Have you ever craved a nutty flavor boost for your dishes? Well, let me introduce you to my delightful Pumpkin Seed Parmesan! This easy vegan cheese recipe is not only a fantastic topping for your favorite meals, but it also adds a savory crunch that will elevate your quick family dinners. Whether you’re whipping up some creamy garlic pasta or looking for a sprinkle to enhance your salads, this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknight dinner ideas.
- Nutritious and packed with flavor, making it a great addition to your meals.
- Versatile topping for salads, pastas, and even roasted vegetables.
- Can be stored for up to two weeks, so you can always have it on hand.
- Great for those looking for dairy-free options without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
To whip up this delicious Pumpkin Seed Parmesan, you’ll need just three simple ingredients:
- 1 cup nutritional yeast (approx. 60g)
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas; approx. 135g)
- 1 tsp salt (fine sea salt or table salt; approx. 6g)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Making your own Pumpkin Seed Parmesan is a breeze! Follow these simple steps:
- Add ingredients to blender: Place the nutritional yeast, pumpkin seeds, and salt into a small blender or bullet-style blender.
- Blend: Pulse in short bursts for about 3–4 seconds until you achieve a coarse, crumbly texture. Don’t worry if there are some small chunks; just avoid over-blending, or it may turn into a paste.
- Store: Transfer your delicious mixture to a glass jar or airtight container. You can store it at room temperature for up to two weeks!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Pumpkin Seed Parmesan turns out perfectly:
- For a more intense flavor, consider toasting the pumpkin seeds lightly before blending.
- If you want to experiment, try adding garlic powder or nutritional herbs for an extra flavor kick!
- Make sure to pulse the blender in short bursts to maintain that perfect crumbly texture.
- This recipe is easily customizable; feel free to adjust the salt to your taste preference.
How to Serve
Now that you have your Pumpkin Seed Parmesan ready, let’s talk about how to serve it! Here are some of my favorite ways:
- Sprinkle it over easy pasta recipes like creamy garlic pasta or roasted red pepper pasta for a nutty finish.
- Use it as a topping for salads, especially with a vegan salad dressing to complement the flavors.
- Mix it into your favorite kale pesto pasta for an added crunch.
- It’s also fantastic on roasted vegetables or as a garnish for soups!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Pumpkin Seed Parmesan is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:
- Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- If you want to make a larger batch, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
- When ready to use, simply thaw it at room temperature or sprinkle it directly onto your dishes.
So there you have it! A simple, delicious, and versatile recipe that will add a nutty flavor boost to your meals. I hope you enjoy making this Pumpkin Seed Parmesan as much as I do. Happy cooking!
Pumpkin Seed Parmesan
Ingredients
Method
- Add ingredients to blender: Place the nutritional yeast, pumpkin seeds, and salt into a small blender or bullet-style blender.
- Blend in short pulses for about 3–4 seconds until a coarse, crumbly texture forms.
- Transfer to a jar or container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.