Vegan Cottage Cheese Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

If you’ve been missing the creamy, tangy delight of traditional cottage cheese on a plant-based diet, you’re in for a treat! This vegan cottage cheese recipe recreates that classic texture and flavor using wholesome, natural ingredients.

Perfectly suited for everything from savory salads to comforting pasta dishes, this dairy-free alternative is both nutritious and versatile. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply exploring new flavors, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Crafted with simple pantry staples like soaked cashews and tofu, this vegan cottage cheese offers a satisfying bite with a subtle tang. It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices.

In this post, I’ll guide you through every step, share useful tips, and suggest some creative ways to enjoy your homemade vegan cottage cheese. Let’s get started on making this delicious, creamy, and guilt-free comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan cottage cheese is a game-changer for plant-based eaters and dairy lovers alike. Here’s why it’s worth trying:

• Rich and creamy texture: Thanks to the combination of cashews and tofu, it mimics the classic curds perfectly without any dairy.
• High in protein: Tofu adds a healthy boost of plant-based protein, making it suitable for balanced meals.
• Customizable flavor: You can adjust the tanginess and seasoning to suit your taste, from mild to savory herb-infused.
• Easy and quick to prepare: No complicated techniques or rare ingredients required—perfect for beginners!
• Versatile use: Use it as a spread, dip, salad topper, or even in vegan lasagna recipes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours or overnight)
• 1/2 block (about 200g) firm tofu, drained
• 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Fresh herbs (optional): chives, parsley, or dill, finely chopped

Equipment

• High-speed blender or food processor
• Bowl for soaking cashews
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (optional, for draining tofu)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Air-tight container for storing the cottage cheese

Instructions

1. Soak the cashews: Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover with filtered water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften. This helps achieve a creamy texture.
2. Prepare the tofu: Drain the tofu and gently press it between paper towels or a clean dish cloth to remove excess water. This step is crucial to avoid watery cottage cheese.
3. Blend the base: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, tofu, plant-based milk, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Blend until smooth but still slightly textured—aim for a consistency that resembles small curds rather than a completely smooth paste.
4. Season the mixture: Add salt, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pulse a few more times to incorporate the seasonings evenly. Taste and adjust the salt or lemon juice as needed for the perfect tang.
5. Add fresh herbs: Transfer the cottage cheese to a mixing bowl and fold in your choice of chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill. These add a lovely burst of flavor and freshness.
6. Chill and firm up: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the vegan cottage cheese for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up, making it perfect for serving.
7. Serve and enjoy: Your vegan cottage cheese is now ready to be enjoyed! Use it as a spread on toast, a topping for salads, or in your favorite recipes.

Tips & Variations

“For a tangier cottage cheese, increase the lemon juice slightly, but add gradually to avoid overpowering the flavor.”

• Texture tweaks: If you prefer chunkier curds, pulse the mixture less. For creamier results, blend longer.
• Nut alternatives: Swap cashews for soaked almonds or macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile.
• Flavor boosters: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke for a smoky cottage cheese variant.
• Herb combos: Try dill and chives for a classic taste, or basil and oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
• Storage: Keep the vegan cottage cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before serving if it separates.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan cottage cheese is incredibly versatile and can be used in many ways:

• On toast or bagels: Spread it with sliced tomatoes, avocado, and a sprinkle of black pepper for a nutritious breakfast.
• In salads: Add dollops to your favorite green or grain salad for a creamy texture and protein boost.
• Stuffed vegetables: Use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or mushrooms mixed with herbs and breadcrumbs.
• In pasta dishes: Stir it into warm pasta for a quick vegan alfredo alternative. Check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for more creamy sauce ideas.
• Dips and spreads: Mix with your favorite herbs and spices to create a flavorful dip for veggies or crackers. For inspiration, see the Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe.

Conclusion

This vegan cottage cheese recipe is a delightful, wholesome alternative to traditional dairy products that fits perfectly into a plant-based lifestyle. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a creamy, tangy, and protein-packed spread that rivals its dairy counterpart.

Whether used as a snack, a meal addition, or a cooking ingredient, this recipe offers endless possibilities to enhance your vegan cooking repertoire.

Experiment with herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking, and enjoy the satisfaction of making your own fresh cottage cheese at home. To explore more delicious vegan recipes, check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves and the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Happy cooking and bon appétit!

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