Roasted Chickpea Plant Based Parmesan

Highlighted under: LeanLife Kitchen

Discover a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional parmesan cheese with this Roasted Chickpea Plant Based Parmesan recipe.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-17T00:46:19.007Z

This Roasted Chickpea Plant Based Parmesan is not only a fantastic cheese substitute but also a nutritious snack on its own!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Nutty and savory flavor that enhances any dish
  • Crispy texture adds a delightful crunch
  • Simple ingredients that are easy to find

A Healthier Alternative

If you're looking to reduce dairy in your diet or are simply exploring plant-based options, this Roasted Chickpea Plant Based Parmesan is the perfect solution. Made primarily from chickpeas and nutritional yeast, this recipe offers a rich source of protein and essential nutrients without the saturated fats commonly found in traditional parmesan cheese. Plus, it's naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami flavor that mimics the taste of parmesan, while chickpeas provide a healthy crunch. This combination not only satisfies your cheese cravings but also contributes to your overall health, making it an excellent topping for salads, pasta, or roasted vegetables.

Versatile and Easy to Make

One of the best features of this recipe is its versatility. You can sprinkle this roasted chickpea parmesan on a wide range of dishes—think pasta, pizzas, salads, or even popcorn for an added crunch. It elevates your meals without overwhelming them, allowing the natural flavors of your dishes to shine through.

Making this plant-based parmesan is a breeze, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients that are often already in your pantry. The roasting process enhances the flavors, creating a crunchy and savory topping that you can whip up in no time. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet meal at home, this recipe adapts beautifully to any occasion.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This Roasted Chickpea Plant Based Parmesan is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and store it in an airtight container for up to a week, ensuring that you have a quick and nutritious topping ready to go whenever you need it. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

By incorporating this parmesan into your meal prep routine, you can easily add flavor and texture to your dishes without spending extra time in the kitchen. Just a sprinkle can transform a simple meal into something special, helping you stay on track with your healthy eating goals.

Ingredients

Roasted Chickpea Parmesan Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Mix and match your seasonings to create your own flavor profile!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Chickpeas

Spread the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry.

Season the Chickpeas

In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas with olive oil, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly.

Roast the Chickpeas

Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through.

Cool and Store

Once roasted, let the chickpeas cool before using them as a parmesan topping on your favorite dishes.

Enjoy your homemade plant-based parmesan over pasta, salads, or as a snack!

Storage Tips

To keep your Roasted Chickpea Plant Based Parmesan fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should remain crunchy for about a week, making it a great option for meal prep. If you notice it losing its crunch, you can easily re-roast it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to revive its texture.

For longer storage, consider freezing the roasted chickpeas in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to use them, simply thaw and reheat in the oven. This method allows you to have a tasty, homemade topping available whenever you desire.

Serving Suggestions

This plant-based parmesan can be used in countless ways. Consider adding it to your favorite pasta dishes for an extra layer of flavor, or sprinkle it over salads to give them a satisfying crunch. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, providing a delightful contrast in textures.

If you're feeling adventurous, try using it as a topping for homemade pizzas or grain bowls. The possibilities are endless, and you’ll find that this versatile ingredient enhances a variety of meals while keeping them healthy and exciting.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook them first before following the recipe.

→ How long can I store the Roasted Chickpea Parmesan?

You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

→ What can I use this parmesan with?

It's great on pasta, salads, popcorn, or even as a topping for soups!

Roasted Chickpea Plant Based Parmesan

Discover a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional parmesan cheese with this Roasted Chickpea Plant Based Parmesan recipe.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: LeanLife Kitchen

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Roasted Chickpea Parmesan Ingredients

  1. 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  3. 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  4. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  5. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  6. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  7. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  8. 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 02

Spread the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry.

Step 03

In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas with olive oil, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 04

Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through.

Step 05

Once roasted, let the chickpeas cool before using them as a parmesan topping on your favorite dishes.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 6g