Dairy-Free Cottage Cheese Recipe (Fast, Easy, Cheap & Amazing!) (2024)

I have something big for you. For years, you’ve clamored for a dairy-free cottage cheese recipe. If you have the 2nd edition of my flagship book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook, then you’ve already been rewarded with my favorite one. But today, I’m sharing that AMAZING recipe (if I do say so myself) with all of you here.

What makes this dairy-free cottage cheese so great? Well for starters, the taste. It even won over a family of cheese lovers. But as a bonus, this recipe is also super fast (5 minutes!), super easy (yes, beginner friendly), and quite inexpensive to make. It’s also very versatile. It works fabulously in recipes like lasagna and other casseroles, I personally love it atop toast, and it’s also great on pancakes, salads, etc.

Dairy-Free Cottage Cheese Recipe (Fast, Easy, Cheap & Amazing!) (1)

Dairy-Free Cottage Cheese that’s Almost Too Good to be True

Unlike so many dairy-free cottage cheese recipes, this version doesn’t contain nutritional yeast or nuts, it doesn’t require fermenting or soaking, and it doesn’t taste lemony – not one little bit. It has a seamless, delicious taste on its own, and in recipes. That said, I want to quickly address some anticipated FAQs for this dairy-free cottage cheese alternative.

Does it Really Taste Like Cottage Cheese?

I think it tastes better! But during the testing process, testers did report that yes indeed, it’s pretty darn close. Not identical, but a great swap indeed. The tofu provides just the right curd consistency, miso is the key to that cheesy umami, that touch of salt deepens the taste, and the mayo gives it fluid creaminess and flavor that ties everything together. There really are just four ingredients, aside from water, so I do not recommend leaving any out. They’re all key in this recipe.

Where Can I Buy Miso?

Believe it or not, most major grocery stores sell it. It’s refrigerated, and might be with probiotic foods, in the deli case, or in the refrigerated case by the produce department. Natural food stores and Japanese markets often sell a few different types and brands. I’m not loyal to any particular brand, but do like to use a white or light miso in this dairy-free cottage cheese recipe.

Is it Cost Effective?

By my calculations, this entire recipe costs $2.88. It might cost a little more with a vegan or specialty mayonnaise – closer to $3.25. But that’s still pretty cheap! It makes an amount very close to a 16-ounce container of cottage cheese – just 1/4 cup shy.

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Is Dairy-Free Soy-Free Cottage Cheese Possible?

I know some of you would love a soy-free option. Their are soy-free miso and mayo products available, but tofu is a little trickier. There are a couple soy-free tofu products on the market, but they are elusive. You can reportedly make tofu from any bean, or even chickpea flour. However, I’m not sure how those would work or taste in this recipe. And I’ve yet to find a great tofu alternative for making this dairy-free cottage cheese.

Can I Make Lower Fat Dairy-Free Cottage Cheese?

As mentioned in the recipe notes, you can use low-fat mayonnaise. I prefer real mayonnaise in this recipe for optimal taste and consistency. But if you are used to light mayo, then it might still taste perfect to you. Using light mayo will reduce the fat to about 6.2 grams per serving, and the calories to about 80 calories per serving. I have not tried yogurt in place of the mayo, so I can’t guarantee taste if you opt to substitute an unsweetened, plain dairy-free yogurt. Brands can vary widely in taste, and will influence the flavor.

I Have Your Book, but Haven’t Seen this Recipe. Where is it?

There are over 250 recipes in the 2nd edition of Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook, so it can be easy to miss some! This is the “Cottage-Style Cheeze” recipe in the Cheesy Alternatives recipe chapter. Please note this recipe is not in the 1st edition. I perfected it for the 2nd edition specifically.

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Special Diet Notes: Dairy-Free Cottage Cheese Alternative

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, optionally egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, optionally vegan, vegetarian, low carb, and keto-friendly.

4.3 from 6 reviews

Dairy-Free Cottage Cheese

Dairy-Free Cottage Cheese Recipe (Fast, Easy, Cheap & Amazing!) (4)

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This recipe is from the 2nd edition of my flagship book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook. Don’t let the simple combination of ingredients fool you. This quick, easy, flavorful, and protein-rich recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It’s not identical to cottage cheese, but it’s the closest dairy-free version you will find. And it's wonderful in lasagna, casseroles, as a toast topper, or just about any other way you would enjoy cottage cheese.

Author: Alisa Fleming

Recipe type: Dairy Alternative

Cuisine: American

Serves: 1¾ cups

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces organic firm tofu
  • ½ cup regular, vegan, or light mayonnaise (see Mayo Note below)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon white miso
  • ⅜ teaspoon salt, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Drain and press the tofu, using a tea towel or paper towels, to remove any excess water. Put the drained tofu in a medium bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, water, and miso until smooth. Whisk in the salt.
  3. Scrape the mayonnaise mixture onto the tofu and thoroughly mash it together. It is ready when you have small tofu chunks and a cottage cheese-like appearance.
  4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors do meld a little more after a few hours of refrigeration.

Notes

Savory Style Option: Whisk ¾ teaspoon onion powder and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder into the mayonnaise mixture. Optionally stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh minced herbs after the tofu is mashed.

Mayo Note: Classic, natural, mayonnaise produces the most seamless taste and results (like Best Foods Real Mayonnaise - used to calculate the nutrition facts). But I have successfully tested this recipe with light (for lower fat) and vegan (for egg-free) mayo, too. If using vegan mayo, start without the water, and add in only as much as needed. Some vegan mayonnaises thin out easily. If you opt to use a specialty mayo, like one made with avocado or olive oil, keep in mind that these will have a more pronounced taste.

Nutrition Information

Serving size:¼ cup Calories:142 Fat:13.6g Saturated fat:2.2g Carbohydrates:1.5g Sugar:.4g Sodium:324mg Fiber:.6g Protein:4.3g

For More Easy Homemade Dairy Alternative Recipes, Get Go Dairy Free!

Dairy-Free Cottage Cheese Recipe (Fast, Easy, Cheap & Amazing!) (5)

Dairy-Free Cottage Cheese Recipe (Fast, Easy, Cheap & Amazing!) (2024)

FAQs

What is a dairy free substitute for cottage cheese? ›

silken tofu AND extra firm tofu: you will need both. The silken tofu will be used to create a creamy base, and the firm tofu will be used to create the classic cottage cheese curds. nutritional yeast: this gives it that subtle cheesy flavor that classic cottage cheese has.

How do you make cottage cheese more yummy? ›

SWEET
  1. Fresh fruit. Try chopped peaches, plums or pineapple (or add your favorites). Berries. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc!
  2. Jam and toasted nuts.
  3. Granola and honey. Or Granola and maple syrup.
  4. Dried fruit. Try apricots or cranberries.
  5. Chocolate. Chips, chunks or shavings!

What is vegan cottage cheese made of? ›

Add soaked cashews, plant-based milk, plant-based yogurt, nutritional yeast, and apple cider vinegar to a liquid measuring cup. Use an immersion blender to blend all ingredients until they're smooth and creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

What is Miyoko's cottage cheese made of? ›

Made from organic watermelon seed milk and sunflower seed milk, the new Cultured Plant Milk Cottage Cheese offers the same mild taste and creamy, curded texture as traditional dairy-based cottage cheese.

Is there dairy-free cottage cheese? ›

Lactose free cottage cheese is very easy to make. It is basically the same as making lactose free ricotta, except some cream or milk is added to the curd at the end. What is this? To make lactose free cottage cheese, lactose free full cream milk is heated to just below a simmer.

Is there a substitute for cottage cheese in a recipe? ›

In baking, baker's cheese, ricotta and farmer's cheese will yield the closest results. The texture of these cheeses is grainy, without noticeable curds, but the water content is similar to cottage cheese. Sour cream, crème fraîche and yogurt can be substituted for cottage cheese in a recipe.

What to add to cottage cheese for flavor? ›

Perfect Pairings
  1. Avocados with Cilantro & Tomatoes. Craving guacamole? ...
  2. Bananas & Pecans. ...
  3. Beets & Baby Romaine. ...
  4. Blackberries & Walnuts. ...
  5. Blueberries & Almonds. ...
  6. Figs with Pistachios & Cardamom. ...
  7. Granny Smith Apples & Cinnamon. ...
  8. Grapefruit with Mint & Honey.
Dec 22, 2014

What is the 3 day cottage cheese diet plan? ›

It's simply an eating plan where you eat only cottage cheese at each meal for at least three days. Some people also eat fresh fruits and vegetables in moderation. Alcohol, fruit juice, sodas, and other sweetened beverages are usually avoided.

What is good to mix with cottage cheese? ›

The cheese's texture lends itself well to simple toppings, like a drizzle of olive oil, but textural pops like crunchy chips and juicy tomatoes work well as a fun change if you feel like you're stuck in a CC rut. Other mix-in ideas from our readers included crumbled bacon, Kalamata olives, and salsa.

Does anyone sell vegan cottage cheese? ›

Miyoko's Creamery, a vegan brand, debuted the world's first vegan cottage cheese in March 2022. The Cultured Plant Milk Cottage Cheese, made from organic watermelon seed milk and sunflower seed milk, has the same mild flavor and creamy, curdled texture as classic dairy-based cottage cheese.

What is natural cottage cheese? ›

Cottage cheese is a mild and fresh food made from curdled milk. Cottage cheese has some health benefits, as it is rich in protein, relatively low in fat, and high in calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin A. After draining, the curds are washed to remove residual acids, giving cottage cheese a sweeter taste.

Is cottage cheese full of probiotics? ›

Typically, probiotics are in cheeses that have been aged but not heated afterward. This includes both soft and hard cheeses, including Swiss, provolone, Gouda, cheddar, Edam, Gruyère, and cottage cheese.

What is the Miyoko's controversy? ›

Plant-based cheese company founder Miyoko Schinner struck back at her namesake company with a counterclaim in federal court. In her lawsuit, Schinner accuses the company she started of gender discrimination, failure to prevent discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination and misusing her name and likeness.

What is Amish cheese made of? ›

Good quality butter cheese is made from milk collected from cows that are not on artificial hormones. The Amish process of cheese-making does not include any artificial flavors, ingredients or preservatives, which gives the cheese real quality.

What happened to Miyoko's? ›

US plant-based dairy business Miyoko's Creamery and its founder Miyoko Schinner have reached a settlement following a legal spat. Schinner, having founded the company in 2014, departed Miyoko's Creamery in June 2022, when the board said in a statement that it “parted ways as the company enters a new stage of growth”.

What is a good non dairy cheese substitute? ›

Shredded Cheeses
  • Chao Creamery Vegan Shreds: This is our go-to vegan cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches. ...
  • Parmela Creamery Shreds: This aged shredded cheddar-style cheese is made from cashew milk and melts well. ...
  • Violife Shreds: Violife has both mozzarella and cheddar shreds.
Jul 19, 2023

Is Daisy cottage cheese dairy free? ›

Do Daisy products contain any common allergens? Yes, our sour cream and cottage cheese are milk-based products.

What are 3 dairy substitutes? ›

There are a number of alternative foods and drinks available in supermarkets to replace milk and dairy products, such as: soya milks, yoghurts and some cheeses. rice, oat, almond, hazelnut, coconut, quinoa and potato milks.

What is the best dairy substitute? ›

While all milk substitutes are more environmentally friendly than traditional cow's milk, grain milks are said to be the least taxing on our planet.
  • Oat milk - PRO: Environmentally sustainable. ...
  • Rice milk - PRO: Gluten free. ...
  • Quinoa milk - PRO: High in nutrients. ...
  • Barley milk - PRO: Easy on allergies.
Oct 24, 2022

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