Get ready to elevate your plant-based cooking game with these 20 scrumptious and nutritious recipes featuring the amazing ingredient, nutritional yeast! This vegan superstar has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its incredible benefits for our health, the environment, and even the taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting out on your plant-based journey, nutritional yeast is an excellent addition to your pantry.
From creamy mac and cheese to cheesy garlic mashed potatoes, these recipes will show you how easy it is to incorporate this superfood into your daily meals. Say goodbye to bland tofu and hello to flavorful, cheesy goodness! In the following pages, we’ll dive into the world of nutritional yeast and explore its numerous health benefits, as well as provide you with a mouth-watering array of recipes to try.
Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese with Nutritional Yeast
This classic comfort food gets a vegan twist with the help of nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup non-dairy milk (such as soy or almond)
– 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
4. Add vegetable broth, non-dairy milk, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes.
6. Combine cooked macaroni with the creamy sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
7. Top with additional nutritional yeast if desired (for an extra cheesy touch).
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Nutritional Yeast Popcorn with Garlic and Herbs
This recipe combines the savory goodness of nutritional yeast with the pungency of garlic and freshness of herbs, creating a unique and addictive flavor profile. Perfect for movie nights or as a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
– 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Pop the popcorn kernels in a large pot or a popcorn maker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together nutritional yeast, garlic, olive oil, thyme, and paprika.
3. Pour the nutty mixture over the popped popcorn and toss until evenly coated.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Savory Nutritional Yeast Roasted Chickpeas
Transform chickpeas into a delicious and nutritious snack with this simple recipe. Perfect for munching on the go or as a crunchy addition to salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp nutritional yeast
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the chickpeas and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Add the chickpeas to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
5. Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Vegan Cheesy Broccoli Soup with Nutritional Yeast
Warm up with this comforting and creamy vegan soup that’s packed with nutritious broccoli and cheesy flavor from nutritional yeast. Perfect for a cozy evening or as a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup non-dairy milk (such as soy or almond)
– 2 teaspoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
2. Add broccoli, vegetable broth, non-dairy milk, lemon juice, and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until broccoli is tender.
3. Use an immersion blender (or transfer soup to a blender) to puree the mixture until smooth.
4. Stir in nutritional yeast and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutritional Yeast and Herb Crusted Tofu
Elevate your plant-based game with this crispy and flavorful tofu recipe, infused with the nutty goodness of nutritional yeast and the freshness of herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
– 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together nutritional yeast, thyme, parsley, and garlic powder.
3. Toss tofu cubes with the herb mixture until evenly coated.
4. Place coated tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Golden Nutritional Yeast Gravy
Elevate your meals with this simple yet impressive golden gravy made with nutritional yeast, a natural source of B vitamins and umami flavor. This recipe is vegan-friendly and can be served over mashed potatoes, vegetables, or as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the nutritional yeast and whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually add the flour, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and apple cider vinegar, whisking until well combined.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened to your liking.
6. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Vegan Parmesan Cheese Substitute with Nutritional Yeast
A game-changing vegan alternative to traditional Parmesan cheese, this recipe uses nutritional yeast as the base and adds a touch of garlic for added depth. This cheese substitute is perfect for pasta dishes, pizza, or as a snack on its own.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and form a crumbly texture similar to Parmesan cheese.
3. Store the cheese substitute in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time:
– None! This recipe is ready to use straight away.
Nutritional Yeast and Cashew Alfredo Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this vegan take on the classic Italian sauce, featuring the nutty goodness of nutritional yeast and the creaminess of cashews.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup raw cashews
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Soak cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse cashews, then add to a blender with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over low heat. Add blended mixture and stir to combine.
4. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in nutritional yeast until well combined.
6. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Cheesy Vegan Scrambled Eggs with Nutritional Yeast
Elevate your morning routine with this creamy, cheesy vegan scrambled eggs recipe, featuring the magic of nutritional yeast. This game-changing dish will have you questioning the need for animal products in your breakfast.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tofu, drained and crumbled
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
– 2 tablespoons soy milk (or other non-dairy milk)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together tofu, turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the tofu mixture and stir gently to combine with the onions and garlic.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has reached your desired scrambled egg consistency.
6. Stir in nutritional yeast and soy milk (or other non-dairy milk).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutritional Yeast and Garlic Breadsticks
Elevate your snack game with these crispy, cheesy, and nutty breadsticks infused with the goodness of nutritional yeast. Perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a side to your favorite soups and salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
– 1/4 cup garlic powder
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour and nutritional yeast. Add garlic powder and mix well.
3. Gradually add olive oil, mixing until dough forms. Season with salt and lemon juice.
4. Roll out the dough into long sticks, about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Place breadsticks on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each stick.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing with Nutritional Yeast
Elevate your salad game with this creamy and savory vegan Caesar dressing, featuring the unique umami flavor of nutritional yeast. Perfect for coating croutons or as a dip for vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cashew cream (see note)
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Soak cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse.
2. Blend cashews with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Add nutritional yeast and blend until well combined.
4. With the blender running, slowly pour in water to achieve desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Note: To make cashew cream, soak 1/2 cup of cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse, then blend with 1/4 cup fresh water until smooth.
Nutritional Yeast and Spinach Stuffed Shells
A creative twist on classic stuffed shells, this recipe combines the nutty flavor of nutritional yeast with the earthiness of spinach for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 cup cooked spinach, chopped
– 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, combine spinach, nutritional yeast, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well.
4. Stuff each cooked shell with the spinach mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Nutritional Yeast Vegan Queso Dip
Smoky Nutritional Yeast Vegan Queso Dip Recipe
Get ready to swoon over this creamy, smoky, and utterly delicious vegan queso dip! Made with nutritional yeast, this recipe is a game-changer for any party or gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cashew cream (see note)
– 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (see note)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine cashew cream, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Add non-dairy milk and lemon juice. Blend until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until warm and creamy (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers or veggies!
Note: To make cashew cream, soak 1/2 cup of cashews in water for at least 4 hours. Drain and blend with 1/2 cup fresh water until smooth.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Nutritional Yeast and Walnut Taco Meat
Get ready to spice up your taco game with this unique blend of nutritional yeast and walnuts! This vegan-friendly recipe combines the nutty flavor of yeast with the crunch of walnuts, perfect for adding a twist to your tacos.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup raw walnuts
– 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine walnuts, nutritional yeast, and spices. Blend until smooth.
2. Heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the walnut mixture to the pan, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add garlic and stir for another minute.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Vegan Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Vegan Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A creamy, comforting side dish that’s sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup vegan butter or margarine (such as Earth Balance)
– 1/2 cup non-dairy milk (such as soy milk or almond milk)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup vegan cheddar cheese shreds (such as Daiya or Follow Your Heart)
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the vegan butter, non-dairy milk, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they’re smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in the vegan cheddar cheese shreds until melted and well combined.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutritional Yeast and Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of cauliflower with the nutty flavor of nutritional yeast and the warmth of turmeric, creating a deliciously healthy side dish. Perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike!
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of dried turmeric
– 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem. Cut it into florets.
3. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with olive oil, turmeric, salt, and nutritional yeast until evenly coated.
4. Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegan Pesto Pasta with Nutritional Yeast
A creamy and flavorful vegan twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring the umami flavor of nutritional yeast.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto sauce (see below for recipe)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Pesto Sauce:
– 2 cups fresh basil leaves
– 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts or almonds)
– 1/2 cup vegan Parmesan cheese (e.g., soy-based or nutritional yeast-based)
– 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the pesto sauce and nutritional yeast. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
5. Combine cooked pasta, pesto mixture, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutritional Yeast and Lentil Loaf
This hearty loaf combines the nutty flavor of nutritional yeast with the comforting taste of lentils, making it a perfect vegan alternative to traditional meatloaf. With its rich texture and savory flavor, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked lentils
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg replacement (such as flaxseed or chia seeds)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, oats, nutritional yeast, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, and smoked paprika.
3. Mix in egg replacement and olive oil until well combined.
4. Transfer mixture to a loaf pan and smooth out the top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cheesy Vegan Broccoli Casserole
This comforting casserole is a game-changer for vegan comfort food lovers. With its creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli florets, it’s the perfect side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
– 1 cup vegan cheddar shreds (such as Daiya or Follow Your Heart)
– 1/2 cup unsalted cashew cream (see note)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 1/2 cups vegan breadcrumbs (gluten-free)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the broccoli, onion, and garlic in olive oil until tender.
3. In a separate saucepan, combine cashew cream, vegan cheddar shreds, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine cooked broccoli mixture and cheese sauce. Transfer to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutritional Yeast and Chia Seed Crackers
These crispy and nutritious crackers are perfect for snacking on their own or pairing with your favorite dips and spreads. Made with the nutty flavor of nutritional yeast and the omega-rich goodness of chia seeds, these crackers are a great addition to any healthy snack routine.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
– 1/4 cup chia seeds
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, nutritional yeast, and chia seeds.
3. Add the salt and olive oil, stirring until the mixture forms a dough.
4. Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or a glass.
6. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Discover the incredible versatility of nutritional yeast with these 20 flavorful recipes! From comfort foods like creamy vegan mac and cheese to savory snacks like roasted chickpeas, there’s something for every meal. Elevate your meals with cheesy sauces, crispy breadsticks, and even a vegan Parmesan cheese substitute. Explore international flavors with smoky queso dip, walnut taco meat, and pesto pasta. Plus, get creative with stuffed shells, lentil loaf, and chia seed crackers. With nutritional yeast as the star of the show, you’ll be hooked on its nutty, cheesy goodness in no time!