Vegan Cottage Cheese

This easy Vegan Cottage Cheese has the creamy base, tender curds, and tangy flavor you expect from cottage cheese, without a drop of dairy. You may also like our Easy Soy Yogurt that's ready in 5 minutes.

Summarize and save this recipe with AI:

Why You'll Love This Homemade Vegan Cottage Cheese

• Quick and easy: The recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare before chilling.
• Only five ingredients: No long shopping list or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Creamy and curdy: Two types of tofu recreate the contrasting textures of traditional cottage cheese.
• Versatile: Enjoy it with toast, fruit, salads, grain bowls, or savory seasonings.
• Meal-prep friendly: Make a batch ahead of time for easy breakfasts and snacks.
• Dietary-friendly: This recipe is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, oil-free, and made without added sugar.
• Customizable: Make it mild, extra tangy, savory, herby, or slightly sweet.

The secret to this easy Vegan Cottage Cheese is using two types of tofu. Silken tofu creates the smooth, creamy dressing, while crumbled firm tofu gives you those familiar cottage cheese curds. With only five ingredients and about 15 minutes of hands-on preparation, it is an easy addition to breakfast, lunch, snacks, and meal prep.

Health Benefits

• Provides plant-based protein: Both the firm and silken tofu contribute protein, which helps make this recipe more satisfying.
• Tofu is rich in nutrients. According to the Cleveland Clinic, tofu is also a rich source of minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, and copper, important for building muscle and strengthening bones.
• Contains no dietary cholesterol: Because it is made entirely from plant-based ingredients, this recipe is naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat.
• Made without oil: The creamy texture comes entirely from silken tofu, so no added oil is needed.
• Free from dairy and nuts: An approachable alternative for people who avoid dairy or tree nuts.

Key Ingredients

1. Firm tofu creates the small, irregular curds that give this recipe its cottage cheese-like appearance and texture. It has a mild flavor and enough structure to hold its shape after being folded into the creamy base.
2. Silken tofu blends into a smooth, velvety cream that surrounds the tofu curds. Its neutral flavor allows the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to provide the tanginess.

A full ingredient list with exact amounts is in the recipe card below.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use extra-firm tofu in place of firm tofu if you prefer firmer, chewier curds. Crumble it into small pieces so the finished texture isn't too chunky.
• For softer curds, use medium tofu instead of firm tofu. Drain it carefully and fold gently because it breaks apart more easily.
• If you do not have apple cider vinegar, add a little extra lemon juice to taste. The flavor will be fresher and less fermented, but still pleasantly tangy.
• For an herbed effect, fold in chopped chives, parsley, dill, or green onion. Add freshly ground black pepper for a savory spread or dip.

How to Make Vegan Cottage Cheese

Step 1

Add the silken tofu, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and sea salt to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 2

Crumble the firm tofu with clean hands into small, irregular pieces that resemble cottage cheese curds.

Step 3

Pour the creamy silken tofu mixture over the crumbled firm tofu.

Step 4

Gently fold everything together, being careful not to break up the curds too much. Chill in the refrigerator for one hour. Taste and adjust, if desired.

Expert Tips

• Drain the firm tofu well. Excess water can make the cottage cheese thin and dilute the flavor. Pat the tofu dry if it seems especially wet.
• Do not press it until dry. Removing too much moisture can make the curds tough rather than tender.
• Use the right tofu for each job. Firm tofu makes the curds, while silken tofu makes the cream. Using only one type will not produce the same contrasting texture.
• Blend the base thoroughly. A completely smooth base creates the creamiest result.
• Crumble before combining. It is much easier to control the size of the curds before adding the creamy mixture.
• Fold gently. Cottage cheese curds are supposed to look irregular. Vigorous stirring turns them into tofu rubble, which is less charming. Lol.
• Do not skip chilling. The flavor improves noticeably after the mixture rests. After chilling, if necessary, adjust the taste by adding more apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or salt.

Serving Suggestions

• Spoon it over Sweet Potato Toast and finish with sliced tomato, fresh herbs, or salt-free everything bagel seasoning.
• Add a dollop to Tomato Avocado Toast in place of, or alongside, the vegan feta.
• Use it as a creamy protein-rich topping for the Savory Millet Breakfast Bowl.
• Serve it alongside a Vegan Quinoa Breakfast Bowl for a sweet-and-savory brunch combination.
• Spoon it onto the Rainbow Salad as a creamy protein boost to that all-veggie salad.
• Add it to Mushroom Avocado Toast for extra creaminess and contrasting texture.
• Use it as a savory topping for Pesto Avocado Toast.

Homemade Vegan Cottage Cheese FAQs

This easy Vegan Cottage Cheese proves that you do not need dairy, oil, or a complicated ingredient list to create something creamy and satisfying. Firm tofu provides the curds, silken tofu brings the creaminess, and a simple combination of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar delivers that familiar tang.

Related Recipes