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35+ amazing nutritional yeast recipes that are naturally vegan and easy to make! Enjoy.
What is nutritional yeast? Where do I find nutritional yeast? How do I use nutritional yeast? What are the health benefits of cooking with nutritional yeast? Find the answers to these questions plus 34 easy, healthy, and delicious vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, keto recipes such as pizza, pesto, cheese sauces, popcorn, pasta and more using nutritional yeast below!
What is Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional yeast is an inactive form of yeast called ‘Saccharomyces cerevisiae’ that is commonly derived from blackstrap molasses. (It is not to be confused with Brewer’s Yeast which is the same species but an active form.) It is grown on molasses as it likes feeding on sugar. It is then deactivated by being heated and pasteurized and then dried and enriched with a variety of B vitamins, like vitamin B-12 before being packaged. Those on a vegan or dairy-free diet often find it a suitable vegan cheese substitute due to its cheesy flavor and savory, umami flavor notes. In the vegan world, it is known as “nooch” and this flaky yellow powder is a highly versatile ingredient.
What Does Nutritional Yeast Taste Like?
Nutritional yeast is a type of yeast with a savory flavor that is perfect for vegan cheese recipes. These little yellow flakes also have a slightly nutty flavor profile.
Where Can I Find Nutritional Yeast?
- Nutritional yeast can commonly be found in the baking section of natural health food stores such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, or Natural Grocers. You can also sometimes find it in the bulk foods section of these stores, too.
- In conventional grocery stores, you can sometimes find it in the organic, natural foods or gluten-free sections of the store.
- A common and popular brand of nutritional yeast is Bragg. This can be found online and in stores.
- Some other brands that I have tried and loved that can be found online are: Sari Foods, Anthony’s, and Bob’s Red Mill.
- Nutritional yeast can be found in the form of fine powder, small flakes, or large flakes.
What are the Health Benefits of Nutritional Yeast?
- Nutritional yeast is rich in minerals such as selenium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and calcium.
- Nutritional yeast is a good source of B vitamins, specifically B12. B12 is a common deficiency for those on a vegan diet, so nutritional yeast is of the utmost help here!
- Nutritional yeast is a great source of plant-based protein, as it is a complete protein.
- Nutritional yeast has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties thanks to the specific strain of yeast and its high beta-glucans content. Beta-glucans is a form of fiber that has many reported health benefits, including being considered a prebiotic (crucial for gut health!).
- Nutritional yeast is also rich in antioxidants.
As you can see, it is a nutritional supplement in its own right!
Nutritional Yeast Uses
- Sprinkle on eggs or tofu scramble.
- Salad topping.
- Flavorings for pizza and vegetables.
- Make vegan cheese sauces or queso to serve along tortilla chips.
- Add creaminess to sauces.
- Sprinkle on soup and stew.
- Mix into veggie burgers for a cheeseburger flavor.
- Make vegan mac and cheese.
- Add a cheesy taste to any of your favorite dishes! It is a key ingredient when it comes to vegan cooking and a plant-based diet.
35+ Delicious Nutritional Yeast Recipes
Easy Vegan Queso Recipe
No cashews are to be found in this quick, easy, creamy and flavorful vegan queso recipe made with only a few simple ingredients, including nutritional yeast. Naturally gluten-free and oil-free.
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Creamy Vegan Hazelnut Cream Cheese
An easy, creamy and delicious Vegan Hazelnut Cream Cheese recipe that makes a fabulous substitute for regular cream cheese. Gluten-free.
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Cheesy Vegan Walnut Pesto Recipe
This amazingly creamy and delicious Cheesy Vegan Walnut Pesto is made from a blend of basil, spinach, kale, garlic, walnuts, and nutritional yeast! It is vegan, gluten-free, healthy, vibrant and ridiculously tasty. It makes for one perfect green condiment ready to use on just about any savory dish!
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Vegan Pepper Jack Cheese
This vegan nut cheese recipe is cultured with probiotic capsules for an extra gut health boost and a cheesy tang. This delicious fermented vegan cheese is also filled with spicy jalapeños & red chili flakes for a most delightful pepper jack flavor! It is a most creamy and decadent walnut cheese that is easy to make & filled with healthy ingredients for a perfect dairy-free cheese that complements a variety of dishes.
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Vegan Cashew Pesto
This Vegan Basil Cashew Pesto recipe could not be tastier! Made with just a handful of simple, healthy ingredients, this creamy vegan pesto makes a vibrant accompaniment to a variety of foods and dishes!
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Vegan Cashew Gravy
A super creamy and comforting Gluten-Free Vegan White Gravy made with Cashews, and the perfect blend of spices! Whether for a cozy holiday meal or your every day favorite dishes, this Vegan Gravy recipe adds that certain bit of something special in no time at all!
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Vegan Pea Pesto
A gluten-free and vegan Sunny Spring Pea & Basil Pesto made with spring peas, fresh basil, mixed greens, sunflower seeds, garlic, and lemon juice. This delicious pesto is easy, healthy, and DELICIOUS!
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Vegan Zucchini Fritters (Gluten-Free)
These easy, healthy Gluten-Free Vegan Zucchini Fritters are made with chickpea flour for added nutrition and depth. Packed with the perfect blend of spices, these delightful vegan fritters are beyond DELICIOUS, too!
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Citrus Salad with Cashew Cheese and Toasted Pistachios – Calm Eats
This Citrus Salad with Cashew Cheese and Toasted Pistachios is a light and refreshing alternative to a classic first course. It’s salty, sweet and creamy.
Vegan Seed Cheese
This super easy vegan cheese recipe can be made with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or a blend of both for a simple, quick and delicious creamy vegan cheese that complements a variety of foods! Nut-free and keto friendly!
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Vegan Eggplant Meatballs – My Pure Plants
You can make perfect vegan eggplant meatballs using only eggplant (all together six ingredients), but no other veggies or legumes. Serve with a chunky vegan marinara sauce over spaghetti.
Easy, Creamy Dairy-Free Macaroni and Cheese – Raia’s Recipes
Dairy-free? Vegan? Missing mac ’n cheese? ThisEasy, Creamy Dairy-Free Macaroni and Cheese is what you need! This vegan mac is so good, you’ll cry… Haha!
Vegan Cheddar Cheese – Healthier Steps
Homemade Vegan Cheddar Cheese that is easy to prepare and comes together really fast. It can be sliced or grated. Perfect with crackers as an appetizer.
Scrambled Tofu Breakfast Tacos – Love and Good Stuff
Scrambled tofu breakfast tacos – a quick, easy, and healthy breakfast. Ready to eat in 10 minutes which makes them and excellent midweek high protein breakfast option.
Paleo Doritos Like Chips Recipe – The Things We’ll Make
Crispy and coated with a tasty Mexican spice blend, these paleo Doritos like chips are a satisfying, healthy way to curb your junk food cravings.
Vegan Cashew Cheese Ball – Rhian’s Recipes
This Vegan Cashew Cheese Ball iscreamy,tangyand full offlavour! It’s perfect forsharingand makes animpressiveappetizer! Gluten-free.
Creamy Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta – Strength & Sunshine
Sun-dried tomatoes are a must-try addition to your pesto! This Creamy Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta is gluten-free, allergy-free, & so easy!
Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip – Haute & Healthy Living
This Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip is an easy, healthy and delicioussnack or appetizer. Pair it with fresh veggies, whole grain pita chips or crackers for a nutritious snack! {vegan, gluten-free & paleo}
Broccoli Pizza Crust Recipe – Kitchen of Youth
Pizza can be a girl’s best friend. Yes, I said it. And I meant it. And no, you won’t be the first non-believer. If I had a nickel for every person who thinks I can’t make my favorite comfort foods both delicious and healthy, I’d be rich.
Vegan Parsley Walnut Pesto – The Simple Green
This vegan parsley walnut pesto is simple to make and full or super fresh flavours. Walnuts add an earthy depth of flavour.
Gluten Free & Paleo Savoury Muffins – Love Food Nourish
These gluten free savoury muffins are moist, light and tasty! Packed with veggies they make a nutritious snack! Dairy free & paleo friendly.
Miso Oatmeal with Kale and Avocado {Savory Oatmeal}· Love and Good Stuff
Instant Pot Miso Breakfast Oats – savoury steel cut oats with miso paste, kale and avocado. A quick and healthy breakfast.
How to Pop Sorghum + Spiced Sorghum “Popcorn” Recipe – Zestful Kitchen
Learn how to pop sorghum with this how-to tutorial. The toss the popped sorghum with a vegan cheesy-spice mixture that takes like Doritos!
Creamy Vegan Potato Leek Soup with White Beans – The Simple Green
This vegan potato leek soup is made creamy and hearty with white beans and doesn’t contain a stitch of dairy.
Easy Vegan Parmesan Cheese – Veggie Desserts
Make this easy cheesy vegan parmesan cheese in just 5 minutes with 5 ingredients! It’s tasty and addictive. Sprinkle it on pasta, pizza, popcorn and more.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Easy Asparagus Risotto Recipe – Foodal
A super easy risotto recipe with fresh seasonal asparagus and oven-dried tomatoes. You’ll love this vegan and gluten-free comfort food. Read more on Foodal.
Best Oven-Roasted Broccoli With Nutritional Yeast – Killing Thyme
Garlicky cheesy broccoli—but make it healthy! That’s exactly what this fab Oven-Roasted Broccoli With Nutritional Yeast is good for.
Low-FODMAP Cheesy Vegan Mashed Potatoes – Watch Learn Eat
These Cheesy Vegan Mashed Potatoes have all the cheesy flavor without any of the cheese, you won’t believe they’re actually dairy-free.
Kale Spaghetti Genovese – J Cooking Odyssey
Kale Spaghetti Genovese, a one-pot meal wonder! A simple and vegan pasta recipe that packs a punch. Full of nutritional goodies, that a perfect dish for lunch or mid-week dinner. If you like Italian food,
Vegan Cheezy Broccoli Salad – Meme Inge
This Vegan Cheezy Broccoli Salad is a raw broccoli salad covered in a cashew cheese sauce made with nutritional yeast, bell peppers, and lemon juice
Vegan Roasted Root Vegetable Gratin (Paleo & Whole30) – Paleoish Krista
A dairy-free cashew cream sauce, an assortment of root vegetables and a simple gluten and grain-free topping come together to make this hearty plant-based side dish or main course.
Vegan Caesar Salad with Roasted Sriracha Chickpeas – Haute and Healthy Living
This vegan caesar salad with roasted sriracha chickpeas very closely resembles a typical caesar salad, but is completely dairy-free and gluten-free! With the veggies, tahini dressing and crunchy chickpeas, It is also packed full of fibre, protein and healthy fats, making it both nutritious and filli…
Creamy Vegan Buffalo Mac & Cheese – V Nutrition and Wellness
This Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is the ultimate vegan comfort food. It’s a perfect recipe when you’re wanting to add a little spice to your dinner!
Kale Chips Recipe – Wholesome Yum
Learn how to make kale chips in 10 different flavors! This homemade baked kale chips recipe is easy, crispy, and healthy.
Cauliflower Queso Dip {Vegan} – The Nutrition Adventure
A creamy and flavorful vegan alternative to the classic game day dip, this plant-based cheese sauce queso! This Cauliflower Queso Dip is sure to win over the crowd at your next party.
15-min Cashew Alfredo Sauce (Oil-free, Vegan) – My Pure Plants
5-ingredient vegan alfredo sauce with cashew nuts that is ready in 15 minutes. Creamy, easy and filling. (incl. 10+ creative recipes)
Curry Mac & Cheese – Strength and Sunshine
Just when you thought mac & cheese couldn’t get any better. This curry mac & cheese will blow your mind and taste buds while still being 100% allergy-free.
Garlic Herb Vegan Almond Cheese Spread – Delightful Adventures
Garlic herb vegan almond cheese spread that’s bursting with flavour and can be used in many ways. It’s great on crackers, sandwiches, as a veggie dip, and more!
Vegan Jalapeño Popper Dip – Vegan Huggs
Turn up the heat with this Vegan Jalapeño Popper Dip! It’s warm, spicy, cheesy and completely addictive!
Kristen Wood
Kristen is a writer, photographer, recipe developer, and certified functional nutrition expert. She is also the author of Fermented Hot Sauce Cookbook, Vegetarian Family Cookbook, and Hot Sauce Cookbook for Beginners. Her work has been featured in various print and online publications including Elle, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, MSN, Healthline, and many more. Kristen is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.
