If you love the salty, umami-rich flavor of parmesan but want a simple, plant-based alternative, this vegan almond parmesan is a game-changer. Made with almonds, nutritional yeast, and pantry ingredients, it’s the perfect dairy-free substitute for pasta, pizza, and more.

Five minute vegan almond parmesan cheese

There was a time when parmesan cheese was non-negotiable — spaghetti without it? Unthinkable. It was the PB to my chocolate, the finishing touch that made it complete. But as I leaned into more plant-based eating, something shifted. The cravings faded. Cheese lost its hold on me. Spaghetti and meatballs? Didn’t miss it. But a steaming bowl of pasta with marinara?

That was forever.

Still, something felt like it was missing. Marinara sauce without the sprinkle on top? It just wasn’t the same. And that’s when I started experimenting with vegan parmesan cheese recipes, tweaking and testing until I found the one. And — this version? It’s different, sure. But in all the best ways.

Bold, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every sprinkle — it has that certain something that makes marinara shine. Plus, it’s packed with healthy fats, B vitamins, and vitamin E, making it a great alternative to traditional dairy-based parmesan.

If you’ve been looking for a WFPB recipe, made with simple ingredients, this might just be your new go-to.

Why this recipe works

The secret to this vegan almond parmesan is all about balance — bold umami flavor, the right texture, and versatility.

Traditional parmesan is known for its sharp, salty flavor and delicate texture. Here, we achieve the same effect with a few key ingredients. Nutritional yeast and sea salt provide a savory, cheesy bite, while raw almonds create a light, crumbly consistency that mimics the real thing. Just a quick pulse in a food processor or blender creates a fine, sprinkle-worthy texture — without it turning into almond butter.

This homemade version skips additives while staying fresh for weeks. It takes minutes of your time to make and can be customized in fun ways.

How To Make This 5 Minute Vegan Parmesan Cheese

Ingredients for vegan almond parmesan in a blender. — Step 1.

Add all ingredients to a blender (almonds, cashews, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt).

Vegan almond parmesan in a blender. — Step 2.

Blend all ingredients.

Vegan almond parmesan in a small jar. — Step 3.

Enjoy! Store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can even freeze it for longer after the 5 days!

In the kitchen tips

Start with Quality: Whole raw almonds give the best texture — roasted nuts won’t work as well.
Less is More: Quick pulses in a food processor, blender, or coffee grinder (in small batches) create the perfect powdery consistency. Over-processing leads to almond butter!
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, or a pinch of lemon zest for extra sharp flavor.

Substitutions & additions

No Almonds? Swap them for raw cashews, walnuts, raw sunflower seeds, or hemp seeds. Each offers a slightly different flavor but works beautifully.
Want a Tangier Kick? Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest for a sharper taste.
Prefer a Cheesier Flavor? Add 1 extra tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a bolder, umami-rich bite.
Nut-Free Alternative? Use hulled sunflower seeds or hemp seeds instead of almonds.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container (like a mason jar) for 2–3 weeks.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before using.
Pro Tip: Use a shaker bottle or repurposed spice jar for easy, mess-free sprinkling!

Suggested recipes

FAQ

Can I use vegan almond parmesan in any recipe that calls for parmesan cheese?
It can be used as a 1:1 substitute in most recipes.
What are nutritional yeast flakes?
It’s a deactivated yeast with a cheesy, nutty flavor — a pantry staple in vegan cooking. You can easily find it online or at most health food stores.
Does vegan parmesan cheese taste like real parmesan?
While it’s not Parmigiano Reggiano, it has a strong taste that brings the same salty, umami-rich kick to a savory meal

Equipment

Food processor or high-powered blender
Airtight container (Mason jars work great!)

5 Minute Almond Parmesan

AUTHOR: Julie Gaeta

Vegan Parmesan Cheese

PREP TIME: 5 MinTOTAL TIME: 5 Min

The easiest recipe for homemade vegan almond parmesan! This 5-minute, dairy-free topping is perfect for pasta, pizza, popcorn, roasted veggies, soups, and more!

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Instructions

Add all ingredients to a food processor or high-speed blender.
Pulse several times until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (think grated parmesan). Do not over-process — you want it crumbly, not a paste.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last 2–3 weeks or up to 3 months in the freezer.

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5 Minute Vegan Almond Parmesan Cheese