Antonio Alderuccio’s vegan parmesan recipe is an easy, homemade alternative to traditional cheese. This dairy-free version uses cashews or almonds, nutritional yeast, tamari, and sea salt to create a savory, umami-filled topping. It takes just five minutes to make and works well on pasta, pizza, salads, and even soups.
The nutritional yeast gives it a cheesy flavor, while the nuts provide a slightly rich texture. Tamari adds depth, making this more than just a basic nut topping. It’s a great option for anyone who avoids dairy but still enjoys the taste of parmesan.
For many people, parmesan (which isn’t suitable for vegetarians or vegans) is a difficult food to give up when transitioning to a plant-based diet. Shop-bought vegan parmesan products can often be pricey, so this recipe is a game-changer if you’re a fan of the cheese. This vegan parmesan stores well in the fridge for up to two weeks, and it’s a practical addition to any kitchen. The recipe comes from Veganissimo!, where Alderuccio shares more plant-based versions of Italian classics.
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Vegan parmesan recipe
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Ingredients
- 150 g (5½oz) cashews or almonds, or a mix of both
- 18 g (¾oz) nutritional yeast
- ½ tsp tamari sauce
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- Place the cashews, nutritional yeast, tamari sauce and salt into the bowl of a food processor or high powered blender. Pulse for 20–30 seconds or until the ingredients turn to a fine, crumbly texture that resembles grated parmesan cheese. Be careful not to over-process, as you don’t want it to turn into a nut butter.
- Taste and check for seasoning, and adjust with salt, if necessary.
veganissimo! by Antonio Alderuccio, Published by White Lion, £20.00, April 10th 2025
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