15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (2024)

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All the cheesy flavor, without the dairy

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Cathy Jacobs

15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (1)

Cathy Jacobs

A freelance journalist and avid home cook, Cathy Jacobs has more than 10 years of food writing experience, with a focus on curating approachable menus and recipe collections.

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Updated on 08/17/21

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15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (2)

Nutritional yeast is super trendy these days for lots of good reasons. Sometimes called "nooch" for short, it is an inactivated form of the same kind of yeast that bakers use to leaven bread, except it's been pasteurized to dry it out. While this means it won't make your baking rise, the dried nutritional yeast flakes have a naturally nutty, cheesy flavor that is remarkably similar to Parmesan cheese. This makes it a great ingredient for adding flavor to everything from pastas and casseroles to vegan burgers and nachos.

You can use nutritional yeast to thicken sauces, boost the kid-appeal of vegetables and tofu, or sprinkle over popcorn for an umami appeal.

Browse our recipe collection for delicious ways to use nutritional yeast in your cooking, from easy weeknight dinners and comfort food classic dishes, to work-from-home snacks that won't weigh you down.

  • 01 of 15

    Easy Vegan Nutritional Yeast Pasta

    When you crave macaroni and cheese on a dairy-free diet, try this quick and easy stove-top pasta dish. It's totally vegan, and utterly rich, with a cheesy sauce made from a flour and soy milk roux, and plenty of nutritional yeast. Whip it up in 15 minutes on busy weeknights for a soft and creamy comfort food meal, adding optional peas or broccoli to get in your greens.

  • 02 of 15

    Homemade Impossible Burger

    15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (4)

    Cook up a restaurant-quality "impossible" burger at home with your own, vegan faux meat mixture. All you need to pull off this culinary magic trick are our clever recipe, a food processor, and the right ingredients, including nutritional yeast, tempeh, and a few pantry staples. A splash of Liquid Smoke is an easy way to add in that great, grilled flavor you crave in a summer burger.

  • 03 of 15

    Vegan Tofu Scramble

    15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (5)

    When your diet doesn't include eggs, brunch can be a challenge. Have your vegan diet, and enjoy a classic skillet breakfast, too, with our tasty tofu scramble. You'll get that fluffy texture you desire, plus plenty of protein, from pan-cooked, crumbled tofu and vegetables, with some nutritional yeast acting as a cheesy binder.

  • 04 of 15

    Meatless Vegan Meatloaf With TVP and Tofu

    15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (6)

    Nutritional yeast takes the place of Parmesan cheese in our meatless spin on Italian-style meatloaf. Moist and savory, and high in plant protein from a base of tofu and TVP, it has a great flavor and texture similar to chicken meatloaf. Serve it with mashed potatoes, and vegan gravy, for a vegan weeknight dinner that will bring kids running to the table.

    Continue to 5 of 15 below.

  • 05 of 15

    Vegan and Vegetarian Miso Gravy

    15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (7)

    Miso, soy sauce, and nutritional yeast bring tons of savory, umami flavor to this creamy vegan gravy. It's a snap to make on your stove-top in about 20 minutes, starting with a simple, dairy-free roux using vegan margarine. Use it for topping tofurkey at Friendsgiving dinners, pour it over mock meatloaf, or stir it into noodles.

  • 06 of 15

    Vegan Gnocchi With Spinach Pesto

    15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (8)

    Egg-free, pillowy potato gnocchi glistening with bright green spinach pesto sauce are a true vegan dinner delight. You may think of gnocchi as a restaurant meal, but the actual process of making them is pretty straight-forward, and well worth the effort. Once the delicate gnocchi are formed, you simply boil them briefly, and then top them with homemade pesto.

  • 07 of 15

    Vegan Eggplant Parmesan

    15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (9)

    Crispy, tender, and covered in tangy marinara sauce, with a cheesy breadcrumb topping, it's no wonder that eggplant Parmesan is one of America's favorite Southern Italian dishes. Make it for your vegan dinner table with our clever casserole bake that uses nutritional yeast to flavor the eggplant, and can also use it for the topping.

  • 08 of 15

    Vegan Impossible Swedish "Meatballs"

    15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (10)

    You don't have to trek to Ikea, or sacrifice your vegan diet, to chow down on their iconic Swedish meatballs and gravy. Our indulgent copycat recipe uses store-bought Impossible Burger ground "beef", and smothers the vegan meatballs with a rich coconut milk gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes, and a dollop of fruit preserves, for a comforting family meal.

    Continue to 9 of 15 below.

  • 09 of 15

    Vegan Angel Hair Pasta Primavera

    15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (11)

    If you love Olive Garden-style pastas, and are eating vegan, you're sure to enjoy this angel hair pasta primavera. With slender pasta noodles and healthy veggies slathered in a rich and creamy white sauce, it's hard to believe that it is entirely dairy-free. Enjoy it for an easy, filling vegetarian dinner, boosted with any veggies from your crisper.

  • 10 of 15

    Creamy Vegan "Chicken" and Rice

    15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (12)

    With a block of tofu, some fresh veggies, and a few basic pantry ingredients, you can whip up a vegan "chicken" dinner that's every bit as comforting as the real thing. With chunks of tender tofu and plenty of vegetables in a satisfyingly creamy sauce, it is an ideal, one-dish dinner for rainy or colder days.

  • 11 of 15

    Vegan Green Bean Casserole

    15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (13)

    When you host vegans for Thanksgiving, delight them with this vegan green bean casserole that is completely dairy-free. Your guests will be hard-pressed to know that it's different than the traditional gratin, even though it's lighter and healthier, thanks to the creamy sauce made with vegan margarine and nutritional yeast.

  • 12 of 15

    Vegan Crispy Fried Tofu

    15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (14)

    Crispy, pan-fried tofu is a tasty snack that will please even picky eaters. With a golden toasted coating and a warm, creamy interior, it has a pleasing texture that may remind kids of tater tots. Serve it with their favorite dipping sauce, from barbecue to vegan ranch dressing, for a crunchy nibble that is far more wholesome than store-bought snacks.

    Continue to 13 of 15 below.

  • 13 of 15

    Dairy-Free Quiche

    15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (15)

    Easy and elegant, this brunch-ready quiche is easy to tweak with all of your favorite add-ins. The custardy filling of eggs, almond milk, and nutritional yeast nestles in a dairy-free crust, making this quiche an excellent choice for vegan and vegetarian guests. Prepare it with fresh seasonal herbs and vegetables for a company-worthy luncheon dish.

  • 14 of 15

    Vegan Potatoes Au Gratin

    15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (16)

    Vegan potatoes au gratin is a delicious addition to your vegan holiday table. Guests will sigh over this creamy and cheesy potato casserole, with a dairy-free sauce that includes plenty of nutritional yeast. Feel free to fold in some caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, or diced jalapeno peppers, for a fun flavor boost.

  • 15 of 15

    Cheesy Kale Chips

    15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (17)

    Crunchy, dehydrated kale chips are a snack you need to know about, with all the qualities you want in a snacking chip. They are a whole lot cheaper to make at home, versus buying at the health food store. Sprinkled with nutritional yeast, they deliver a great cheese-snack flavor.

26 Vegan and Vegetarian Dinner Recipes That Will Wow Your Tastebuds

15 Delicious Recipes with Nutritional Yeast That Bring All the Flavor (2024)

FAQs

What tastes good 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.

Is there any downside to nutritional yeast? ›

Although nutritional yeast is generally safe for most people, it may cause negative reactions in individuals who are sensitive to it. In large doses, it can cause digestive discomfort or facial flushing due to its high-fiber and niacin content, respectively.

What is the best tasting nutritional yeast? ›

Anthony's Nutritional Yeast Flakes

These flakes are a must-try if you aim to enrich your vegan meals with umami and nutrients. Just tried this on my morning toast, and I have to say, the cheesy, nutty flavor of Anthony's Nutritional Yeast Flakes took it to another level.

What does nutritional yeast do for flavor? ›

A: Nutritional yeast has a unique savory flavor that resembles cheese, making it a great alternative for adding flavor without salt, sugar or fat. Some people say it adds a nutty flavor to foods. It can add more texture to cold dishes like salads and yet turns creamier when added to hot dishes.

What is the best way to eat nutritional yeast? ›

How to use
  1. sprinkling it on popcorn instead of butter or salt.
  2. mixing it into risotto instead of Parmesan cheese.
  3. making a vegan alternative to a cheese sauce, such as the one in this recipe.
  4. as an ingredient in a vegan macaroni and cheese dish, such as this one.
  5. stirring it into creamy soups for added nutrients.

Does nutritional yeast need to be refrigerated? ›

Storing nutritional yeast in the fridge increases its shelf-life, but it does not need to be stored in the fridge or freezer to maintain its quality. What is the best way to store nutritional yeast? If stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place, nutritional yeast can keep for up to 2 years.

Is it OK to eat nutritional yeast every day? ›

Side effects and safety

It's safe to use nutritional yeast in moderation, typically up to several tablespoons (10–30 grams) per day. It would require relatively large amounts of nutritional yeast to exceed the tolerable upper intake levels (UL) for the various vitamins and minerals it contains.

Is nutritional yeast anti-inflammatory? ›

Nutritional yeast is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory plant compounds. Every day, our cells work tirelessly to protect themselves against free radicals, molecules that can damage and ultimately destroy the healthy cells in your body.

Is nutritional yeast bad for inflammation? ›

It is low in calories, fat-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free. Some benefits include its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties, an improved immune system, management of blood sugar, and improvements in heart health.

What kind of cheese does nutritional yeast taste like? ›

“nu*tritional yeast has an almost umami-like parmesan flavour to me. It's very savoury and makes a dish very rich and tasty.”

Can you eat too much nutritional yeast? ›

When used in large doses, nutritional yeast may cause digestive discomfort or facial flushing due to its high fiber and niacin content. Nutritional yeast may also contain tyramine, which may trigger migraine headaches in some people.

What are 5 benefits of nutritional yeast? ›

Here are five potential health benefits of incorporating nutritional yeast into a well-rounded diet.
  • May help boost energy levels. Vitamin B12 helps the body form red blood cells. ...
  • May help lower the risk of birth defects. ...
  • Might boost gut health. ...
  • Might help lower cholesterol. ...
  • Might support healthy immune function.
Oct 17, 2023

Can you put nutritional yeast in eggs? ›

Scrambled Eggs

Nutritional yeast is all you need to add a savoury (and healthy) kick to this go-to breakfast. Just whisk in 1 Tbsp with two eggs, 1/4 tsp salt and 1 Tbsp of milk (dairy or plant-based). Cook slowly in a non-stick pan over medium heat.

What flavor does nutritional yeast add to soup? ›

It is commonly used by vegetarians and vegans as a substitute for cheese, as it gives off a nutty, cheesy, creamy taste.

How long does nutritional yeast last? ›

To preserve all the B vitamins, store in a dark glass or a ceramic container to keep it protected from the light. Since it's a dry product, you want to lid tightly sealed to keep moisture out — as long as nutritional yeast stays dry, it can last for up to two years.

How do you make nutritional yeast palatable? ›

Ways to use nutritional yeast:
  1. as a topping on popcorn.
  2. sprinkle on top of things in place of cheese.
  3. mix into mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs in place of cheese.
  4. add to soups or white sauces to improve flavor (the flavor acts similar to adding bouillon or broth)
  5. use in this recipe for dairy-free buttery spread.

How do you use nutritional yeast in a recipe? ›

Added To Seasoning

Think of nutritional yeast as a grated Parmesan substitute. It's flaky, dry, and packs an umami punch that gives food a savory side. It can be sprinkled on top of pasta, rice and salad, folded into eggs, and stirred into stew.

Does nutritional yeast taste good in oatmeal? ›

Nutritional yeast is versatile. It can be used as a sprinkle on top of oatmeal or roasted veggies. It's delicious when used in place of Parmesan cheese on pasta, risotto, or soup. Stir some into scrambled eggs or a tofu scramble for a hit of umami.

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