20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (2024)

These 20 vegan recipes with nutritional yeast are delicious and plant-based. I love nutritional yeast because it tastes like nutty cheese. It really improves the flavor of pasta recipes, soups, salads, and even popcorn.

Nutritional yeast can be found at most supermarkets, and it’s relatively inexpensive. It’s a staple in my pantry because I use it for so many meals. Here are some of my favorite vegan recipes that use nutritional yeast.

1. Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (1)

This vegan recipe from Well Fed Baker uses nutritional yeast to get that amazing cheesy flavor in this delicious soup. If you were a fan of Broccoli Cheddar Soup before you went vegan, you’ll want to give this one a try. Where many cheesy vegan recipes use nuts, this one is nut-free!

2. Savory Vegan Muffins

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (2)

These savory vegan muffins from Rainbow Nourishments are the perfect breakfast to grab-and-go when you’re in a hurry. If you have some nutritional yeast on hand, you’ll want to give these a try. They’re also packed with fresh veggies so you can feel really good about eating them! It’s a sneaky way to get in a dose of veggies.

3. Vegan Goldfish Crackers

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (3)

If you’re a parent with a little one that loves crackers, you’re in luck. Did you know you could make your own goldfish crackers? These allergy-free crackers from Strength and Sunshine are adorable and use nutritional yeast for their cheesy flavor and yellow color.

4. Black Bean Burgers

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (4)

I don’t know any vegan that doesn’t love a good black bean burger. The nutritional yeast is optional in this recipe, but I recommend using it! Try this vegan recipe for black bean burgers from Cuisine With Me.

5. Nut-Free Vegan Nacho Cheese

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (5)

Nutritional yeast is very often used to create vegan cheese recipes. This creamy nacho cheese will have you forgetting all about traditional cheese. Try it on nachos, or even mix it up and use it for a vegan pizza or black bean burger topper.

6. Dairy-Free Broccoli Soup

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (6)

Another delicious soup on the menu! This recipe is not vegan by default, but it can very easily be made vegan. Swap out the chicken broth for your favorite vegetable based broth. This tasty recipe from Dairy Free For Baby is perfect for a nice cozy night in when the weather is cold.

7. One-Pot Vegan Mac and Cheese

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (7)

Mac and cheese was one thing I really missed when I went vegan. I love one-pot meals because they’re so easy to make, and this one is delicious and creamy. This recipe from Strength and Sunshine uses nutritional yeast to create an amazing vegan version of mac and cheese. A classic favorite only made better

8. Vegan Pistachio Cheese Ball

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (8)

Pistachios make the best vegan cheese balls. This is a great recipe for a dinner party or potluck.

9. Tofu Egg Scramble

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (9)

This vegan egg scramble doesn’t use eggs at all. It uses tofu and nutritional yeast for a vegan twist on a classic favorite. You can dress this scramble up with any veggies or seasonings you want.

10. Homemade Spaghetti-O’s

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (10)

This kid-friendly recipe for a classic favorite uses nutritional yeast to bring up the flavor. We all know that the traditional one’s in a can are not the best option. So, opt to make your own at home with this healthy version from Strength and Sunshine.

11. Vegan Pasta Al Limone

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (11)

I don’t know about you, but I can never have too much pasta in my life. This creamy recipe uses lemon and nutritional yeast for a delicious weeknight dinner.

12. Vegan Pumpkin Soup

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (12)

When fall comes around, there is always an abundance of pumpkins and squash. This vegan pumpkin soup uses nutritional yeast for a satisfying dinner or lunch.

13. Sweet and Spicy Ginger Tofu

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (13)

This yummy recipe tastes as good as takeout when you’re craving something different. You can make it extra spicy with the addition of cayenne pepper which compliments the nutritional yeast perfectly.

14. Vegan Breakfast Hash

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (14)

This recipe doesn’t use nutritional yeast directly in it. But, I always sprinkle some on top for an extra cheesy flavor. If you love sweet potatoes and breakfast hash, check out this recipe.

15. Air Fryer Croutons

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (15)

If you like adding croutons to your salad, you’ll want to try these cheezy nutritional yeast croutons. I love using my air-fryer and this easy recipe is a keeper! Move over packaged croutons! There is a healthier option in town.

16. Homemade Bouillon Powder

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (16)

We all know how much flavor bouillon powder can add to a dish. This flavor-packed powder is the perfect addition to many vegan recipes. And, it uses nutritional yeast.

17. Nut-Free Vegan Cheese Sauce

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (17)

Another vegan cheese sauce? You can never have too many. This vegan cheese sauce is nut-free and uses nutritional yeast for its cheesy flavor. Use it on tofu scramble, nachos, or black bean burgers.

18. Homemade Italian Salad Dressing

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (18)

This vegan salad dressing is exactly what you need to level up your next salad. Nutritional yeast, along with the other spices, add a ton of flavor to any bland salad.

19. Easy Savory Vegan Spinach Muffins

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (19)

Nutritional yeast really compliments any meal that is savory. These spinach muffins are a great on-the-go meal option that is filling and satisfying.

20. Easy Vegan Cheese Balls

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (20)

Is there anything better than a cheese ball? This recipe is the perfect appetizer for a party or potluck. It’s sure to please all the vegans (and non-vegans) that grab one for a bite!

Honorable mentions

These are some additional vegan recipes using nutritional yeast that I just can’t get enough of:

I hope this list of vegan recipes using nutritional yeast helped spark your interest and creativity in the kitchen! It’s such an amazing and versatile ingredient. If you have any other recipes you love that use nutritional yeast, be sure to share them!

20 Delicious Vegan Recipes With Nutritional Yeast (2024)

FAQs

What does nutritional yeast replace in vegan recipes? ›

That's where nutritional yeast comes into play. In cooking, nutritional yeast is used to replicate the flavors of cheese in vegan dishes. It can also be used as a topping for extra flavor, or used to thicken sauces or soups.

What is good to mix with nutritional yeast? ›

Nutritional yeast is a beloved flavor booster among plant-based eaters. Also known as "nooch," this gold-hued dust has a rich, fermented, "cheesy" flavor, that, when blended with ingredients such as nuts, beans, and cooked starchy vegetables, perfectly mimics a creamy, cheese sauce.

How much nutritional yeast should a vegan eat? ›

Including just 2 tablespoons a day can help vegans incorporate important nutrients in their diets, so having a canister of this wonder food around is a good way to ensure you'll get that extra nutritional boost.

Is nutritional yeast good or bad for you? ›

Nutritional yeast is considered safe for most people, but it may cause issues for those who are sensitive to yeast products or who take certain medications. Talk to your doctor before using nutritional yeast to avoid potential side effects.

What is better than nutritional yeast? ›

Luckily, there are many nutritional yeast substitutes available that can provide a similar flavor profile. White miso paste, brewer's yeast, yeast extract, and cashews are all great substitutes for nutritional yeast. If you're in a bind, you could also try vegetable broth, sunflower seeds or chickpea flour.

Does cooking nutritional yeast destroy vitamins? ›

Even though nutritional yeast is a great ingredient to cook with, the healthiest way to eat it is raw. B vitamins have a tendency to break down rapidly when they are heated, so if you're cooking with fortified yeast, you're likely losing most of those added B vitamins.

When should you avoid nutritional yeast? ›

Though relatively uncommon, some people may be intolerant of nutritional yeast. It appears this may be most common in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease. Yeast may trigger an immune response in certain individuals with IBD.

Does nutritional yeast need to be refrigerated? ›

Store nutritional yeast in a tightly sealed bag or jar in a cool, dark place (or in the refrigerator), and it should keep for about two years.

Can you overdo nutritional yeast? ›

Too much nutritional yeast added too quickly to one's diet can cause problems with digestion, such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea. A high-fiber diet is good for digestive health.

Which is the best nutritional yeast? ›

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Sari Foods Nutritional Yeast Shop Now ➔
  • Best B Vitamins: LOOV Nutritional Yeast Shop Now ➔
  • Best Flavor: Bragg Nutritional Yeast Shop Now ➔
  • Budget Option: Frontier Nutritional Yeast Shop Now ➔
  • Best Fortified Option: Anthony's Nutritional Yeast Shop Now ➔
May 15, 2024

What is a level 5 vegan? ›

Level 5 vegans are those who are seen as incredibly committed to the vegan lifestyle, and are often hailed as “extreme vegans”. Level 5 vegans go to an extensive effort to follow a vegan lifestyle that is free of any type of animal product or animal exploitation.

Is Bob's Red Mill nutritional yeast vegan? ›

Nutritional yeast is vegan, making it a great source of protein for those who have dietary restrictions.

Is nutritional yeast hard on the liver? ›

Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of vitamin B3 (also known as niacin), but large amounts of the vitamin can cause facial flushing, an uncomfortable reddening of the face that may include itching and burning. Very high amounts of B3 can also cause liver failure.

Is nutritional yeast really MSG? ›

There's a reason nutritional yeast is so often compared to cheese: It contains naturally occurring MSG. “Monosodium glutamate is just the sodium version of glutamic acid,” said Christine Clark, a cheese writer and educator based in Burlington, Vt. “Glutamic acid is umami.

Does nutritional yeast cause gas? ›

Some research has suggested that nutritional yeast may be irritating to those with Crohn's disease and other types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). In general, adding too much fiber to your diet too quickly can cause issues like gas, bloating and cramping, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Why is nutritional yeast used in vegan recipes? ›

The reason nutritional yeast is so ubiquitous in vegan recipes is that it has a similar flavour to cheese – specifically Parmesan. It has a strong rich, nutty umami savouriness to it that makes it rather seductive.

Can I leave nutritional yeast out of a recipe? ›

If for some reason you can't find nutritional yeast or can't use it, you can safely leave it out of recipes where it's used in small amounts as only a flavor enhancer; in some cases, miso or soy sauce can be used in a 1:3 ratio (1/3 of the amount of nooch called for), though both add sodium, so you may need to reduce ...

Should non vegans eat nutritional yeast? ›

Exactly how “cheesy” it is can be debated… But whether you use it for that purpose or not, it is a delicious condiment to add to your pantry. It can be sprinkled on chips or popcorn for a boost of flavor, or stirred into soups or pasta or whatever you want. And you don't have to be vegan to eat it! There are no rules!

What do vegans use for yeast? ›

Lovingly and derisively known as "nooch" in health food circles, nutritional yeast is an inactive form of S. cerevisiae and a popular cheese substitute in many vegan recipes. You can find these yellow, granular flakes in bulk at health food stores.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Domingo Moore

Last Updated:

Views: 6365

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Domingo Moore

Birthday: 1997-05-20

Address: 6485 Kohler Route, Antonioton, VT 77375-0299

Phone: +3213869077934

Job: Sales Analyst

Hobby: Kayaking, Roller skating, Cabaret, Rugby, Homebrewing, Creative writing, amateur radio

Introduction: My name is Domingo Moore, I am a attractive, gorgeous, funny, jolly, spotless, nice, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.