Nutritional yeast, best known for its starring role in many vegan dishes, is actually incredibly flexible. Not only do folks use it to cheese up their vegan lasagnas, but they also sprinkle it over popcorn for an extra zip of flavor. There’s more to this heaven-sent ingredient than its buttery, nutty flavor. Nutritional yeast is a complete protein and a great source of some B-complex vitamins. With that in mind, we’d venture to say that these 14 “cheesy” recipes are as healthy as they are comforting.
Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup
You’d never guess that this rich and creamy bowl of goodness is dairy-free, and better yet, healthy. Ready in just 15 minutes, this soup makes for an indulgent weeknight dinner that you can dig your spoon into sans guilt. (via Food Faith Fitness)
Vegan Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks Over Hemp Pesto Noodles
We love cauliflower in ALL the ways — riced, roasted, or turned into pizza crust. But nothing beats a tender cauliflower steak made “cheesy” with a blend of nutritional yeast, raw cashews and yummy spices. (via Emilie Eats)
Green Goddess Bowl
Friends, this isn’t your average bowl meal. Complete with edamame, avocado, and a wholesome dose of nutritional yeast, this bright emerald dinner option is packed with nutrients that will fuel you and make you feel AH-mazing. (via Wellness With Taryn)
Vegan Mac and Cheese
Brace yourself, because we’ve got a stellar 30-minute mac that is good for you. Nutritional yeast, miso, and smoked paprika give this creamy sauce its depth so you can mow down and feel totally okay about it. (via Delicious Everyday)
Vegan Pesto and Roasted Tomato Pizza
Life is good when you can indulge in a healthy pizza that doesn’t cramp your diet. Smothered with a vegan pesto, this tasty pie is topped with a vegan Parm in the form of nutritional yeast. (via Delish Knowledge)
Tofu Scrambles
The awesomeness of breakfast for dinner is something that everyone can agree on. Thanks to perfectly spiced and scrambled tofu, even vegans can get a cozy dose of “eggs” and toast. (via Drum Beets)
Vegan Rocket and Pea Risotto
Risotto recipes are known for their copious amounts of cheese, which is why it’s so darn awesome. If you’re off of dairy, worry not; some nutritional yeast and a little splash of almond milk will give you that creamy texture and cheesy flavor you crave. (via Wallflower Kitchen)
Pesto Rice With Slow Roasted Tomatoes and Walnuts
This recipe ups your tomato game by slow-roasting them in the oven to juicy, caramelized perfection. As if that wasn’t enticing enough, nutritional yeast is added to the pesto and rice for extra lip-smacking goodness. (via Food, Fitness, Fresh Air)
Zucchini Pizza Boats
Add the word “pizza” to any dinner option and we’re *in.* Stuffed with veggies, sweet marinara, and cheesy nutritional yeast, these zucchini boats are BOMB. (via In Sonnet’s Kitchen)
Vegan Garlic Alfredo With Asparagus and Peas
If you’re a sucker for Alfredo sauce but avoiding dairy, we’ve got you covered. This glorious and garlicky concoction does not skimp out on creaminess, thanks to cauliflower and our beloved nutritional yeast. (via I Love Vegan)
Cheesy Vegan Rutabaga Casserole
Unlike the usual heavy and less-than-wholesome casseroles we see at family affairs, this one is packed with nutrition. Rutabagas, potatoes, and other veggies are brought to the table with a dairy-free cheesiness that can’t be denied. (via Simple Seasonal)
Vegan Cheddar Beer Soup
This velvety pub classic is now vegan perfection. With a base of raw cashews, healthful veggies, and a generous serving of nutritional yeast, the cheesy blend is garnished with smokey croutons and crispy tempeh bacon. (via Connoisseurus Veg)
Vegan Zucchini Lasagna With Tofu Ricotta
Layered with tender veggies, this light twist on lasagna is all the rage. You won’t miss the noodles, and thanks to the crumbly tofu and nutritional yeast, you certainly won’t miss the cheese! (via Emilie Eats)
Golden Beetroot Risotto
This bright spin on risotto will be the talk of the dinner table, there’s no doubt about it. We can guarantee it tastes as comforting as it looks, and it’s full of wholesome ingredients. Sold. (via Blissful Basil)
Dana Sandonato
Born in Canada and now living in the beautiful state of North Carolina, Dana is a coffee-reliant food writer with a healthy appetite, a taste for culinary adventure, a thirst for good beers, and an endless hunger for food photography. When not writing for Brit + Co, she can be found pouring herself into her blog-turned-webzine, Killing Thyme, or taste-testing at local breweries with her husband. Dana's ideal down time includes pizza, marathoning on Netflix, or watching her fave flicks from the 80s and 90s - no matter how great or awful they are!
