Nutritional Yeast?

sami1784

LO has a dairy protein allergy and I EBF, so I'm looking for some cheese substitutes.  I've read about nutritional yeast, and it looks like an interesting option for cheese flavor, but has anyone had any luck using it?  If so, what did you make?  Any ideas on where I can get some really easy recipes using it?  TIA!!

3003girl

I use it a TON. 

LO loves pasta with earth balance and NY sprinkled on top. It kind of acts like parmesan cheese.  

You can also make "mac and cheese" or a "cream Sauce" with it. I do it by feel, so I don't have a recipe, but you basically mix NY and flour, I would say 3-4 tablespoons NY to 1-2 tablespoons flour. The, melt 1-2 tablespoons Earth Balance in a saucepan.  Add the flour NY mixture and some milk - I would say 3/4 cup? whisk or stir until the lumps disolve and heat until thickened. I add more milk if it gets to thick. Salt and pepper to taste. Play around with measurements - or do a search for a real recipe. 

I use this "sauce" for mac and cheese by adding pasta, and also add spinach, brocoli or other veggies. I've also used it on Pizza for a white pizza.

LO mostly likes is sprinkled on her pasta and veggies with just butter though.

We even brought it on vacation with us.

Before we were diary free we would make popcorn with butter and NY - it  has kind of a cheesy popcorn flavor.  

Miller238

Can you find NY at a regular grocery store?  Is it with other yeast?  Or in the health food/organic section? 

3003girl

probably not. It's not with regular yeast.

I buy it at a co-op in the bulk section. I bet you could find it at a health food store too, but I'm not sure.

This is what it is:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutritional_yeast

It looks just like that picture - flakey & yellowish  

3003girl

you can find it on amazon too, but it's way more expensive than I can get it at the co-op. It's about $7-$8 a pound at the co-op. One pound goes a long way - it's a light powdery substance. 

Bella_S

Skinny *** has an awesome vegan gravy that uses it.  I use it in veggie/bean burgers too and with tofu.  It has a nutty, cheesy flavor but its quite salty so taste as you go. I haven't really had a lot of luck with the cheese sauces but I may try another recipe this weekend - GL!