If you’re looking for a delightful, nutty, and dairy-free alternative to traditional Parmesan cheese, look no further than this Brazil Nut Parmesan recipe inspired by Food Matters. It’s a wonderfully simple yet flavorful vegan condiment that adds a rich umami punch to your dishes without compromising on health or taste.
Brazil nuts lend a creamy texture and a subtle earthy sweetness, making this parmesan a standout in vegan and dairy-free kitchens alike.
This homemade Brazil Nut Parmesan is perfect for sprinkling over pasta, salads, roasted vegetables, or even popcorn. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick blend, you can have a fresh, preservative-free parmesan alternative that’s packed with nutrients.
Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply adventurous in the kitchen, this recipe is a must-try for elevating your meals naturally and deliciously.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Brazil Nut Parmesan recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving the cheesy, salty, and nutty flavors of Parmesan without the dairy. It’s incredibly easy to make — no baking or cooking needed — just a few minutes in the blender or food processor.
Plus, it’s entirely plant-based and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions.
The recipe uses Brazil nuts, which are rich in selenium, healthy fats, and protein, providing a nutritional boost alongside fantastic taste. The addition of nutritional yeast gives it that signature cheesy flavor, while garlic powder and sea salt enhance the savory profile.
This versatile condiment will quickly become a staple in your kitchen for adding depth to your favorite dishes.
Best of all, making your own nut parmesan lets you control the ingredients — no fillers, preservatives, or added sugars. It’s fresh, wholesome, and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw Brazil nuts (unsalted)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or black pepper for extra flavor
Equipment
- Food processor or high-speed blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula for scraping sides
- Airtight container for storage
Instructions
- Prepare your Brazil nuts. If your Brazil nuts are large, you can roughly chop them to help your food processor blend evenly.
- Add Brazil nuts to your food processor. Pulse several times until the nuts are finely ground but not turning into butter. You want a texture similar to traditional grated Parmesan.
- Add nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and sea salt. If you’re using smoked paprika or black pepper, add it now.
- Pulse again. Blend until all ingredients are combined and you have a fine, crumbly mixture. Be careful not to over-blend, or it may become oily.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt or garlic powder if desired. Pulse briefly to mix.
- Transfer to an airtight container. Store your Brazil Nut Parmesan in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips & Variations
For a creamier texture, soak the Brazil nuts for 2-4 hours prior to blending and then drain well.
If you prefer a sharper flavor, increase the nutritional yeast to 1/3 cup and add a pinch of onion powder. You can also experiment by adding a few toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to vary the flavor and texture.
To make this parmesan oil-free, avoid over-processing — the natural oils from the nuts should be sufficient. If you want to store it longer, keep it refrigerated and use within three weeks.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes. For a smoky twist, smoked paprika is a wonderful addition.
Feel free to customize the seasoning to suit your taste buds!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per 2 tbsp serving |
---|---|
Calories | 110 kcal |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 9 g (mostly healthy fats) |
Carbohydrates | 3 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Selenium | 96 mcg (138% DV) |
Calcium | 15 mg |
Iron | 0.6 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Brazil Nut Parmesan is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Sprinkle over your favorite pasta dishes as a dairy-free alternative to traditional Parmesan.
- Mix into vegan pesto or creamy sauces for an extra umami boost.
- Use as a topping on roasted or steamed vegetables to add crunch and flavor.
- Sprinkle on salads or grain bowls for a nutty, cheesy accent.
- Add a pinch to homemade vegan pizzas or flatbreads before baking.
- Use it as a savory garnish on soups like tomato or creamy mushroom.
For more creative vegan cheese alternatives, check out this guide on substituting almonds for cashews in vegan cheese recipes. You might also enjoy exploring our Best Vegan Pepper Jack Cheese Slice Recipe for Melty Flavor for a spicy cheese option, or try out some Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious to use your Brazil Nut Parmesan in creative ways.
Conclusion
Making your own Brazil Nut Parmesan is an easy and rewarding way to add a deliciously nutty, cheesy flavor to your meals without dairy. This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in minutes, making it perfect for busy cooks and health-conscious foodies alike.
The nutritional benefits of Brazil nuts, combined with the savory punch of nutritional yeast and spices, create a powerhouse condiment that elevates everything from pasta to salads.
By preparing this at home, you avoid preservatives and unnecessary additives found in many store-bought vegan cheeses, giving you control over freshness and flavor. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking to try something new, this Brazil Nut Parmesan is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.
Enjoy experimenting with it and discover all the ways it can brighten your dishes!
📖 Recipe Card: Brazil Nut Parmesan (Food Matters Recipe)
Description: A delicious and nutty vegan alternative to traditional parmesan cheese using brazil nuts. Perfect for sprinkling over pasta, salads, and soups.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup raw brazil nuts
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add brazil nuts to a food processor.
- Pulse until finely ground but not pasty.
- Add nutritional yeast, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
- Pulse a few more times to combine evenly.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 4g
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