10 Healthy Recipes You Can Make With Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a popular ingredient in the vegan and health-conscious community. It is packed full of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, making it an excellent addition to any meal. One of the best things about nutritional yeast is that it has a nutty, cheesy flavor, making it an ideal substitute for cheese in many dishes. Here are ten healthy and delicious recipes you can make with nutritional yeast.
1. Vegan Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a comfort food that many people find hard to give up when they switch to a vegan diet. Nutritional yeast is the perfect ingredient to give this classic dish that cheesy flavor. To make vegan mac and cheese, cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions, drain it, and set aside. In a saucepan, melt vegan butter, then whisk in nutritional yeast, flour, and plant milk until you have a smooth sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, and voila! A delicious vegan mac and cheese.
2. Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
Cauliflower buffalo wings are a popular vegan dish that is perfect for parties or game day snacks. To make the batter for the wings, mix nutritional yeast, flour, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Dip your cauliflower florets into the batter and bake them in the oven until they are crispy. Once they are done, toss them in your favorite buffalo sauce, and you have a plant-based version of a classic, spicy appetizer.
3. Vegan Queso Dip
Queso dip is a favorite in many households as a spicy and cheesy dip for chips or for topping tacos. This vegan version of queso dip is easy to make, and it’s just as delicious. In a blender, combine nutritional yeast, plant milk, salsa, and cornstarch. Blend until smooth, then pour the mixture into a saucepan. Heat the mixture until it thickens, then serve with your favorite tortilla chips.
4. Vegan Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese is a simple but satisfying meal that almost everyone loves. To make a vegan grilled cheese sandwich, you will need vegan bread, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast. Spread vegan butter on the outside of your bread, then sprinkle nutritional yeast on the inside. Add your favorite vegan cheese and cook in a pan until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. This vegan version of grilled cheese is so tasty; you won’t even miss the dairy!
5. Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing
Caesar salad dressing is traditionally made with anchovies, Parmesan cheese, and mayonnaise. This vegan version of the classic dressing is just as delicious and much healthier. In a blender, combine nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, then toss your favorite salad greens with the dressing, and top with crushed croutons.
6. Vegan Enchilada Sauce
Enchilada sauce is typically made with meat stock or chicken broth, making it unsuitable for vegans. This vegan version of the sauce is made with vegetable broth and nutritional yeast, making it a perfect plant-based alternative. To make vegan enchilada sauce, sauté garlic and onions in a saucepan until they are soft. Add vegetable broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and nutritional yeast, then let the sauce simmer until it thickens.
7. Vegan Cheese Sauce
This vegan cheese sauce is the perfect topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or vegetables. In a saucepan, melt vegan butter, then whisk in flour and nutritional yeast. Gradually add plant milk while whisking continuously until you have a smooth sauce. Add salt, garlic powder, and mustard to taste, then pour the sauce over your favorite dish.
8. Vegan Scrambled “Eggs”
Scrambled eggs are a breakfast staple for many people. To make a vegan version of scrambled eggs, you will need tofu, nutritional yeast, turmeric, and salt. In a pan, crumble the tofu and sauté with nutritional yeast, turmeric, and salt until the mixture resembles scrambled eggs. This vegan version is just as tasty as traditional scrambled eggs and healthier too.
9. Vegan Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli casserole is a classic side dish that many people love. To make a vegan version of cheesy broccoli casserole, steam your broccoli until it is tender. In a saucepan, whisk together nutritional yeast, plant milk, cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt. Cook until the mixture thickens, then pour it over the broccoli. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until the dish is golden brown.
10. Vegan Nacho Cheese
If you’re a fan of nachos, you’ll love this vegan version of nacho cheese. In a blender, combine cashews, nutritional yeast, paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. Slowly add plant milk while blending until you have a smooth, creamy texture. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat until it thickens, then serve with tortilla chips.
Conclusion
Nutritional yeast is an excellent ingredient to add to any meal. These ten healthy and delicious recipes show just how versatile this ingredient can be. From vegan mac and cheese to vegan nacho cheese, these recipes are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Give them a try and see for yourself how tasty and nutritious nutritional yeast can be.
