Easy 4-Ingredient Vegan Parmesan (Big Batch, Always Ready)

If there’s one ingredient that’s always in my fridge, it’s this vegan parmesan. It’s simple, versatile, and makes even the most basic meals taste extra special. While this recipe isn’t originally my own (it’s adapted from several other classic versions), it has become such a staple in my kitchen that I can’t imagine cooking without it.

The best part? It comes together in minutes, makes a large batch, and stays fresh in the fridge for weeks. That means I always have it ready to sprinkle over pasta, pizza, soups, salads- and yes, even my holiday Vegan Shepherd’s Pie.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Parmesan

• Just 4 ingredients – No complicated steps or hard-to-find items.
• Big batch convenience – One prep session, weeks of flavour.
• Versatile – Perfect on pasta, salads, roasted veggies, pizza, and casseroles.
• Family-friendly – Adds that cheesy, savoury touch everyone loves.
• Meal-prep friendly – Saves time and makes everyday meals feel gourmet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ½ cups raw cashews
• ½ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder

How to Make Vegan Parmesan

1. Add all ingredients to a food processor.
2. Pulse until a fine, crumbly meal forms (similar to grated parmesan).
3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

That’s it! In under 5 minutes, you’ve got a delicious, plant-based parmesan substitute that lasts for weeks.

Recipe Notes

• Do not soak the cashews – Unlike many cashew-based recipes, this one depends on dry nuts for the right texture.
• Storage – Keeps well in the fridge for several weeks in a sealed container.
• Nut-free version? – While this recipe is cashew-based, I know there’s a demand for nut-free options. I’m experimenting and will share a nut-free alternative soon!

How to Use Vegan Parmesan

This is where the fun begins- vegan parmesan goes with almost everything. A few of my favorite ways to use it:

• Sprinkled generously over spaghetti or lasagna
• On top of a bubbling hot vegan shepherd’s pie
• Over roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini
• On salads for an instant flavour boost, or our caesar salad dressing
• As a final touch on homemade pizza
• Even stirred into soups for extra depth

It’s one of those little kitchen tricks that instantly elevates a meal without adding any extra hassle.

Why It’s Worth Making

For me, having vegan parmesan on hand is all about simplicity and flavour. It saves me time, keeps meals exciting, and makes plant-based cooking feel indulgent without being complicated. Even if you’re not vegan, this recipe is worth trying…you may be surprised how much you love it!

So next time you’re meal prepping, take 5 minutes to whip up a batch of this vegan parmesan. I promise, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

Easy 4 Ingredient Vegan Parmesan (Batch and Store)

The Gentle Table

A quick and easy 4-ingredient vegan parmesan that makes a big batch to keep in the fridge. Perfect for sprinkling on pastas, soups, salads, and more. This recipe saves time and adds flavour to every meal.

Be the first to rate this recipe!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine vegan

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

• Food processor

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups raw cashews
• ½ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

 

• Pulse all ingredients together in a food processor until a fine meal is achieved. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Stays fresh for several weeks!

Notes

Note on the cashews: While many recipes call for soaking cashews prior to cooking, it is important that the cashews are not soaked for this recipe as it will impact the texture of the finished product.

We recognize that this recipe is not allergen friendly, and there is demand for nut free alternatives. Nut free options are in the works!

Tried this recipe?Please leave a review!!

Keyword easy, parmesan, simple, vegan