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

Nutritional Yeast Recipes (4)

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 (14)

Sweet Potato Vegan Cheese Sauce

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

Is there any downside to nutritional yeast? ›

Potential Risks of Nutritional Yeast

While it's uncommon, tyramine may trigger headaches in people who experience migraines. 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.

How do you use nutritional yeast in a recipe? ›

Added To Seasoning

Think of nutritional yeast as a grated Parmesan substitute. It's flaky, dry, and packs an umami punch that gives food a savory side. It can be sprinkled on top of pasta, rice and salad, folded into eggs, and stirred into stew.

Does nutritional yeast go bad? ›

Nutritional yeast, unlike certain perishable food items, doesn't go bad in the traditional sense. It can last well beyond its labeled expiration date if stored properly. However, its quality may degrade over time, resulting in a less potent flavor and reduced nutritional content.

Should I refrigerate nutritional yeast? ›

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.

What is the best way to eat nutritional yeast? ›

Here are several ways my wife and I use nutritional yeast on a regular basis:
  1. In Rice and Pasta Dishes. ...
  2. On Bread or Rice Cakes. ...
  3. With Garbanzo Beans. ...
  4. In Soup. ...
  5. On Yellow and Green Beans. ...
  6. On Scrambled Tofu. ...
  7. On Popcorn. ...
  8. With Peas, Corn, and Carrots.

Is nutritional yeast really MSG? ›

Nutritional yeast receives its umami flavor from naturally occurring MSG and there are many misperceptions about the safety of MSG. However, MSG is generally recognized as safe by the FDA and there are many foods that have naturally occurring MSG, such as cheese and tomatoes.

Can you put nutritional yeast in 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.

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.

Can you put nutritional yeast on spaghetti? ›

Add crushed chili flakes, nutritional yeast and parsley to it. Mix it for 30 seconds. Bring the flame to low-medium and toss in cooked spaghetti, salt and pepper. Turn off the flame and garnish with capers.

What happens to nutritional yeast when cooked? ›

Everyone can cook with Nutritional Yeast.

It is simply yeast that can no longer raise dough since its fermentation activity is deactivated by the pasteurization process. Yet, Nooch has preserved all its initial nutritional values.

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.

What does nutritional yeast taste like? ›

A: Nutritional yeast has a unique savory flavor that resembles cheese, making it a great alternative for adding flavor without salt, sugar or fat. Some people say it adds a nutty flavor to foods.

Can you put nutritional yeast on popcorn? ›

Nutritional yeast is a great addition to popcorn whether you're vegan or not; it imparts a fabulous cheesy, nutty flavor and is a great source of protein.

How much nutritional yeast should I eat per day? ›

No consensus exists regarding how much nutritional yeast a person can eat daily. But eating even a 5 g serving per day can benefit you. However, you may want to start with 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast per day. You can increase that amount if you do not have any reaction.

Can I put nutritional yeast in 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.

How long does nutritional yeast last? ›

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.

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