Say hello to Vegan Cottage Cheese! It’s a friendly, plant-based substitute for regular dairy cottage cheese. It’s perfect as a side, topping, or ingredient in various dishes. You can whip it up in about 10 minutes (excluding draining tofu or chilling time).
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOK TIME
0 minutes
TOTAL TIME
10 minutes
SERVINGS
8
What is tofu cottage cheese?
Tofu cottage cheese is a dairy-free alternative to traditional cottage cheese made from tofu. It has a similar texture and can be used in similar ways.
This recipe makes around 2 cups, and it’s quick and easy to make. It’s a delightful, dairy-free, protein-packed addition to your meals. Enjoy, and add a touch of goodness to your meals!
Serve your tofu cottage cheese as a topping for salads, baked potatoes, crackers, or as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.
About This Recipe
RECIPE TYPE
Vegan cheese, side dish, topping, snack
BEST SEASONS
All Seasons
STAR INGREDIENTS
Tofu
BEST FOR
Breakfasts, snacks, meal prep, sandwiches, wraps
HIGHLIGHTS
What to Serve with Vegan Cottage Cheese
Vegan cottage cheese is easy to use for both savory and sweet meals, which is one of the reasons it’s so handy to keep in the refrigerator.
For savory ideas, serve it with:
- Toast, bagels, or crackers
- Sliced tomatoes and cucumbers
- Avocado toast
- Roasted or grilled vegetables
- Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Grain bowls
- Salads
- Wraps and sandwiches
- Stuffed pita or flatbread
- Savory breakfast bowls
- Fresh herbs, black pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil
For a sweeter version, pair it with:
- Fresh berries
- Peaches, pears, or apples
- Pineapple
- A drizzle of maple syrup
- Cinnamon
- Chia seeds or hemp seeds
- Granola
Recipe Notes
- Extra-firm tofu gives the best curd texture. It holds its shape well, creates distinct cottage-cheese-style pieces, and usually needs very little draining.
- For a softer texture, use firm or regular tofu instead of extra-firm. The curds will be more delicate and the finished cottage cheese will be softer.
- Soft tofu or vegan yogurt adds the creamy moisture. This is what gives the recipe both defined curds and a creamy cottage-cheese consistency.
- If using vegan yogurt, choose a plain, unsweetened variety so the flavor stays neutral.
- Adjust the tang to taste. Add a little more lemon juice or apple cider vinegar if you like a sharper cottage cheese flavor.
- Season gradually. Different tofu and yogurt brands vary in flavor, so taste before adding extra salt.
- Keep the curds chunky. Crumble the extra-firm tofu into small, irregular pieces instead of blending it smooth.
- Chilling is optional. You can eat it right away, or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes if you prefer it colder and want the flavors to blend a little more.
- Make it savory or sweet. Keep the base mild for fruit and breakfast bowls, or add chives, green onions, herbs, black pepper, or extra garlic for a savory version.
Recipe FAQs
Is tofu cottage cheese vegan?
Yes, tofu cottage cheese is vegan because it’s made entirely from plant-based ingredients, primarily tofu. It is also dairy-free, and gluten-free.
How do I press and drain tofu for this recipe?
To press tofu, place the tofu block between clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Place a weighted object, like a plate or a tofu press, on top to remove excess moisture. Allow it to press for about 15-20 minutes.
While a tofu press is helpful for pressing tofu, you can achieve similar results using heavy objects like plates and cans.
What dishes can I use tofu cottage cheese in?
Tofu cottage cheese is versatile and can be used as a topping for salads, baked potatoes, or toast. It’s great in lasagnas, stuffed pasta dishes, and as a base for creamy dips.
Can I flavor tofu cottage cheese with herbs or spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to season tofu cottage cheese with herbs, spices, extra nutritional yeast, or other flavorings to suit your taste.
What are the nutritional benefits of tofu cottage cheese?
Tofu cottage cheese is a good source of plant-based protein and provides essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium. It’s also low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Can I use tofu cottage cheese in sweet dishes?
Yes, tofu cottage cheese can be used in sweet recipes like vegan cheesecakes, smoothies, and desserts.
Planning Ahead Tips
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Editor’s Note
Homemade vegan cheese is something I make every week. While vegan cheese doesn’t taste exactly like dairy cheese, it’s delicious! I genuinely crave it.
Here’s a little kitchen-prep thing I do: if I don’t use most of the cheese I make, I work it into another dish, like a loaf, casserole, or savory bake. The easiest option is to turn it into a creamy salad dressing by thinning it with a little plant-based milk, water, oil, lemon juice, or vinegar. It’s an easy way to use every bit and give another meal a little extra flavor.
This might not be for everyone, but one of my favorite ways to use leftover vegan cottage cheese is to turn it into a warm dip. I mix it with a little minced garlic and chopped herbs, spoon it into a small baking dish, and bake until warmed through. Then I serve it with chips, crackers, or toasted bread.
Tried this recipe? We’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below.
Vegan Cottage Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz extra-firm tofu (drained), and crumbled
- 1/2 cup soft tofu (drained) or unsweetened vegan yogurt
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or coconut vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (optional) garnished with fresh chives, green onions or parsley finely chopped.
Instructions
- Add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, onion and garlic powder, salt, and soft tofu or yogurt to a bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Add crumbled firm tofu into pieces to the bowl. Stir to combine so that the creamy mixture coats the crumbled tofu.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. If you'd like to add some fresh herbs for flavor, stir in the finely chopped chives and parsley.
- Can be used or eaten immediately, or refrigerate the vegan tofu cottage cheese for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
I miss cottage cheese. Thank you for this!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This recipe looks delicious.
I haven’t tried it with the silken tofu though. I use with the firm tofu vegan sour cream. what an amazing vegan dish. it works great in Cottage cheese/ Special K Loaf.
Thank you for sharing this recipe!!
KD