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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

9. Tofu Egg Scramble

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

How to use nutritional yeast in vegan cooking? ›

Below are a few ways you can use nutritional yeast:
  1. To season tofu scramble. Tofu scramble is a staple breakfast dish for many vegans. ...
  2. In pesto and dips. ...
  3. As a coating. ...
  4. In vegan burgers and "meats" ...
  5. In cashew "cheese" sauce. ...
  6. Making vegan cheesy pasta. ...
  7. Add to soups and broths. ...
  8. And basically anything else!

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.

Is nutritional yeast good for vegans? ›

A “complete protein,” nutritional yeast provides all nine of the essential amino acids that your body can't make on its own. It's also commonly fortified with vitamin B12, which makes it a double-win for vegans. A typical serving (just 2 tablespoons) contains 9 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.

Can you overeat nutritional yeast? ›

It's typically safe to consume nutritional yeast in moderation. Most people can tolerate several tablespoons (10 to 30 grams) daily. You would have to consume pretty significant amounts of nutritional yeast to exceed the tolerable upper intake levels (UL) for the various vitamins and minerals it contains.

Why do vegans put nutritional yeast in everything? ›

Nutritional yeast is a complete source of protein and is used by those following a vegan diet to mimic the flavor of cheese in recipes.

Does heat destroy nutritional yeast? ›

May I Heat Nutritional Yeast? Sure, you can! Of course, nutritional yeast can also be used cold, but no worry if you would like to explore cooking it. According to the USDA, 100g of nutritional yeast is made up of 53g of protein, 33g of starch, 27g of fiber, and 7g of fat and hence delivers 400 kcal of energy.

When should you not eat nutritional yeast? ›

People with a sensitivity to yeast products should not consume nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast may also worsen symptoms in people with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease. Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of fiber. A two tablespoon serving contains about 20% of your daily intake.

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.

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.
Oct 3, 2018

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.

Can vegans get enough B12 from nutritional yeast? ›

Vegetarian and vegan foods that contain vitamin B-12 can include fortified plant-based milks, fortified cereals, and nutritional yeasts. Vegetarians and vegans must take particular care to consume enough vitamin B-12, as it is mainly found in meat, eggs, and dairy products.

Does nutritional yeast help with weight loss? ›

A quarter-cup serving of nutritional yeast has just 60 calories, but brings along eight grams of this complete protein. The yeast also includes three grams of fiber, a nutrient found in vegetables that helps keep you full and has been associated with a reduction in belly fat.

Does nutritional yeast make you gassy? ›

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.

What happens to your body when you eat nutritional yeast? ›

But regularly consuming nutritional yeast can help you get enough vitamin B6, which may help strengthen your immunity. Dietary fiber can also help increase the number of good bacteria in the gut. And research suggests a healthy gut microbiome may be able to help protect against certain infections.

What does nutritional yeast replace in vegan recipes? ›

Vegan Cheese

Nutritional yeast is often added to plant-based dishes instead of cheese to provide that cheesy flavor, but without the dairy. If I've run out of nutritional yeast, I will often just use a bit of shredded vegan cheddar instead depending on the recipe.

Can you use yeast in vegan cooking? ›

Most vegans eat yeast. Yeast is a fungus, just like mushrooms. It's not an animal or an animal product.

Is there a vegan substitute for nutritional yeast? ›

Coconut Aminos or Liquid Aminos

If you are looking for a nutritional yeast substitute that is both vegan and yeast-free, coconut aminos are a great option. This is a liquid ingredient that has a sweeter taste than nooch, but it still has the salty, umami kick you might be looking for.

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