Name: Homemade Parmesan Cheese (Dairy Free) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ½ cup raw cashews ((approx 50g)); ¼ cup sunflower seeds ((approx 40g)); 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder

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What’s that?! You can make parmesan cheese dairy free?! Yes! This homemade dairy free parmesan cheese recipe is made using cashews, sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast and garlic powder. It is super quick to make, completely dairy free and vegan, and is a great non dairy substitute for parmesan. Add it to sauces or sprinkle it on top of your meal for a great cheesy flavor with none of the cow.

Dairy Free Parmesan recipe made with cashews, sunflower seeds and nutritional yeast.

If you love cheese but it doesn’t feel the same way about you, we’ve got you covered.

This is the perfect way to make parmesan cheese dairy free so you can add that delicious cheese flavor to your dishes while still avoiding dairy.

I love that it only takes 5 minutes to make and lasts for weeks.

Busting the Myth: Is Parmesan Cheese Dairy Free?

Traditional Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is made using cow’s milk and is unsuitable for anyone with dairy protein allergies. However, Parmesan usually contains only very small amounts of lactose so it may be suitable for those who are lactose intolerant. ¹

It is important to remember that all lactose intolerant individuals have different tolerance levels for dairy products. Some people cannot handle any lactose, so even low-level parmesan may be too much.

It is important that you know your own tolerance level and avoid it completely if you are unsure.

Factory made parmesan cheeses with a lactose free, dairy free or vegan product label are available to buy in grocery stores, however they often contain ultra-processed ingredients such as modified potato starch. Enter: our super easy, super quick homemade dairy free parmesan!

Our delicious dairy-free parmesan cheese recipe is made with simple ingredients and natural flavors and is a great addition to a healthy diet.

Dairy Free Parmesan made with cashews, sunflower seeds and nutritional yeast.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Parmesan Cheese Recipe

Get the cheesy Parmesan tastiness with none of the cow
It’s dairy free, lactose free, gluten free and vegan
Made with healthy ingredients
Ready in less than 5 minutes!

Ingredients Notes for Dairy Free Parmesan Cheese

Homemade dairy free parmesan ingredients on a plate: cashews, sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast, garlic powder and salt.

Raw cashews: They’re a great source of protein and taste delicious. No need to soak as we need them dry and crumbly.

Sunflower seeds: These will add both nutrients and flavor. If you like you can skip these and replace with equal amounts of cashews.

Nutritional yeast: This is the main ingredient bringing the cheesy, nutty flavor we need to add the taste of Italy to your cooking!

Sea salt: Any salt will work, but I prefer sea salt in this.

Garlic Powder: This provides a subtle taste compared to fresh garlic and works well in this recipe. Use dried garlic powder over fresh as we don’t want mold growing when we store our dry parmesan mix (yuck, no thanks!).

How to Make Dairy Free Parmesan

Adding the vegan parmesan cheese ingredients to a small food processor for blending.

Add all the ingredients to a food processor. Pulse until fine and well mixed. Be careful not to over mix, or it will become a paste.
Transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks.
Use by adding to sauces during cooking, or sprinkle on top of a finished dish as a garnish.

Equipment

Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Small food processor
Storage container

Substitutions

Sunflower seeds: If you don’t have any you could miss them out or use Hemp hearts instead. If you choose to miss out the sunflower seeds, replace them with cashew nuts.

Variations

This recipe is so versatile, you can mix it up and change the ratios of ingredients to suit what you like. As the famous song goes ‘It’s your cheese and you can try what you want to’. Or something like that, anyway.

Can I use different nuts?

Yes! Feel free to experiment. My favorite way to make this recipe is using cashews but you could use pine nuts or any other mix of nuts. Let me know in the comments if you try something that worked!

Can I substitute nutritional yeast?

Not for this recipe as it is the key cheesy flavor ingredient. You can use more or less of it though, if you prefer.

Can I use salted or roasted nuts?

Yes, however the final flavor will be different. When using salted nuts skip the added salt and taste at the end to see whether it needs any extra.

What else can I add?

I sometimes add a little onion powder for a bit of something different. Start with a small amount, around ⅛ teaspoon, and go from there so you don’t overdo it.

FAQs

Does it really taste like cheese?

Ok, ok, we need to say this: we know it’s not ACTUALLY cheese. So, it doesn’t taste exactly the same as regular parmesan cheese. However, once you have been dairy free for a while and your taste buds have adjusted, this is a great cheese alternative.

If you’re new on the dairy free journey I’m afraid you’ll quickly realise that nothing can beat the real, heavenly cheesiness of real cheese. If you are a newbie, I suggest you give it time. Save this recipe and come back to it when you’re ready to embrace the cheese substitutes.

Is Parmesan Dairy Free?

No. Regular parmesan is made using cow’s milk. However, as with many hard or aged cheeses, parmesan contains very little lactose. This means it may be suitable for those who are lactose intolerant, but not for those with an allergy to dairy proteins.

Only you know your health needs, so be sure to do your own research or consult your Doctor as we do not give health or nutrition advice.

How Should I Store Homemade Dairy Free Parmesan Cheese?

Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for around 3 weeks, or in the freezer for 3 months.