METERWandering down the spice aisle at the grocery store (or looking at your own supply) and coming across a bottle of nutritional yeast is a surprising seasoning. That goes double if you’re vegan or dairy-free.
Nutritional yeast, a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is often used in cooking to add a cheesy and slightly nutty flavor to food, but is not made with any animal products. But it’s not just the flavor of nutritional yeast that makes it so good. the seasoning is a particularly good source of vitamin B12. In fact, a single tablespoon contains approximately 65 percent of your recommended daily value when fortified.
Vitamin B12 is one of those nutrients that many people don’t think much about, but it’s actually crucial for the body. Not only does it play a role in nerve function and blood cell formation, it is also important for brain health. “Vitamin B12 is also involved in the production of neurotransmitters that affect mood, which may be why some research suggests that vitamin B12 can be useful for people prone to depression,registered dietitian Samantha Cassetty, MS, RDN, previously shared with Well+Good. In addition to being high in vitamin B12, nutritional yeast also has all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.
It’s also pretty foolproof to use. Simply sprinkle it on any dish that can benefit from its cheesy, nutty flavor. Or use the ten nutritional yeast recipes rounded up here to start experimenting.
10 Nutritional Yeast Recipes:
one. Gluten free vegan quiche
Quiches are traditionally made with eggs and cheese, which means it’s off the menu for vegans. But this version gives her a 100 percent plant-based makeover. Tofu is used in place of the eggs and yes, you guessed it: nutritional yeast is used to give this breakfast its cheesy flavor. The garlic and turmeric amp up the flavor even more, so make sure you have them on hand.
Get the recipe: gluten free vegan quiche
2. Cheesy Egg Breakfast Muffins
If you eat eggs, protein plus nutritional yeast is *chef’s kiss.* This recipe shows how to make a batch of egg muffins so you have a protein-packed breakfast all week long. In addition to nutritional yeast, look in your pantry for garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and dried basil.
Get the recipe: cheesy egg muffins for breakfast
3. Avocado toast
Sprinkle nutritional yeast on your avocado toast it gives it a whole extra layer of flavor. This could be the game changer of your breakfast. Follow this easy recipe to see exactly how much to use, plus a few other key ingredients, for avocado toast perfection.
Get the recipe: avocado toast
4. Soup of 7 vegetables and “cheese”
In addition to being made with heaping tablespoons of nutritional yeast, this soup is packed with fiber. (The “7 vegetables” name probably gave it away, right?) Top it with pumpkin seeds for protein and a satisfying crunch.
Get the recipe: Soup of 7 vegetables and “cheese”
5. Vegan “Egg” Salad
If you’re looking for a vegan egg salad that actually tastes like the real thing, this is it. Pro Tip: Use medium-firm tofu to replicate the texture of eggs. Another trick is to mix the cashews with the other ingredients when making the dressing. This makes it extra creamy. In addition to nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, turmeric, lemon juice, and chives combine for a savory, tangy flavor.
Get the recipe: vegan “egg” salad
6. Tuscan soup
This soup is packed with kale and potatoes, which provide lots of fiber, and the cashews are mixed with the nutritional yeast (and a few other spices) to create a rich and creamy sauce. You’ll be doing this all winter long.
Get the recipe: Tuscan soup
7. Vegan Cashew Alfredo
Every pasta lover needs a good Alfredo recipe in their repertoire. Nutritional yeast is a key ingredient in this, along with onion powder, lemon juice, almond milk, vegan butter, and soaked cashews. You’ll be licking up every last bit.
Get the recipe: vegan cashew alfredo
8. Baked Broccoli
This cheesy, garlicky broccoli complements just about any main dish. All you need to make it are five simple ingredients. It only takes five minutes to assemble and 20 minutes to cook, making it a weeknight win.
Get the recipe: baked broccoli
9. Vegan Cheez-Its
Make a batch of these to have on hand when you crave something cheesy and salty. These nutritional yeast dusted crackers only take 15 minutes to bake. Kids Y adults will love them!
Get the recipe: Vegan Cheez-Its
10. Nutritional Yeast Popcorn
Seasoning popcorn with nutritional yeast is a classic way to use browned flakes. Popcorn is already a healthy snack because it is high in fiber. Now, you’ll get your B12 with every handful.
Get the recipe: nutritional yeast popcorn
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