If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to add flavor to your vegetables, try this “cheesy” asparagus with nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is a vegan food product that has a nutty, cheesy flavor.
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With spring in bloom, it’s that time when vegetables are aplenty. One of my favorites is asparagus. Roasted asparagus can get boring, so I like to jazz it up with a vegan “cheese” sauce incorporating nutritional yeast. This is also a great way to get more veggies into your diet.
I am not a big fan of dairy. I find that when I do eat it, my body doesn’t react well. This has led me to limit my dairy intake. However, I still enjoy the occasional “cheesy” flavor. I recently discovered that nutritional yeast is a great substitute for dairy, and it can help me satisfy my cravings without any negative side effects.
I had never made a “cheese” sauce before, but I decided to give it a try using nutritional yeast. The sauce was creamy and flavorful, and my husband, who loves cheese, couldn’t tell the difference. I found these results to be pleasantly surprising.
For anyone looking for great tasty dairy-free recipes, this will be right up your alley.
Why you’ll love asparagus with nutritional yeast
Normally, an asparagus recipe without cheese may sound blah to your tastebuds. However, this “cheesy” asparagus is sure to become a favorite in your culinary collection. Here are some reasons why you will love this recipe:
- Innovative
- Tasty
- Easy to make
- Lots of nutrition
- Completely plant-based
Asparagus lovers who are bored with their usual preparation methods will appreciate this novel way to make this green veggie taste great. Nutritional yeast adds a unique umami and cheesy flavor without dairy, enhancing the flavor profile of this beloved vegetable.
The combination of tender asparagus spears, coated in the luscious blend of olive oil, and nutritional yeast creates a harmonious symphony of tastes and textures that will leave your taste buds longing for more.
Not only does it taste great, but it is also easy to make! This recipe requires little preparation and can be made in about 30 minutes. So if you are looking for an easy side dish to complete your meal this is it!
This recipe also offers a lot of nutritional value. Nutritional yeast is also known for offering a nice amount of protein in even just one serving. These foods together offer a lot of essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive.
Whether you have an issue with dairy, are following a vegan diet, or simply looking for an alternative to traditional cheese-based recipes, this dairy-free creation offers a great way to
incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet while still satisfying their cravings for savory, comforting flavors.
How to avoid getting bad asparagus
Picking asparagus isn’t hard when you know what to look for. When buying this veggie follow these criteria:
- Color
- Firmness
- Thickness
- Length
- Closed tips
Fresh asparagus will be a vibrant color. Usually, bright green unless it is of the purple or white variety. It should be firm and thick. The thicker the spear the more tender it will be. The length is also of importance. Asparagus pears should be at least 6 inches long.
Also, make sure the tips on the heads of the asparagus are tightly formed and closed. Open tips on asparagus mean it’s old and tough. Finally, be sure to avoid spears that are wilted, discolored, or have spots.
What is nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast is actually a yeast. It comes from the deactivated single-celled yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This food has gained popularity in plant-based and vegan cooking due to its ability to provide a cheesy and umami flavor.
It is dairy-free, soy, and usually gluten-free. You may want to double-check the food label to be sure.
How is nutritional yeast made?
There are three steps to making nutritional yeast: growing, harvesting, and grinding.
First, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast is grown on a sugar-rich medium such as It grows on wood pulp, sugar cane, blackstrap molasses, and/or sugar beets. The yeast feeds on the sugar fermenting the yeast for several days.
Once the yeast has fermented it is then harvested and washed. During the harvesting process, it also undergoes a drying process that leaves it inactive.
Finally, it is ground into a fine powder. This is what is known as nutritional yeast.
Nutritional yeast vs. Brewer’s yeast
Don’t confuse nutritional yeast with Brewer’s yeast. Nutritional yeast is not Brewer’s yeast. They come from the same yeast species but they are not the same. As the name tells you, brewer’s yeast makes beer. It is a live active yeast.
Nutritional yeast, on the other hand, is for edible consumption only.
It comes in the form of flakes, granules, or powder.
Nutritional yeast offers a lot of nutrition
Nutritional yeast is packed with nutrition. Three tablespoons contain the following nutrients:
- 60 calories
- 5 grams carbs
- 1 gram fat
- 8 grams protein
- 4 grams fiber
There are few carbs, fats, and calories in nutritional yeast. Additionally, you can see there is a lot of fiber and protein in nutritional yeast making it a great source of these essential nutrients even in small doses.
Nutritional yeast is also a good source of the B vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, and B12. It is also naturally low in sodium and contains many of the needed trace minerals including magnesium, copper, phosphorus, and zinc.
Possible health benefits of nutritional yeast
The potential health benefits of nutritional yeast are due to its abundance of vitamins and minerals. This food has been associated with reduced inflammation, nerve function, immune health, and energy production.
An additional benefit of nutritional yeast is it may improve the absorption of nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus, all of which are needed to maintain health.
Some people may have issues with nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast is typically dairy, soy, and gluten-free. However, some people may experience nutritional yeast side effects.
For instance, the high fiber content may cause digestive issues for those not used to eating fiber. So if you’re not used to eating fiber be careful when consuming nutritional yeast. Drinking enough water can also help ease digestion.
Consequently, some have also experienced headaches, migraines, and a flushed face after consuming nutritional yeast.
Additionally, nutritional yeast contains tyramine. This is a naturally occurring amino acid. It may cause migraines in some people.
Large quantities of the B vitamin niacin may cause the face to get red, hot, and itchy. This normally happens when large amounts are consumed, however, since nutritional yeast is a food rich in niacin you want to go slow and use at most 2 tbsp.
While uncommon, some people may be unable to tolerate nutritional yeast. It seems to be most prevalent in those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and can worsen symptoms of IBD.
Glutamate, the naturally occurring amino acid is good for nutrition, but can also be bothersome to some individuals.
If you haven’t tried nutritional yeast before it is best to go with a quality brand and try a small bit to see if there are any negative effects.
How Does Nutritional Yeast Taste?
The taste of nutritional yeast can be described as cheesy, nutty, or savory flavor. So it’s no wonder it is used as a cheese substitute for some dishes.
The flavor comes from glutamate. Glutamate is a naturally occurring amino acid and this compound is what gives nutritional yeast that umami flavor.
Not all nutritional yeast is created equal
You don’t want to grab any old yeast for this recipe. That is because some brands are fortified with synthetic vitamins. There are two types of nutritional yeast
- Fortified
- Unfortified
Fortified nutritional yeast means there were additional nutrients added in during processing. Often these will include the synthetic form of folate known as folic acid.
Unfortified brands are usually naturally derived and processed. However, you want to be careful of what brands you choose because some of them contain additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG).
When choosing a nutritional yeast look for a non-GMO organic brand that is naturally grown and does not contain any additives or synthetic ingredients
Here is a list of brands that I have found that are a better choice:
You can also do a search on Amazon* for non-fortified organic nutritional yeast and see what the reviews say about different brands.
*Some of these links are affiliate links, this means when you sign up or purchase from these links we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more in our disclosure statement.
Where to find nutritional yeast
Normally, nutritional yeast is found in the spice aisle of the food store. In addition, health food stores may sell it in bulk containers.
You can also do a search on Amazon* for non-fortified organic nutritional yeast and see what the reviews say about different brands.
*Some of these links are affiliate links, this means when you sign up or purchase from these links we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more in our disclosure statement.
How to use nutritional yeast
If you are wondering, “How to eat nutritional yeast,” here are the deets on how to consume this flavorful food. Aside from its powerhouse of nutrition, the number of nutritional yeast uses runs the gamut making it a very versatile food.
Nutritional yeast recipes vary from the easy something as simple as a topping for “cheesy” popcorn to the intricate making it a part of soups, stews, chilis, sauces, spreads, dips, and baked goods.
Its flexible nature offers a ton of potential recipes for nutritional yeast. However, my favorite is creating making a “cheesy” veggie roasted yeast like this “cheesy” asparagus recipe below.
Does nutritional yeast go bad?
While it has a long shelf life, nutritional yeast can go bad. When stored properly it can last for up to two years. To prolong the life of your nutritional yeast you want to keep it in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard.
This will prevent it from absorbing any moisture and other odors. You also want to be sure to keep it out of the fridge or freezer to prevent clumping.
When in doubt check the expiration date. Nutritional yeast does have a best-by date so be sure to check that before adding it to any recipes.
If it is past its “best by date” it may not taste as good or could lose some of its nutritional value. Other signs that your nutritional yeast has gone bad include:
- Sour or off-taste
- Clumps
- Changes in color.
If your yeast has these issues throw it out and get a new bottle.
Ingredients needed for this recipe
With just four ingredients this recipe is easy and straightforward to make. Here is what you need to make asparagus with nutritional yeast:
- Asparagus
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Filtered water
- Nutritional yeast
When you roast asparagus with nutritional yeast, water, and oil, it creates a distinctive and delicious flavor profile. Here’s a breakdown of what you can anticipate from each ingredient:
Asparagus
Roasting asparagus with nutritional yeast, water, and oil will enhance the vegetable’s natural sweetness thanks to the caramelization of asparagus.
Extra virgin olive oil
The extra virgin olive oil will coat the asparagus and ensures even cooking, an enhanced texture, and subtle richness to the dish.
Filtered water
The addition of water will create a moist environment and prevent excessive drying or browning. It can help make tender asparagus.
Nutritional yeast
The addition of nutritional yeast will add depth and complexity to the dish. The savory, umami nutty, and cheesy notes unique to nutritional yeast elevate the taste of asparagus.
When combined and roasted in the oven, these ingredients create a delicious combination of earthy, savory, and slightly “cheesy” flavored asparagus.
Get the full recipe details and instructions in the recipe card below.
How to Make “Cheesy” Asparagus with Nutritional Yeast (Step-By-Step Instructions)
Here is the step-by-step breakdown of how to make this vegan roasted asparagus with nutritional yeast.
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Next line a 11.8” x 17.8” baking sheet* with a reusable baking mat or parchment paper and set it aside.
3. Wash and pat dry the asparagus. Using kitchen shears* chop about one inch off the ends of each asparagus spear and set them aside.
4. In a small mixing bowl* place 4 tbsp nutritional yeast, olive oil, and water.
5. Blend the ingredients until they become a “cheese” sauce. Then set aside.
6. Take the baking sheet and line it with asparagus so they are arranged in a flat layer.
Brush the “cheese” sauce on the asparagus with a basting brush* until the spears are well covered.
8. Sprinkle on the last 1 tbsp of nutritional yeast on top of the “cheese” sauce.
9. Put the asparagus in the oven and cook for 25 minutes or until the asparagus is crispy.
10. Let cool and enjoy.
Tips & tricks for great “cheesy” asparagus
Here are some tips and tricks to ensure you get the best “cheesy” asparagus recipe.
- Use fresh asparagus
- Preheat the oven
- Don’t overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if needed)
- Cooking times may vary depending on the asparagus’ thickness
- Use a basting brush
- Get easy clean-up with a baking mat or parchment paper
For an outstanding baked asparagus with “cheese” be sure to start with fresh asparagus. Look for asparagus that is bright green, firm, and has tightly closed asparagus tips for a sweeter and tender taste. Also adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the asparagus, ensuring they become crispy.
Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure hot and even cooking.
Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent overcrowding and promote even cooking; if necessary, cook in batches.
Use a basting brush* for even coverage of the “cheese” sauce, which can be made with ingredients like nutritional yeast and water.
If you can only find thicker asparagus, modify the recipe by using fewer ingredients for a cheesier taste.
Scale back the recipe by using half a tablespoon of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, and 4 tablespoons of water.
To simplify cleanup in this “cheesy” asparagus bake, use a baking mat* or parchment paper that can be easily wiped down or placed in the dishwasher.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll create a fantastically delicious roasted “cheesy” asparagus dish.
Recipe additions, substitutions, and variations
Sometimes we can’t always find the exact ingredient or perhaps you are looking for additional ways to make this recipe unique. Well, look no further than this section which outlines some baked “cheesy” asparagus recipe additions, substitutions, and variations.
Additions
If you’re looking to add more flavors and textures to this “cheesy” asparagus here are other ingredients that can be added to the recipe:
- Toasted almonds or pine nuts
- Fresh herbs
- Lemon zest
- Balsamic glaze
- Roasted garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Sundried tomatoes
Sprinkle some toasted almonds or pine nuts over the baked asparagus before serving. This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
Get a taste enhancer with the addition of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill.
Take the rine of a lemon and grate it over the asparagus just before serving. This creates adds a bright citrus and tangy flavor
If you want to add some sweetness to this savory asparagus “cheese” recipe drizzle on a little balsamic glaze prior to serving.
Before baking, sprinkle some raw garlic slices on top of the asparagus spears. Cooking will carmelize the garlic making it a sweet and mellow flavor. This will complement the savory flavor of nutritional yeast.
If you want a touch of heat sprinkle some red pepper flakes on the “cheesy” baked asparagus.
Chopped sundried tomatoes add a tangy, slightly sweet to this asparagus spears recipe.
Enhance the flavor of your baked asparagus with these additions or use your own creativity to take this recipe to a whole new level of enjoyment.
Substitutions
If you can’t find a certain ingredient for this asparagus with “cheese” here are some other options to consider.
If you cannot find any asparagus you can sub in any of the following:
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Zucchini
Keep in mind depending on the thickness of these veggies will determine their cooking times. So the change in veggies will affect cooking times. For example, zucchini takes less time to cook than broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
If you sub in another veggie be sure to adjust your cooking time to ensure the veggies will be tender.
If you need a replacement for nutritional yeast here are some ideas:
- Vegan cheese
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs
- Crushed gluten-free crackers
- Ground cashew nuts or sunflower seeds
In place of olive oil, you can also use another oil like avocado or melted coconut.
Please know that any substitutions will change the flavor and texture of the dish.
Variations of the recipe
Like other vegan asparagus recipes, there are variations that can be made to expand the taste and texture of the recipe.
Add herbs and seasonings for a new variation of this asparagus with a nutritional yeast recipe. The addition of roasting thyme, rosemary, parsley, basil, oregano, and dill will add additional flavor and aromas to this dish.
While I feel like this is pretty tasty on its own, onion and/or garlic powder is often added to some recipes for asparagus, and nutritional yeast for a sweet mellow flavor.
Another variation is using unsweetened non-dairy milk in lieu of water for a rich and creamier flavor.
If you want to make this a vegan parmesan asparagus simply sprinkle on non-dairy parmesan cheese* over the asparagus during the last few minutes of baking.
Another popular variation is to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the roasted asparagus right before serving. The acidity of the lemon balances the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.
With these variations, you can explore different flavors and create unique experiences with your baked asparagus.
Adjust ingredient quantities to your liking and feel free to experiment with other ingredients to further personalize your dish.
Equipment used in this recipe*
Here is a list of equipment or similar items used in this cheesy asparagus with nutritional yeast recipe:
- Basting brush
- Baking mat or parchment paper
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cup
- Glass mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Kitchen shears
*Some of these links are affiliate links, this means when you sign up or purchase from these links we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more in our disclosure statement.
Other asparagus dishes you will love
Check out these other asparagus gluten-free recipes:
- Balsamic Glazed Asparagus
- Asparagus Wrapped Turkey Bacon
- Roasted Asparagus with Shallots
- Air Fried Asparagus
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“Cheesy” Asparagus with Nutritional Yeast (recipe card)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1 tbsp cold or expeller pressed extra virgin olive oil
- 5 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 5 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with a reusable baking mat or parchment paper. Then set it aside.
- Wash and pat dry the asparagus. Then cut off the tips (about one inch) of each asparagus spear and place them aside.
- Place 4 tbsp nutritional yeast in a small mixing bowl. Then add oil and water.
- Blend the ingredients together into a "cheese" sauce. Then set aside.
- Line the baking sheet with the asparagus spears into a flat layer.
- Brush on the "cheese" sauce until the spears are well covered.
- Top with an additional 1 tbsp of nutritional yeast for an extra "cheesy" taste.
- Place the asparagus in the oven for 25 minutes or until asparagus is crispy.
- Let cool and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Recipe tips and tricks
To ensure the best “cheesy” asparagus recipe, follow these additional tips and tricks:- Us fresh asparagus with bright green, firm stalks, and tightly closed tips.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F to achieve a hot and even cooking temperature.
- Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain the desired spacing.
- Adjust the cooking time as needed, as it may vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus spears. Keep an eye on them to determine when they have reached the desired level of crispness.
- Use a basting brush* for even coverage of the “cheese” sauce, ensuring each asparagus spear is well-coated.
- Simplify the cleanup by using a baking mat* or parchment paper* on the baking sheet.
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 4 tbsp water
Additions/substitutions/variations
Explore additions, substitutions, and variations for your baked “cheesy” asparagus recipe to make it unique and accommodate ingredient availability.Recipe additions
Elevate the flavor of your “cheesy” baked asparagus by incorporating a variety of delicious additions:- Toasted almonds or pine nuts for crunch and nutty flavor.
- Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill for a taste enhancer.
- Lemon zest for bright citrus and tangy flavor.
- Balsamic glaze for sweetness.
- Roasted garlic for a sweet and mellow flavor.
- Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Chopped sundried tomatoes for a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
Substitutions when you can’t find ingredients
If you can’t find asparagus, here are some other vegetables you can use:- Green beans (12 to 15 minutes)
- Broccoli (20 to 25 minutes)
- Brussels sprouts (25-3o minutes)
- Zucchini (15 to 20 minutes)
- Vegan cheese
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs
- Crushed gluten-free crackers
- Ground cashew nuts or sunflower seeds
Variations of the recipes
Here are some variations to make your baked asparagus more flavorful and interesting:- Add herbs and seasonings. Roasting thyme, rosemary, parsley, basil, oregano, and dill will add additional flavor and aromas to this dish. You can also add onion and/or garlic powder.
- Use unsweetened non-dairy milk. This will give your asparagus a rich and creamy flavor.
- Sprinkle on non-dairy parmesan cheese. This will give your asparagus a cheesy flavor.
- Squeeze on fresh lemon juice. This will add a refreshing zing to your asparagus.
How to store leftovers
Here are some tips for storing this recipe. First, be sure to let the asparagus cool completely before storing it. This will prevent condensation and maintain the texture of the asparagus. Store the asparagus in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. The asparagus can also be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.How to reheat leftovers
Here are some ways to reheat leftover asparagus:- Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Place the asparagus in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutritional information
*Nutritional information is estimated using Nutrifox nutrition label maker**Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links, this means when you sign up or purchase from these links we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Radiant Root is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Learn more in our disclosure statement.
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This recipe was originally published in May 2021. It has been updated to reflect a clearer outline, new photos, and recipe notes.
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