This simple, beloved dairy-free Parmesan recipe was shared here on Go Dairy Free way back in 2006. Leah decided to give it whirl, and took these beautiful photos while she was at it. She said, “It’s so simple but so good!”
Over the years I’ve made many variations on this easy, 3-ingredient dairy-free Parmesan. But it should be noted that every nut or seed has its own nuances. Swapping in a different nut or seed for the almonds will yield a different flavor, so keep your preferences in mind if you go that route! For example, as much as I love cashews, I often find them a little too naturally sweet in this recipe.
That said, other seasonings can make a great addition to this recipe. Sometimes I add a little onion powder and/or garlic powder (to taste) for more depth in flavor.
Special Diet Notes: Basic Dairy-Free Parmesan
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, peanut-free, soy-free, plant-based, and vegetarian.
- 1 cup nutritional yeast flakes
- 1 cup "raw" almonds, blanched and peeled (see note below)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- If blanching and peeling your own almonds, pat the almonds dry to remove excess moisture.
- Place all ingredients in a food processor or spice grinder, and blend into a fine meal.
- Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month for optimal freshness. It can also be frozen.
22 Comments
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Hi , would love to try this recipe , I saw someone suggest to use saltines . Was wondering if u had any other substitutes for almond ( tree and and coconut allergy )
Thank you
Hi Simone, I haven’t tried saltines, but that might work. For nut-free, I typically use sunflower seeds in this recipe.
Hi,
Can I use almond flour?
It won’t work as well. Almond flour is a finer, and often dryer grind. It’s more powdered. When you grind fresh, more into a meal, it helps the nutritional yeast stick and clump a little more.
Hi, would this work well in homemade alfedo sauce? Or if my family loves it, would I be able to can my homemade Alfredo sauce using this alternate parmesan?
Flavor wise, yes, but it won’t give that melty/stretchy consistency vibe of cheese. Blend it in for creamy, cheesy flavor.
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I like to make this with vegan saltines instead of nuts or seeds.
Great idea! Thanks for sharing your version Lisa!
I was hoping for something I could use. Is there any other way since I have cheese allergies and yeast allergies???A double strike.
Since a yeast allergy would eliminate all fermented foods, I’m afraid I don’t have any options to offer for that type of flavor.
Beautiful photos! It really does look “so simple and so good!”
I can’t wait to try this! I’ve been looking for parm alternatives and I love how easy this one is.
I almost always LOVE cheezy recipes with nooch – it’s such a great flavor. I eat some dairy now, but I really need to try this recipe anyway! 🙂
What a yummy recipe! Love that you can make such a staple dairy free.
Wow, this is so interesting! Glad there is an option for parmesan for dairy-free friends!
So simple and delicious! I love the versatility of foods! It’s awesome every diet type can enjoy cheese!
I haven’t had nutritional yeast in ages! This might just convince me to try it again!
Oh my gosh, I need to make this – it looks so easy, and I think my kid will love it!
Would you make it possible for us to print these pages, w/o the sidebar? I know some of your recipes have a print button, but being able to print pages w/information for us newbies to Dairy Free living, would be helpful . THanks.
Hi Marilyn, we’re working on it! Thanks for the request. Hopefully we will have an operational print button this week.