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    Home » Snacks & Sides

    Easy Vegan Cottage Cheese Recipe

    Updated: Feb 22, 2023 by Katie Hale · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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    Calling all vegan foodies! Are you on the hunt for a plant-based recipe that's creamy, tangy, and versatile? Then, you have to try this vegan cottage cheese recipe! Trust me, it's the perfect dairy-free substitute that's easy to make and will blow your taste buds away!

    white bowl of vegan cottage cheese sitting on top of wood board

    Vegan Cottage Cheese

    Now, I know what you're thinking… tofu as cheese?! But, hear me out. This vegan cottage cheese recipe uses tofu, non-dairy yogurt, lemon juice, and lemon zest to create a flavorful and creamy base that's perfect for any meal of the day.

    One of the best parts about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can create your own sweet or savory version by adding some agave or salt, dried herbs, and garlic powder. It's perfect for spreading on toasted artisan bread, mixing in with your favorite pasta, or even as a dip for veggies!

    Give this vegan cottage cheese recipe a try and let me know what you think! Trust me, it's a game-changer in the world of plant-based cooking.

    sliced brown bread topped with vegan cottage cheese and jam

    What is Vegan Cottage Cheese Made Of?

    • 10oz firm tofu (300g)
    • ⅔ cup plant-based yogurt
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • ½ tsp lemon zest
    white ramekins of ingredients on wooden board sitting on marble table by lemon slices

    Tools Needed

    • Tofu press: if you plan to use tofu often in your meal planning, this is a great investment for your kitchen.
    • Measuring cups and spoons: while it doesn't have to be exact, I like to measure everything the first time I make a new recipe.
    • Mixing bowl: if possible, grab a bowl with a lid so you don't have to dirty an additional item in the kitchen, but this is ideal for mashing the tofu and combining everything together.
    toast on board with pumpkin seeds, cottage cheese, and jam

    How to Make Vegan Cottage Cheese

    To begin, you'll want to press the tofu to remove as much mositure as possible. You can use a tea towel and a skillet or heavy object if you do not alreayd have a tofu press. I allow for 30 minutes to 1 hour for getting the bulk of the moisture out.

    hands pressing tofu under tea towel
    squares of tofu on tea towel

    Then, in a large bowl, crumble the tofu into pea-sized pieces. Do this by hand, with a fork, or with a pastry blender.

    blue bowl of crumbled tofu

    Add in the yogurt, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir this together to combine.

    non diary yogurt in blue bowl with crumbled tofu

    Taste and add salt, herbs, or additional zest if needed for flavor. You can even add a bit of maple syrup or cinnamon to give it a sweet rather than savory profile.

    wooden spoon stirring cottage cheese in blue bowl
    wooden spoon spreading cottage cheese on toast

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

    round white bowl of vegan tofu cottage cheese nexxt to bowl of jam on board next to sliced lemons

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long is vegan cottage cheese good for?

    Tofu is the base of this recipe so the recipe would be good for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep in an airtight containers so it does not take on any odors in the refrigerator.

    Can I freeze vegan cottage cheese?

    Absolutely! This recipe uses tofu and non-dairy yogurt as a base and both freeze wonderfully. I recommend freezing in 1/4 cup measurements so it's easy to thaw out just a bit at a time when needed.

    Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

    wooden spoon in side of bowl of vegan cottage cheese

    How Can I Use Vegan Cottage Cheese?

    Vegan cottage cheese made from tofu is an incredibly versatile ingredient that you can use in a variety of different ways. Here are just a few ideas:

    • Spread it on toast: This is a great alternative to traditional dairy-based cottage cheese. Spread it on a piece of toast with some fresh avocado or tomato for a delicious and healthy breakfast.
    • Use it in lasagna: Swap out ricotta cheese for vegan cottage cheese in your next lasagna. You'll get all the creamy texture and flavor without the dairy.
    • Make a dip: Combine vegan cottage cheese with your favorite herbs and spices to create a tasty dip for veggies, crackers, or pita chips.
    • Mix it into pasta: This is a great addition to pasta dishes. Add it to your favorite pasta dish, along with some fresh veggies and herbs, for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
    • Top your salad: Use it as a creamy, tangy salad dressing. Simply mix it with some olive oil and vinegar, or lemon juice, and drizzle it over your favorite salad.

    There are endless ways to use vegan cottage cheese made from tofu. So, get creative and enjoy all the amazing possibilities it has to offer and add it to yoru menu on a regular basis!

    slices of toast topped by vegan cottage cheese and jam on wooden board

    More Homemade Vegan Basics

    If you are new to a plant-based diet, you may be missing some of your favorite dairy items or "traditional" foods. Below are some perfect options to substitute. While none of these are exactly like a regular dairy option, they are delicioously flavored and match the texture you expect. Take a moment to bookmark your favorite recipes on the list. You can also print them out or pin them to Pinterest to keep handy!

    • Tofu Feta (Vegan Feta Cheese)
    • Best Vegan Mozzarella Cheese
    • Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
    • Best Vegan Cream Cheese Recipe
    • Vegan Ricotta Cheese
    • Best Vegan Parmesan Cheese Recipe
    Print
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    white bowl of cottage cheese on cutting board

    Easy Vegan Cottage Cheese Recipe


    ★★★★★

    5 from 1 reviews

    • Author: Katie Hale
    • Total Time: 1 hour
    • Yield: 4 1x
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    This simple homemade vegan cottage cheese recipe uses ingredients you already have on hand!  Make it simple or add herbs for more flavor!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 10 ounces firm tofu, pressed to remove moisture (300g)
    • ⅔ cup plant-based yogurt (187g)
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • ½ tsp lemon zest

    Instructions

    1. Begin by pressing the tofu to remove some of the excess moisture.
    2. Crumble the tofu with either your fingers or a fork.
    3. In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled tofu with yogurt, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
    4. To customize the vegan cottage cheese base, add agave or salt, dried herbs, and garlic powder to create your desired sweet or savory flavor.

    Notes

    1. For additional flavor, marinate the tofu before pressing.  This will allow the extra flavor to develop. 
    2. Stir in 1 or 2 teaspoons of an herb blend alongside 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt for more "pep".
    3. This does not melt like a traditional dairy cheese would. 
    4. Set aside at least 1 hour to allow the tofu to press properly and remove moisture.
    • Prep Time: 1 hour
    • Category: Snacks
    • Method: Mixing
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: vegan cottage cheese, homemade cottage cheese, plant-based cottage cheese

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cheeky_chickpea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #cheeky_chickpea_

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Andrea

      February 22, 2023 at 5:15 am

      Looks delish and quick to do, thanks for this wonderful recipe

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna Rindler

        February 22, 2023 at 5:15 am

        Glad you like it, Andrea, don't forget to do a taste report once you have made it! 🙂

        Reply

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