine and crumbly — be careful not to over-blend or it can turn into cashew butter.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Transfer to an airtight jar and store in the fridge or pantry.
Store the vegan parmesan in an airtight jar or container. It will keep well for several weeks at room temperature in the pantry, or even longer in the fridge.
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