The Best Vegan Substitute for Parmesan Cheese

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This recipe is the best vegan substitute for parmesan cheese! It only requires three simple ingredients and is nut-free!

Homemade vegan parmesan cheese in a clear bowl with a spoon on two wooden coasters.

Vegan parmesan is made from unsalted, roasted sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast and sea salt. This dairy-free option is perfect for those following a plant-based diet or for those with lactose intolerance!

Although there are many store-bought options, this vegan substitute for parmesan cheese is healthier. Store-bought vegan cheese often have preservatives and unnecessary additives that aren’t good for you. Making your own homemade version is a better option!

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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Equipment Notes
Ingredient Notes
Substitutions and Variations
Step by Step Instructions
Top Tip:
Storing & Freezing
Frequently Asked Questions
Recipes to Pair with Vegan Parmesan:
The Best Vegan Substitute for Parmesan Cheese

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Unlike most homemade vegan parmesan cheese recipes, this recipe is completely nut free!
You only need three simple ingredients, unsalted sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast and sea salt!
While it doesn't quite taste like regular parmesan, it will certainly enhance the flavors of any dish you would normally add parmesan cheese to such as arugula pesto or 10 vegetable soup!

Equipment Notes

You will need a small blender such as a magic bullet, or a food processor. This will grind up the sunflower seeds to the perfect consistency.

Ingredient Notes

Overhead view of three small bowls filled with nutritional yeast, unsalted sunflower seeds and sea salt.

Unsalted, roasted sunflower seeds - sunflower seeds are a cheaper alternative to nuts! They help keep the recipe allergy friendly.
Nutritional yeast - this is high in B12; an important vitamin especially if you are following a plant based diet!
Sea salt - regular cheese is high in salt. By choosing unsalted sunflower seeds we can better manage the sodium intake.

Substitutions and Variations

Nut-free alternatives - besides sunflower seeds, you can substitute in unsalted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or hemp hearts!
Sea salt - you can easily adjust the amount of salt to make it lower in sodium.
Spices - add spices such as Italian herbs, garlic powder or onion powder! Start with ¼ teaspoon and add more if desired.
With nuts - you can make vegan parmesan using cashews, walnuts or almonds in place of the sunflower seeds. This will also add more protein!

Step by Step Instructions

Magic Bullet blender filled with sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast and salt before being blended.

Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender.

Magic Bullet blender filled with sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast and salt after being blended.

Pulse for a few seconds until roughly blended. Do not overmix or it will turn to sunflower seed butter.

Top Tip:

Do not over blend the sunflower seed parmesan! If you blend the seeds too much they will start to turn into butter. To prevent this, as soon as it starts clumping, stop blending and give it a stir.

A white bowl filled with pasta and sauce topped with vegan parmesan cheese.

Storing & Freezing

You can store nut-free vegan parm in an airtight container for quite a while! Store it at room temperature for up to one week or store it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Additionally, you can freeze the sunflower seed parmesan for a few months. Use it straight from the freezer as it will thaw out quickly over your food.

Homemade sunflower seed vegan parmesan cheese in a clear bowl with a spoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is parmesan cheese vegetarian?

Surprising parmesan cheese is NOT vegetarian. It contains animal rennet, which are enzymes found in the stomach of some animals.

Does vegan parmesan melt?

This sunflower seed parmesan does not melt. If you are using it on a baked recipe (i.e. baked ziti) I recommend adding it after it comes out of the oven.

Recipes to Pair with Vegan Parmesan:

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