Vegan substitute for Parmesan
Parmesan is salt, umami and a dry grate. Three pantry ingredients get you 90% of the way in a minute.
Options, ratios and best uses
Cashew parmesan
1:1Blitz 100 g cashews, 3 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1 tsp salt.
Best for: pasta, salads, soups
Almond + yeast blend
1:1Blanched almonds keep the colour pale.
Best for: nut-varied kitchens
Shop-bought vegan hard cheese
1:1Improved a lot in recent years.
Best for: shaving over dishes
Toasted breadcrumbs (pangrattato)
1:1Traditional "poor man's parmesan" from southern Italy.
Best for: pasta topping
Tips
- Add a pinch of garlic powder for depth
- Keep in the fridge up to two weeks
- White miso boosts the aged note
Avoid
- Over-blending into nut butter
- Adding to boiling sauce — it clumps
Questions people ask
Is Parmesan vegetarian?
No. Protected Parmigiano Reggiano must be made with calf rennet.
Does cashew parmesan melt?
No — use it as a finishing sprinkle.