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

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  • 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 it OK to eat nutritional yeast every day? ›

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 can I do with a lot of nutritional yeast? ›

23 Tasty Recipes Featuring Nutritional Yeast
  1. Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese. ...
  2. Crispy Potato Vegan Cheese Sticks. ...
  3. Faux Parmesan. ...
  4. New American Veggie Cheeseburgers. ...
  5. Homemade Vegan Pesto. ...
  6. Loaded Potato Skins. ...
  7. Cheesy Vegan Veggie Pizzette. ...
  8. Polenta Pizza Pie.
Aug 31, 2021

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.

Does nutritional yeast raise blood pressure? ›

However, it appears that tyramine may act on the central nervous system. It releases various hormones, which may lead to an increase in blood pressure and cause headaches (5, 10 ).

Is there any downside to nutritional yeast? ›

Too much nutritional yeast added too quickly to one's diet can cause problems with digestion, such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea. A high-fiber diet is good for digestive health.

Why do people avoid 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.

Does heat destroy the benefits of nutritional yeast? ›

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 nutritional yeast need to be refrigerated? ›

You do not need to refrigerate nutritional yeast, so you may see it stored in bulk bins in health food stores or grocery stores. It has a shelf life of about two years when stored correctly; keep nutritional yeast in a jar on the countertop or in a cool, dark place like a pantry.

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.

Is nutritional yeast good for gut? ›

Helps Alleviate IBS

Nutritional yeast may help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome, which is one of the most common gut disorders in the U.S. A 2015 study found that nutritional yeast consumption significantly reduced abdominal pain and discomfort in people with IBS.

Why does nutritional yeast make me feel good? ›

Nutritional yeast can add vitamins, minerals, and protein to the diet. Benefits of nutritional yeast include boosting energy, supporting the immune system, and more. Yeast has played an important role in the human diet for thousands of years. This fungus is a vital ingredient in bread, beer, and a range of other foods.

Is nutritional yeast hard on the liver? ›

Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of vitamin B3 (also known as niacin), but large amounts of the vitamin can cause facial flushing, an uncomfortable reddening of the face that may include itching and burning. Very high amounts of B3 can also cause liver failure.

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.

Should I buy fortified or unfortified nutritional yeast? ›

Fortified nutritional yeast contains vitamins that are added to the product when it is being produced. Discover if you're purchasing fortified nutritional yeast by checking the packaging and ingredients list. Make sure to purchase this type if you are looking to incorporate more vitamins and minerals into your diet.

How much nutritional yeast should you eat? ›

While you can't really have too much nutritional yeast, it is a high-fiber food that can lead to stomach discomfort. The suggested daily serving is 15 grams (approximately 1/4 cup), or one ounce, to reap all the health benefits.

Can eating nutritional yeast cause Candida? ›

Nutritional yeast does not cause candida. Totally different kind of yeast and in any case, it's dead. It is a good source of B12, as you say. Other sources are fortified plant milks, yoghurts, cereals, margarine spreads, or just take a supplement.

Should you take nutritional yeast before bed? ›

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.

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