Quick, 5-ingredient vegan parmesan cheese that you can sprinkle on pasta, pizza, salads, and more.
There are 3 versions of this parmesan. To make them all, the only thing that changes is the main ingredient. I began making the cashew parmesan over the past year or so before discovering the others, and honestly I find them equally good. I don’t have a favourite, although, my daughter said she preferred the sunflower seed version during our taste testing. My homemade parmesan is always on hand in my fridge because I put it on so many things.
Whether you go with the cashew, the hemp heart or the sunflower seed version, the process is the same.
Add 3/4 cups of your main ingredient of choice to a food processor, 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
Pulse the mixture until you get a fine meal, and you’re done!
This can last up to 2 months in your fridge, and it is also freezer friendly.
Nutritional Yeast: This is what gives the recipes it’s cheesy flavour. It is a good source of vitamins such as vitamin B-1, B-2, B-6 and B-12 (if it is fortified with it – this can help boost your energy). It also contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron.
Cashews: This source of protein contains healthy fats, is rich in fibre and is a good source of potassium, phosphorous, zinc, and magnesium. Cashews are high in copper as well, which is good for bone mineral density, collagen and elastin. They also contain vitamins C and B.
Hemp Hearts (a.k.a. Hulled Hemp Seeds): These may be little but they are packed with protein – 1 tablespoon contains about 3 grams. They are a great way to get your omega-6s and omega-3 fatty acids, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease, and slightly lower blood pressure. Hemp hearts are also good for bone health as they too contain magnesium (it’s not always about the calcium). They are also a good source of iron, zinc, phosphorous, potassium, sulphur, manganese, and thiamine (vitamin B1).
Sunflower Seeds: They are high in selenium and vitamin E, phenolic acids and flavonoids, which all act as antioxidants. Sunflower seeds are a good source of iron, fibre, and protein. They contain vitamins B-3, which is good for lowering cholesterol, and vitamin B-6, which helps your body make serotonin. They are also rich in healthy fats.
Even though it is just the 1 main ingredient being swapped in each version, I listed all recipes separately below for the nutritional information’s sake.
Vegan Parmesan Cheese (3 Ways!)
Quick, 5-ingredient vegan parmesan cheese that you can sprinkle on pasta, pizza, salads, and more.
- Food processor
- ¾ cup cashews, hemp hearts or sunflower seeds – your choice ((make sure cashews and sunflower seeds are raw and unsalted))
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
Add all ingredients into a food processor (or Vitamix dry container).
Pulse until a fine meal is acheived.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 months!
- This recipe makes about 1 cup.
- You can omit the onion powder if you prefer. I personally would never omit the garlic powder in this recipe as I find this is what makes the parmesan-like taste.
Did you make this recipe?
Comment below and share it on social media.
Don’t forget to tag me!
@veganlycravings #veganlycravings
Cashew Parmesan Cheese
Quick, 5-ingredient vegan parmesan cheese that you can sprinkle on pasta, pizza, salads, and more.
- Food processor
- ¾ cup cashews (, raw, unsalted)
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
Add all ingredients into a food processor (or Vitamix dry container).
Pulse until a fine meal is acheived.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 months!
- This recipe makes about 1 cup.
- You can omit the onion powder if you prefer. I personally would never omit the garlic powder in this recipe as I find this is what contributes to the parmesan-like taste.
Hemp Heart Parmesan Cheese
Quick, 5-ingredient vegan parmesan cheese that you can sprinkle on pasta, pizza, salads, and more.
- Food processor
- ¾ cup hemp hearts
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
Add all ingredients into a food processor (or Vitmaix dry container).
Pulse until a fine meal is acheived.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 months!
- This recipe makes about 1 cup.
- You can omit the onion powder if you prefer. I personally would never omit the garlic powder in this recipe as I find this is what makes the parmesan-like taste.
Sunflower Seed Parmesan Cheese
Quick, 5-ingredient vegan parmesan cheese that you can sprinkle on pasta, pizza, salads, and more.
- Food processor
- ¾ cup sunflower seeds
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
Add all ingredients into a food processor (or Vitamix dry container).
Pulse until a fine meal is achieved.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 months!
- This recipe makes about 1 cup.
- You can omit the onion powder if you prefer. I personally would never omit the garlic powder in this recipe as I find this is what makes the parmesan-like taste.
Did you make this recipe?
Comment below and share it on social media.
Don’t forget to tag me!
@veganlycravings #veganlycravings
Veganly Cravings 
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