
If you've ever wanted a dairy-free, grain-free topping that actually delivers that salty, savory punch of real Parmesan, this cashew blend is going to become a pantry staple. Raw cashews blitz down into a fine, sandy crumble that mimics the texture of finely grated cheese in a way that feels almost too good to be true. Nutritional yeast brings that unmistakable umami depth, while garlic powder and sea salt round everything out into something genuinely crave-worthy. The whole thing comes together in a food processor in under a minute — just short bursts until you hit that perfect dry, crumbly consistency. The key is stopping before the cashews release their oils and turn pasty, so you get that light, sprinkle-ready texture every time. Store it in an airtight jar and you've got an instant finishing touch for pasta, roasted vegetables, salads, or anything else that needs a little savory lift. It's the kind of simple, clever recipe that makes eating this way feel effortless rather than like a compromise.
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Add the cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and onion powder (if using) to a food processor.
Pulse 10–15 times in short bursts until the mixture resembles coarse, dry crumbs — about the texture of finely grated Parmesan. Stop before the mixture turns into a paste; the cashews should still look dry and sandy, not clumped.
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