33 Nutritional Yeast Recipes That Will Make You a Nooch Convert
For those following a plant-based lifestyle, nutritional yeast, or “nooch,” as the stans call it, is a must-have pantry staple. With its savory and nutty taste, the ingredient breathes new life into recipes like creamy mac and “cheese,” packed burritos, or hearty chowders.
But just because many vegan home cooks adore the seasoning, it doesn’t mean you have to be dairy-free to enjoy it. In fact, nutritional yeast can be a great addition for any palate.
Still, we get it: This fish-food-resembling seasoning may throw you a bit if you’ve never used it before. We bet you have questions—but don’t worry, we’ve got the answers. For all those who are new to nooch, read on for everything you need to know about it, like what it is exactly, whether or not it’s actually good for you, and how to mix it into meals. Then get started cooking with this delicious flavor-booster!
What is nutritional yeast?
First of all, to clear up any confusion: Nutritional yeast is a deactivated form of yeast, which means it won’t make a loaf of bread rise the way its active counterpart would. It’s cultured from the same type of yeast that leavens bread, but the manufacturing process kills the live organism.
Nooch is instead meant to be used as a cooking ingredient, seasoning, or condiment. The wellness food store bulk-bin staple has a golden yellow color and is available in small and large flakes.
Nutritional yeast is probably best known for being the magic ingredient in all those “cheesy” vegan and dairy-free recipes you’ve seen floating around. The flavor isn’t identical to something like Pecorino or cheddar, of course. Nutritional yeast has its own distinctive and delicious flavor—a little cheesiness, a little nuttiness, a little umami.
What are nutritional yeast benefits?
As its name indicates, nutritional yeast is in fact packed with nutrients. An average 15-gram serving (about three tablespoons or one quarter-cup, depending on the flake size and brand) provides eight grams of protein and three or four grams of fiber, according to the USDA.
Nutritional yeast also contains vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, thiamin (vitamin B1), and riboflavin (B2). Plus many (if not most) nutritional yeast products on the market are fortified with a variety of B vitamins, including additional B1 and B2, plus niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), folate (B9), and vitamins B6 and B12. (B6 and B12 are mostly found in animal products, and therefore hard to come by on a vegan diet—yet another reason nooch is pretty popular among that crowd.)
Another potential benefit of nutritional yeast is that it’s a helpful cheese substitute for anyone who’s trying to avoid dairy (whether due to an allergy, intolerance, or preference). And you don’t have to store it in the fridge!
How to use nutritional yeast
When it comes to subbing in for cheese, nooch may not be identical, but it can really do the trick—especially when used in combination with other ingredients that add creaminess (like cashew sauce), tang (like lemon juice), or bite (like garlic) to better imitate the flavor profile of your fave cheeses. Trust us, you won’t miss the real deal one bit.
Nutritional yeast works as more than a cheese replacement, though. Even if you’re not dairy-free or vegan, nooch is totally worth keeping in your pantry because it honestly tastes good in just about anything. A couple of tablespoons can quickly add a much-needed savory boost to whatever you’re eating, like a sauce or soup. And you don’t actually have to cook nutritional yeast to enjoy it. You can just sprinkle it (generously) straight from the container over your food, wherever you might use grated Parmesan or a finishing salt—like salads, fries, pasta—and dig right in.
If you’re psyched to start using nooch in the kitchen, let these 33 nutritional yeast recipes show you all that the star ingredient is capable of. Some are all about the nooch, and others are great examples of how easy it is to swap in nutritional yeast for cheese. Many of the recipes are indeed vegan and dairy-free, if that’s something you’re interested in—but they’re worth trying even if you’re not, because they’re just damn good.
Jeanine Donofrio via Love and LemonsVegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese from Love and Lemons
Along with nutritional yeast, buttery, homemade cashew cream gives this recipe the gooey mac and cheese flavor you know and love. A sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs complements all the creaminess with a satisfying crunch.
Get the recipe here.
Jocelyn Delk Adams via Grandbaby CakesVegan Fried Chicken (Fried Oyster Mushrooms) from Grandbaby Cakes
Nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, Creole-Cajun seasoning, and dried thyme provide the perfect batter for fried “chicken” oyster mushrooms. Don’t forget to whip up the spicy maple sauce to add a kick of sweetness for dipping your crispy bites.
Get the recipe here.
Brittany Mullins via Eating Bird FoodGarlic Tahini Dressing from Eating Bird Food
Drizzle this dressing on salads, warm falafel, or crisp carrots and celery slices. The nutritional yeast is a crucial ingredient for flavor in this recipe because it adds that nutty and cheesy taste.
Get the recipe here.
Andrea Bemis via Dishing Up the DirtBrussels Sprouts and Sausage Quiche from Dishing up the Dirt
This is one of the few non-vegan, dairy-filled recipes out there that uses nutritional yeast. It adds tons of flavor to the quiche filling and proves that the ingredient deserves a place in any kind of cooking.
Get the recipe here.
Lindsay Ostrom via Pinch of YumVegan Mega-Burritos from Pinch of Yum
There’s no better sight than warm queso oozing out of a burrito. But if you’re plant-based, you’ll want to ditch the cheddar and pepper jack for nutritional yeast to get that creamy and savory flavor. That way, when you pack your tortillas with hearty staples like sweet potato, cauliflower, and walnut taco meat, you still taste that nostalgic “cheesy” note when digging in.
Get the recipe here.
Richa Hingle via Vegan RichaPalak Tofu Waffles from Vegan Richa
Savory waffles can save the day for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And if you’re looking for a unique way to elevate the batter, some nutritional yeast can give it a cheesy and nutty taste. This recipe goes even further by mixing spinach into the waffle base to give it more flavor and beautiful specks of green—making it as Instagramable as it is tasty.
Get the recipe here.
Alissa Saenz via Connoisseurus VegVegan Jalapeño Poppers from Connoisseurus Veg
If you plan on hosting a gathering with plant-based finger foods, consider these jalapeño poppers that nix the dairy. Instead of cream cheese, this recipe uses a homemade cashew spread packed with nutritional yeast.
Get the recipe here.
Jessica Beacom and Stacie Hassing via The Real Food DietitiansCheese Pizza Kale Chips from The Real Food Dietitians
There’s no need to buy premade kale chips when these are so easy to whip up—and with pantry staples like Italian seasoning and garlic powder no less!
Get the recipe here.
Sonja Overhiser via A Couple CooksFrench Fry Seasoning from A Couple Cooks
Parmesan truffle fries, step aside, because this new flavor blend will seriously take your fried spuds to the next level. 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.
Get the recipe here.
Olivia Ribas via Primavera KitchenPesto Spaghetti Squash With Shrimp from Primavera Kitchen
Looking for a new spin on shrimp scampi? This recipe has the cheesy seafood flavors you’re looking for with the delicious addition of squash and nooch—and you don’t even need to boil a pot of water to make it.
Get the recipe here.
LaKita Anderson via Simply LaKitaCashew Cream Sauce With Mushroom Ricotta Ravioli from Simply LaKita
If you don’t have the time to make ravioli from scratch, feel free to use your favorite store-bought option instead. After all, the star of this recipe is the sauce, which only takes five pantry staples to make.
Get the recipe here.
Ashley Melillo via Blissful BasilWalnut, Sage, and Cranberry Stuffed Mushrooms from Blissful Basil
These stuffed mushrooms are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and earthy, thanks to a stuffing packed with cranberries, nutritional yeast, walnuts, and sage.
Get the recipe here.
Shanika Graham-White via Orchids and Sweet TeaEasy Pumpkin Vegan Mac and Cheese from Orchids and Sweet Tea
If you’re making a plant-based cheese sauce, adding nutritional yeast is a no-brainer to bring out those creamy and delicious flavors. This recipe adds texture by tossing in some sweet pumpkin puree to the sauce—a perfect pair with the nooch due to its nutty taste.
Get the recipe here.
Melissa Huggins via Vegan HuggsTofu Scramble from Vegan Huggs
In this recipe you’ll want to use an extra-firm tofu to guarantee your final dish has a texture that’s similar to actual scrambled eggs.
Get the recipe here.
Monique Volz via Ambitious KitchenAlfredo Ziti With Broccoli from Ambitious Kitchen
Finish this pasta with a healthy sprinkle of nutritional yeast instead of your usual cheesy go-to, whether that’s Parmesan or Swiss. The flavors will be just as good.
Get the recipe here.
Emma Chapman via A Beautiful MessBest Weeknight Nachos from A Beautiful Mess
If you plan to host guests, these nachos will have them rushing back for second scoops. This recipe’s plant-based “cheese” sauce combines nutritional yeast with tender potatoes, chipotle peppers, and other seasonings. The “queso” spread also pairs exceptionally well with traditional toppings like beans, avocado, and peppers because of its savory flavor.
Get the recipe here.
Alex Overhiser via A Couple CooksCreamy Vegan Polenta from A Couple Cooks
Though polenta is usually brimming with butter and cheese, this awesome vegan version uses vegetable broth to achieve a rich, savory flavor. Add some nooch for cheesiness and serve it with a protein source like tofu or chicken for a full meal.
Get the recipe here.
Alissa Saenz via Connoisseurus VegCreamy Vegan Corn Chowder from Connoisseurus Veg
Nik Manning via Lizee AngelSpicy Sweet Potato and Black Bean Taquitos With Vegan Crema from Lizee Angel
Nutritional yeast gives the vegan crema a cheesy kick, making it the perfect counterpart to these hearty sweet potato and black bean-stuffed taquitos.
Get the recipe here.
Brittany Mullins via Eating Bird FoodCreamy Nutritional Yeast Dressing from Eating Bird Food
This homemade dressing is great with an assortment of different dishes. Drizzle it on salads and rice bowls, use it as a marinade for meat and tofu, or try it as a sauce for dipping chips and veggies.
Get the recipe here.
Kathryne Taylor via Cookie and KateCreamy Vegan Queso from Cookie and Kate
A lot of surprising ingredients—like soaked cashews, grated potatoes, and, of course, nutritional yeast—come together to make this vegan queso a creamy, dreamy reality.
Get the recipe here.
Alissa Saenz via Connoisseurus VegPotato Leek Vegan Quiche from Connoisseurus Veg
Who says you can’t turn your favorite creamy soup into a quiche—and make it plant-based to boot? Start by creating a vegan egg base by blending tofu, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, lemon juice, and turmeric until smooth. Then add fried potatoes, softened leeks, garlic, and onions and bake the mixture into flaky pie dough.
Get the recipe here.
Lee Hersh via Fit Foodie FindsVegan Broccoli Cheese Casserole from Fit Foodie Finds
This plant-based version of everyone’s favorite casserole swaps chicken for chickpeas to keep the vegan protein count high and the flavor on point. No broccoli? Feel free to use any vegetable that’s in your crisper drawer instead!
Get the recipe here.
Kristin Smith via Krisp x KristinVegan Cacio e Pepe from Krisp x Kristin
Cacio e pepe may seem like one of those things that’s totally off limits to vegans because it’s mostly cheese, but this dairy-free version proves that it doesn’t have to be.
Get the recipe here.
Ashlea Carver via All The Healthy ThingsBroccoli Cheddar Soup from All The Healthy Things
This soup recipe is excellent for folks who are lactose intolerant since it swaps the heavy cream and cheddar for nutritional yeast. And what better topping to pair with “cheesy” broccoli than crispy, salty bacon? Bookmark this recipe the next time you’re craving a non-dairy comfort dish.
Get the recipe here.
Sommer Collier via A Saucy KitchenChicken Broccoli Fritters from A Saucy Kitchen
Nutritional yeast may be a vegan favorite but it definitely doesn’t have to be restricted to meatless cooking. For example, the bright yellow ingredient tastes awesome in these chicken and veggie-packed fritters.
Get the recipe here.
Marisa Moore via Marisa MooreSalmon Kale Pesto Pasta from Marisa Moore
If you’re trying to avoid dairy, recipe author Marisa Moore recommends swapping the Parmesan in this seafood pasta for a bit of nutritional yeast to create a similarly savory flavor.
Get the recipe here.
Shanika via Orchids and Sweet TeaOne-Pot Cajun Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta from Orchids and Sweet Tea
You’re just one pot and one can of pumpkin away from this creamy pasta recipe. Coconut milk and nutritional yeast make a delightfully creamy sauce.
Get the recipe here.
Erin Clarke via Well PlatedVegan Stuffed Peppers from Well Plated
Stuffed with a mix of lentils, quinoa, roasted veggies, and nutritional yeast, you’d never guess that there’s no meat in these stuffed peppers on taste alone.
Get the recipe here.
Laura Wright via The First MessCrispy BBQ Pulled Mushroom Sandwiches from The First Mess
Create a spice blend with nutritional yeast, garlic, dill, and onion powder, and use that flavorful mix to season up the slaw to really amplify the taste of these BBQ pulled mushroom sandwiches.
Get the recipe here.
Richa Hingle via Vegan RichaRomesco Skillet Pasta with Cajun Tofu from Vegan Richa
Roasted red peppers and tomatoes are the groundwork for a tasty Romesco. And to kick up the flavor in this pasta, add some nutritional yeast for the perfect nutty and creamy boost that pairs great with the smoky sauce.
Get the recipe here.
Sonja Overhiser via A Couple CooksVegan Breakfast Sandwich from A Couple Cooks
This recipe combines canned chickpeas and nutritional yeast to create a plant-based “egg.” Slather on some creamy hummus, a juicy tomato, and some crisp alfalfa sprouts on top of it to make your sammie extra hearty.
Get the recipe here.
LaKita Anderson via Simply LakitaBBQ French Bread Pizza from Simply LaKita
Mix up minced garlic, plant-based melted butter, and nutritional yeast, and brush that spread onto some loaves before toasting for an extra flavorful base. Then layer BBQ sauce, vegan “chicken” tenders, and dairy-free cheddar onto that crispy bread for the ultimate finish.
Get the recipe here.
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