Cheese is one of the most difficult things for people to eliminate from their diet, and parmesan is a staple in many homes. This dairy-free, plant-based Parmesan Cheese is a game changer!  You can enjoy your healthy-for-you dishes and top them with this great alternative to parmesan.

The wonderful crunch of this perfectly seasoned substitute for Parmesan sprinkled on your favorite dishes will satisfy that irresistible savory kick you've been longing for. And the best part? You get to whip it up right in your own kitchen, no fancy gadgets or culinary expertise are required. You are going to want to keep this parmesan alternative on hand for daily use. Grab your ingredients and let's create this absolutely delicious recipe, so you have plenty to store!

What Is Dairy Free Parmesan Cheese Made Of?

What's the secret behind our dairy-free, vegan Parm, you ask? 

We start with dry walnuts, ideally sprouted and dehydrated to enhance digestibility but also to get it really dry for grinding and storage. Walnuts pack a punch of flavor and texture, adding a nutty richness to our cheese blend. 

Next up, we toss in some hemp seeds for their creamy consistency and nutty flavor profile. These tiny seeds are not only delicious but also loaded with protein and other essential nutrients. 

To bring out that classic cheesy flavor, we add a generous helping of nutritional yeast, which provides a savory, umami-rich flavor so similar to traditional Parmesan. A dash of sea salt adds the perfect balance of seasoning, while optional extras like kelp powder, cayenne, chipotle, and Italian seasoning bring depth and allow you to customize your cheese to your taste and to your personal nutritional needs. 

Creating a vegan Parmesan Cheese is quick and easy. This dairy-free alternative combines the power of wholesome ingredients to mimic the classic Parmesan flavor and texture we love. By blending dry walnuts, hemp seeds, nutritional yeast, and a dash of salt, you achieve a cheesy topping perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes. 

With just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients, we've created a super simple, dairy-free Parmesan cheese that's as delicious as it is nutritious. You’re going to want to keep this as a staple in your kitchen!

How Do You Make Whole Food Plant Based Parmesan Cheese?

When you are ready to make this whole foods recipe, begin by gathering your ingredients first. Get out the walnuts, hemp seeds, nutritional yeast, salt, and any optional extra seasonings like kelp powder, cayenne, chipotle for spiciness, or Italian seasoning and greens powder.

First, grind the walnuts in a dry blender, food processor, or coffee grinder, being careful not to overblend to prevent them from turning into walnut butter. Scrape the ground walnuts into a bowl and break any clumps up with a fork. Then, add all the ingredients to the bowl and stir well to combine. Give it a little taste and add more seasonings, if needed. Finally, store the mixture in an airtight jar in the refrigerator until ready to use. As you can see, prep time is minimal for this recipe.

This parmesan cheese alternative offers a nutritious and delicious option to traditional “real” parmesan. By using simple, whole food ingredients like walnuts, hemp seeds, and nutritional yeast, you can create a delicious recipe for a topping that is rich in essential nutrients.

Customize your raw vegan parmesan cheese recipe by adding garlic powder or your favorite dried herbs. Make your own Italian vegan parmesan alternative by stirring in dried oregano, basil, garlic, and onion powder. You can even switch out the seeds for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, swap the nuts for pine nuts, Brazil nuts, or creamy raw cashews or macadamia nuts, or make it nut free by using only seeds. This gluten free vegan cheese is fabulous sprinkled on a homemade pizza or spaghetti squash with just a splash of lemon juice.

Sprinkle this crunchy topping generously over your favorite pasta dishes, salads, soups, or roasted vegetables for an added layer of flavor and a boost of nutrients. Or, get inventive and use it to garnish pizzas like this Cauliflower Crust Pizza. With its versatile nature, this homemade Parmesan cheese brightens any recipe with its deliciously cheesy taste and nutritional benefits.

Since this raw vegan cheese is made of all whole foods, it's best to keep in in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How Do These Ingredients Help With Blood Sugar Balancing And Other Hormones?

The ingredients in this vegan Parmesan Cheese offer several benefits for blood sugar balancing and overall hormonal health. Walnuts and hemp seeds provide healthy fats and protein, which help stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates from other foods. These nuts and seeds contain fiber which promotes satiety and reduces insulin spikes. 

Nutritional yeast, a key ingredient in this recipe, is high in B vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, which play important roles in carbohydrate metabolism and hormone synthesis. Adding sea salt, kelp powder, and other seasonings adds flavor and additional nutrients.

Walnuts

Walnuts are known for their rich omega-3 fatty acid content, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA's anti-inflammatory properties support neuronal function, which is necessary for cognitive health and hormone regulation. They are also high in polyphenols and antioxidants, including ellagic acid and flavonoids, which help with cardiovascular health. 

The ALA serves as a precursor to other anti-inflammatory omega-3s, such as EPA and DHA. Combined with polyphenols and tocopherols, these compounds neutralize free radicals, dampen inflammation, and boost immune function. Regular consumption of ALA-rich foods is associated with reduced levels of inflammatory markers and diminished expression of pro-inflammatory genes.

Walnuts are also helpful in blood sugar management. Their high fiber content slows the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream, curbing postprandial spikes and enhancing insulin sensitivity. They have also been shown to reduce insulin resistance which is important for metabolic syndrome and preventing diabetes. Their protein and fiber content help with appetite regulation and weight management.

Walnuts are a great source of vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. They also provide minerals such as magnesium, which is important for muscle function and bone health, as well as phosphorus, manganese, and copper. Walnuts are also a good source of B vitamins, including folate, niacin, and B6, which are all involved in energy metabolism and nervous system function.

Recently, walnuts have been studied for their effects on aging and cancer risk reduction. Their unique blend of micronutrients and phytochemicals offers protection against inflammation and various cancers. Walnuts' fiber content also aids in microbiome diversity, leading to increased levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which play a role in gut health and cancer prevention. 

Hemp seeds

Hemp seeds are also rich in healthy fats, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid. These fatty acids can aid in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance, which are helpful in regulating blood sugar levels. 

Hemp seeds are rich in magnesium, a mineral that is involved in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. Adequate magnesium intake has been associated with improved insulin sensitivity and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, hemp seeds provide zinc, which is necessary for insulin storage and secretion, as well as selenium, which supports thyroid hormone synthesis and function.

Hemp seeds also boast a favorable omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio, which is important for inflammation modulation and hormone balance. While omega-6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory in excess, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly ALA, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a rare omega-6 fatty acid found in hemp seeds, has been linked to enhanced hormone regulation and reduced inflammation in conditions like diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

In addition to the fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, hemp seeds are also high in protein, important for those following a plant based lifestyle. Hemp seeds are composed of approximately 25% to 30% protein, with an amino acid profile that includes all nine essential amino acids required by the human body. Hemp seeds are particularly rich in arginine and glutamic acid, while also containing moderate levels of sulfur-containing amino acids. Arginine is important for various physiological processes like ammonia detoxification, fetal development, and enhancing insulin sensitivity. The protein in hemp seeds not only provides essential building blocks for tissue repair and growth but also helps support metabolic health and hormone balance.

Nutritional yeast

Nutritional yeast has a low glycemic index. This gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream helps prevent rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels, promoting overall stability and reducing the risk of insulin resistance.

Nutritional yeast is a rich source of B vitamins, including thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), and folate (B9), which are essential for energy metabolism and hormone regulation. You can find plenty of options for nutritional yeast online that are not fortified but still include these vitamins, which play key roles in converting carbohydrates into energy, facilitating neurotransmitter synthesis, and supporting the production of hormones such as insulin and thyroid hormones.

Nutritional yeast also contains chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the action of insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Chromium helps insulin effectively transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells, where it can be used for energy production.

The protein content of nutritional yeast may also play a role in blood sugar balancing and hormone regulation. Protein helps regulate appetite, promotes satiety, and stabilizes blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates. Additionally, adequate protein intake is essential for hormone synthesis and signaling, which supports the production and function of hormones involved in metabolism and mood regulation.  

Why wait to boost your meals with a sprinkle of homemade Whole Food Plant-Based, Vegan Parmesan Cheese? This simple recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional parmesan, providing a dairy-free, nutrient-rich alternative. By creating your own vegan parmesan cheese recipe at home, you have full control over the ingredients. You can know exactly what is going into your favorite dishes.

Whether you're craving a sprinkle of savory goodness on your pasta, salads, or soups, this homemade parmesan cheese adds a burst of flavor and texture that's sure to impress. Plus, with its plant-based ingredients and absence of inflammatory ingredients, you can indulge guilt-free, knowing you're supporting your health.

This Parmesan Cheese is great on soups, wraps, and whole food noodle dishes like this Vegan Keto Pesto.

Where Can You Find This and Other Nutritious and Delicious Recipes Like It?

This recipe is from the Body Freedom Nutrition Lab Healing Kitchen: Cheese Whiz! The Many Ways You Can Make Cheese from Plants With Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo.