Nutritional Yeast Recipes (2024)

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With its cheesy, nutty, and savory flavor, Nutritional Yeast is a dairy-free seasoning that should be in everyone’s pantry–whether vegan or not.

These nutritional yeast recipes are going to make you a believer with their amazing flavor!

Nutritional yeast is a healthy culinary must-have. If you aren’t familiar with its flavoring superpowers, that is going to change right here, right now.

We’ve got it all with these delicious nutritional yeast recipes. Everything vegan–from parmesan cheese to quiche to breakfast scramble. And, you’re going to love it all!

What is nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast, unlike baker’s and brewer’s yeasts, is a deactivated yeast used for seasoning.

It’s an inactive form of the yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Though it is the same strain of yeast bakers use to leaven bread, nutritional yeast has been pasteurized to dry out the yeast. This process helps to extract its nutritional benefits.

Nutritional yeast is exclusively for seasoning and cannot be used for leavening in baking. Even so, it can normally be found in the baking section of many grocery stores. I usually purchase my nutritional yeast online.

What does it taste like?

Known by vegan enthusiasts as nooch, this seasoning yeast has a nutty, cheesy flavor and is yellow in color. It can be purchased in flakes and granules as well as a powder that can be used interchangeably.

Nutritional yeast can be used in recipes the same way you might use grated cheese to add flavor to foods like popcorn, baked potatoes, and pizza.

Uses for nutritional yeast

  • Sprinkle over salads, roasted vegetables, pasta, rice, popcorn, and more
  • Use in vegan cheese sauce recipes
  • Stir into soups and stews
  • Add to casseroles and other dishes

Two types of nutritional yeast

There are two types of nutritional yeast available — unfortified and fortified.

  • Unfortified- This type only contains the vitamins and minerals that are naturally produced by the yeast cells as they grow. No additional additives or salt are included.
  • Fortified- This is the most common type found in grocery stores, and it has synthetic vitamins added during the manufacturing process. They will be listed on the ingredient list.

Is nutritional yeast good for you?

Nutritional yeast has many health benefits. It contains all nine essential amino acids and the fortified type can be a source of some vitamins and minerals.

It is considered safe for most people, but those who are on certain medications or who are sensitive to yeast products may need to talk with their healthcare provider.

Another lesser-known fact is that nutritional yeast is high in purines and may cause an abundance of uric acid which can lead to gout flare-ups if consumed in larger quantities. This actually happened with my husband who had never experienced gout before and hasn’t again after limiting his nutritional yeast intake.

Those with Crohn’s Disease or other autoimmune issues may want to watch this short video, Is Nutritional Yeast Healthy for Everyone?

This post may contain affiliate links.Read my full disclosure here.

Nutritional Yeast Recipes

These delicious recipes range from vegan cheese sauces to breakfast casseroles and quiche. It's the nutritional yeast that adds all the flavor, so pull out that container and give some of these a try! Click on each of the photos, recipe titles, or 'Get the Recipe' buttons to see full recipes with ingredients, measurements, instructions, and a print button.

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (2)

Best Vegan Cheese Sauce

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (3)

Best Vegan Egg Salad

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Amazing Tofu Scramble

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (6)

Vegan Quiche Casserole

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (7)

Chili Cheese Fries

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (8)

Cashew Cheese | Mozzarella

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (9)

Amazing Vegan Nachos

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (10)

Savory Spice Blend Seasoning

This simple and delicious Savory Spice Blend Seasoning is perfect to keep on hand to add flavor to dishes in place of salt. It livens up even the blandest recipes.

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (11)

Vegan Nacho Cheese

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (12)

Simple Vegan Ricotta Cheese

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (13)

Cheesy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (15)

Green Bean Vegan Casserole

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (16)

Vegan Parmesan Cheese

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (17)

Mexican Corn on the Cob

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (18)

Vegan Loaded Potato Skins

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (19)

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (20)

Roasted Garlic Butter Pasta

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (21)

Healthy Vegan Popcorn Toppings

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (22)

Vegan Broccoli Casserole

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (23)

Cooking Vegan Grits

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (24)

Vegan Baked Potato Toppings

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (25)

Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (26)

Gluten-Free Vegan Mac and Cheese

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (27)

Cheezy Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (28)

Easy Vegan Pizza in Minutes

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (29)

Vegan Lasagna

“Nutritional yeast is high in purines. Large quantities of purines in the diet create an abundance of uric acid, which has been associated with several ailments, including gout. Furthermore, over-reliance on a single food in the diet may eventually cause sensitivity or possibly even an allergy to that food.”GrassRootsVegan

Other great vegan recipes

  • 30-Minute or Less Recipes
  • Black Bean Recipes
  • Gluten-Free Recipes

For those of you new to the whole food plant-based lifestyle, we’ve created a FREE 7-Day Plant-Based Menu Planner to help you get started!

About Terri Edwards

Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How much nutritional yeast is enough? ›

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.

What pairs well with nutritional yeast? ›

Nutritional yeast has a mild taste, making it perfect for pairing with bold spices like onion and garlic powder. But feel free to add other seasonings to this mix too, like chili powder or dried cilantro.

Can you overdo nutritional yeast? ›

Digestive problems: Nutritional yeast contains a high amount of fiber. Too much nutritional yeast added too quickly to one's diet can cause problems with digestion, such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

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.

Is nutritional yeast a complete protein? ›

Nutritional yeast is a great source of vitamins and minerals. It also contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein like those found in animal products.

Does nutritional yeast need to be refrigerated? ›

Store nutritional yeast in a tightly sealed bag or jar in a cool, dark place (or in the refrigerator), and it should keep for about two years.

Does heat destroy the benefits of nutritional yeast? ›

Moreover, it carries a fair amount of minerals and all vitamins B. With every tablespoon of nutritional yeast, you give a nutritional boost to your diet. And yes, all these nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, as well as aroma and flavor resist heating.

Does heat destroy nutritional yeast? ›

That being said, cooking the yeast does not destroy all of its nutrients; it simply diminishes the potency of those nutrients. It's still a healthy food to eat, whether it's raw or cooked.

Is nutritional yeast good on 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.

Can you add nutritional yeast to oatmeal? ›

Stovetop Instructions:

Cook the oats for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat when the oats have absorbed most of the water or broth and are thick in texture. Add the nutritional yeast and soy sauce. Stir the oats until all ingredients are incorporated.

Is nutritional yeast a probiotic? ›

Indeed, one older study from 2010 found that nutritional yeast has a probiotic-like effect on the intestines. 6 This suggests that it may help prevent some gastrointestinal infections like E. coli and Salmonella.

Is nutritional yeast anti-inflammatory? ›

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.

How long does nutritional yeast last once opened? ›

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.

Does nutritional yeast make you gassy? ›

Nutritional yeast is a good source of fiber. When fiber is introduced to your body in large amounts while it's not something you're used to, it may cause some gastrointestinal discomfort like bloating, gas, and cramps. There are also individuals (although rare) who are intolerant or sensitive to yeast.

How much nutritional yeast to get enough B12? ›

Nutritional yeast is a product commonly fortified with vitamin B12 and often recommended for use in patients consuming plant-predominant diets to reduce the risk of deficiency. Approximately 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast contain the amount equal to the US RDA (2.4 mcg/day) for adults.

How much nutritional yeast do I need to sleep? ›

Nutritional yeast: eating just 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast contains more than the full daily value (DV) for vitamin B12 and 480% of the DV for vitamin B6. Studies have found significant correlations between B12 and duration of sleep, while B6 helps boost serotonin levels, which, when depleted, disrupt sleep. 3.

How much nutritional yeast to replace cheese? ›

How to use nutritional yeast. Sprinkle nutritional yeast on anything you'd normally top with parmesan, or add it to sauces, soups and dips. You usually need about half the amount of nutritional yeast as you would parmesan—just taste as you go.

What does nutritional yeast replace? ›

Sometimes finding substitutes for animal products is tricky. That's where nutritional yeast comes into play. In cooking, nutritional yeast is used to replicate the flavors of cheese in vegan dishes. It can also be used as a topping for extra flavor, or used to thicken sauces or soups.

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