30 Nutritional Yeast Vegan Recipes
These vegan nutritional yeast seasoning recipes are packed with cheesy, savory flavor and loaded with plant-based nutrients like B vitamins. Perfect for adding a delicious twist to meals, they’re a must-try for any vegan or healthy food lover!
With its cheesy, nutty, and savory flavor, nutritional yeast is a dairy-free seasoning that should be in everyone’s pantry–whether vegan or not. These nutritional yeast recipes are going to make you a believer with their amazing flavor!
We’ve got it all with these delicious nutritional yeast recipes. Everything vegan–from cashew parmesan cheese to eggless dairy-free quiche to tofu breakfast scramble. And, you’re going to love it all!
Reasons you will love these recipes
- Cheesy Flavor Without Dairy: Nutritional yeast brings a rich, cheesy flavor to recipes, making it a perfect vegan alternative for comfort foods.
- Nutrient-Rich Boost: Packed with B vitamins, protein, and antioxidants, these recipes add a healthy twist to your meals.
- Versatile and Delicious: From creamy sauces to savory snacks, these recipes show off how adaptable nutritional yeast can be.
What is nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast, unlike baker’s and brewer’s yeasts, is a deactivated yeast used for seasoning.
It’s an inactive form of the yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Though it is the same strain of yeast bakers use to leaven bread, nutritional yeast has been pasteurized to dry out the yeast. This process helps to extract its nutritional benefits.
Nutritional yeast is exclusively for seasoning and cannot be used for leavening in baking. Even so, it can normally be found in the baking section of many grocery stores. I usually purchase my nutritional yeast online.
What does it taste like?
Known by vegan enthusiasts as nooch, this seasoning yeast has a nutty, cheesy flavor and is yellow in color. It can be purchased in flakes and granules as well as a powder that can be used interchangeably.
Nutritional yeast can be used in recipes the same way you might use grated cheese to add flavor to foods like popcorn, baked potatoes, and pizza.
Uses for nutritional yeast
- Sprinkle over salads, roasted vegetables, pasta, rice, popcorn, and more
- Use in vegan cheese sauce recipes
- Stir into soups and stews
- Add to casseroles and other dishes
Two types of nutritional yeast
There are two types of nutritional yeast available — unfortified and fortified.
- Unfortified- This type only contains the vitamins and minerals that are naturally produced by the yeast cells as they grow. No additional additives or salt are included.
- Fortified- This is the most common type found in grocery stores, and it has synthetic vitamins added during the manufacturing process. They will be listed on the ingredient list.
Is nutritional yeast good for you?
Nutritional yeast has many health benefits. It contains all nine essential amino acids and the fortified type can be a source of some vitamins and minerals.
It is considered safe for most people, but those who are on certain medications or who are sensitive to yeast products may need to talk with their healthcare provider.
Those with Crohn’s Disease or other autoimmune issues may want to watch this short video, Is Nutritional Yeast Healthy for Everyone?
Word of caution
Gout- A lesser-known fact is that nutritional yeast is high in purines and may cause an abundance of uric acid which can lead to gout flare-ups if consumed in larger quantities. This actually happened with my husband who had never experienced gout before and hasn’t again after limiting his nutritional yeast intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Nutritional yeast is popular in vegan cooking as a dairy-free cheese alternative, thanks to its savory, cheesy flavor. It works well in dishes like vegan mac and cheese, pizza, and creamy sauces.
You can sprinkle nutritional yeast on popcorn, pasta, roasted vegetables, or mix it into soups, stews, and sauces. It also makes a great addition to vegan cheese sauces and dressings.
Yes, nutritional yeast is naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Always be sure to read labels to make sure there are no additives.
Nutritional yeast is generally considered safe for most people, but it can cause sensitivity in those with yeast allergies or who are prone to headaches due to its high tyramine content. Always check for any individual allergies before using it regularly.
For those of you new to the whole food plant-based lifestyle, we’ve created a FREE 7-Day Plant-Based Menu Planner to help you get started!
Nutritional Yeast Recipes
These delicious recipes range from vegan cheese sauces to breakfast casseroles and quiche. It's the nutritional yeast that adds all the flavor, so pull out that container and give some of these a try!
This hash brown vegan breakfast casserole made with homemade dairy-free cheese is so delicious because it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors that make each bite irresistible. The homemade vegan cheese sauce adds a rich, savory taste without any dairy, making it a satisfying and indulgent dish for everyone.
This creamy cashew Alfredo is a delicious vegan alternative, offering a rich, velvety texture and a nutty flavor that’s perfect for pasta dishes. Made with simple, plant-based ingredients, it’s a healthy and dairy-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste!
When I first switched over to a healthy plant-based lifestyle back in 2013, one thing that I really missed was CHEESE. Cheese for pizza, tacos, baked potatoes, lasagna, and so much more. That’s why I came up with this amazing best vegan cheese sauce recipe ever!
A classic favorite, broccoli cheese soup was one dish I missed after going dairy-free, so I worked hard to come up with this deliciously satisfying vegan broccoli cheddar soup version that is loaded with flavor by the spoonful.
This creamy vegan potato soup is so good because it combines creamy, tender potatoes with flavorful herbs and spices, creating a comforting and hearty dish. Perfect for any season, this nutritious soup is both satisfying and easy to make, making it a favorite for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Hands down, this vegan, loaded potato recipe is the best you’ll ever try. These are a hit with everyone—even non-vegans—because the homemade dairy-free cheese sauce is the secret ingredient that wins over all types of eaters!
This vegan tofu scramble is so delicious because it features a perfect blend of savory spices and fresh vegetables, creating a flavorful and satisfying breakfast option. Rich in protein and easy to customize, it’s a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional scrambled eggs.
This vegan scalloped potato recipe is so good because it’s creamy, flavorful, and completely dairy-free, making it a perfect comfort food for everyone. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal, especially for Thanksgiving and the holidays.
This easy Vegetable Bouillon Powder is a great way to add incredible flavor to those soups, casseroles, and veggie dishes. It is super quick and simple to make in only minutes and also makes a terrific vegetable broth substitute.
These healthy vegan nachos are so good because they feature a creamy, homemade vegan cheese sauce and tangy tofu sour cream, making them a delicious and guilt-free meal. Packed with nutritious ingredients and bold flavors, these nachos are the perfect plant-based meal for feeding a crowd.
This amazingly simple Vegan Cashew Cheese is deliciously stretchy and gooey on pizza, French onion soup, and so many other recipes. It’s the perfect dairy-free cheese recipe that also happens to be gluten-free.
This creamy vegan sweet potato cheese sauce is the perfect dairy-free alternative, made from wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes and nutritional yeast for a rich, cheesy flavor. It’s ideal for pasta, nachos, or as a dip, offering a healthy and delicious plant-based option!
This vegan quiche casserole made with tofu is a deliciously creamy and protein-packed alternative to traditional quiche, offering all the savory flavors you love without any dairy or eggs. Perfect for a wholesome breakfast, brunch, or light dinner, it’s a nutritious and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and full of plant-based goodness.
This vegan cashew parmesan is so good because it offers a rich, cheesy flavor without any dairy, making it a perfect plant-based alternative. It’s also easy to make and adds a delicious, nutty sprinkle to your favorite dishes, enhancing both taste and nutrition!
This vegan tofu egg salad made from tofu is so good because it mimics the creamy texture and savory flavor of traditional egg salad while being entirely plant-based and protein-rich. It’s a delicious, cholesterol-free alternative that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
This Vegan Nacho Cheese is incredible as a dip for baked chips as well as on fries, baked potatoes, and pizza. For healthy burritos and quesadillas, it can’t be beaten! Make it with cashews or white beans.
This homemade Vegan Ricotta Cheese is made with only 8 simple ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes for a deliciously healthy plant-based cheese alternative.
This simple and delicious Savory Spice Blend Seasoning is perfect to keep on hand to add flavor to dishes in place of salt. It livens up even the blandest recipes.
This vegan green bean casserole is a deliciously creamy and comforting dish that everyone will love, even non-vegans! It’s the perfect addition to holiday gatherings, bringing a classic flavor with a plant-based twist that will delight your guests and elevate your festive table!
Making Vegan Cashew Queso has never been easier than with this delicious 4 ingredient recipe that takes less than 5 minutes to make in your blender or food processor.
This vegan Mexican street corn is so good because it features perfectly grilled corn slathered in a creamy, dairy-free mayo, topped with tangy lime juice and savory spices for an authentic flavor experience. Packed with vibrant, bold flavors and a satisfying crunch, it’s a delicious and healthy twist on a classic favorite.
This dish is all about the sauce bursting with flavor and tastes fabulous on almost anything–pasta, potatoes, grilled vegetables, or even spread on bread. Amazingly, this Vegan Roasted Garlic Butter Pasta is gluten-free and similar to an alfredo.
Discover these healthy popcorn toppings and cooking methods that are not only delicious but completely butter-free! From savory seasonings to sweet treats, these ideas make snacking guilt-free and full of flavor.
This vegan broccoli casserole is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect comfort dish that’s also healthy and plant-based. Loaded with fresh broccoli and a homemade dairy-free cheese sauce, it’s a satisfying and nutritious meal everyone will love.
Grits are a delicious and nutritious breakfast that can be ready to eat in minutes. Making healthy vegan grits is all determined by how they are seasoned, so let me show you some awesomely flavorful options.
When I don’t have time to do a lot of cooking, or I’m just not in the mood to be in the kitchen long, one of my favorite go-to meals is Vegan Baked Potatoes with Toppings like beans, noodles, vegetables, and so much more!
This vegan mac and cheese is so good because it’s incredibly creamy and cheesy, made with wholesome plant-based, dairy-free ingredients that deliver rich flavor and comfort without any dairy. Perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike, it’s a delicious, guilt-free twist on a classic favorite.
Sometimes I’m just tired and don’t feel like cooking. On those days at my house, we are very likely to make this gluten-free, vegan Veggie Pizza recipe. It is so easy to prepare and can be ready in minutes.
This mushroom spinach vegan lasagna is rich, hearty, and bursting with savory flavors! Layered with creamy dairy-free ricotta, tender spinach, and meaty mushrooms, it’s the perfect plant-based comfort food that’s satisfying and packed with nutrients.
I hope you enjoyed exploring this list of vegan nutritional yeast recipes and found some exciting new ways to incorporate this tasty, healthy seasoning into your meals! It’s a versatile and delicious ingredient, and I hope it inspires you to get creative in the kitchen!
About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
