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

Is there such a thing as dairy free cottage cheese? ›

Ela Vegan's cool and neutral plant-based cottage cheese recipe is gluten-free, low-carb, dairy-free, low-fat, and uses only 5 simple base ingredients. This is a more savory version of the traditional by incorporating chives, spices, vinegar, and plant-based yogurt along with the tofu.

What is a good substitute for cottage cheese? ›

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.

How do you make cottage cheese more interesting? ›

SAVORY
  1. Veggies. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and avocado: pretty much whatever suits your fancy. And a drizzle of olive oil.
  2. Seeds and nuts. Stir in your favorites together or separately.
  3. Grains. Quinoa, anyone?
  4. Salsa. You decide: mild, medium or hot! Or try hot sauce.
  5. Eggs. Plus salt and pepper.
  6. Crumbled bacon. Yum!

How can I make myself like cottage cheese? ›

2. Take it the savory route
  1. Chopped roasted peppers, S&P, plus a drizzle of olive oil.
  2. A sprinkle of za'atar and plenty of grated cucumber.
  3. Chopped scallions, S&P, and a dash of hot sauce.
  4. Chopped tomatoes and cucumber, S&P, and, yep, a drizzle of olive oil.
  5. Crushed potato chips or tortilla chips.
Jun 19, 2017

Is Daisy cottage cheese dairy-free? ›

Yes, our sour cream and cottage cheese are milk-based products. The production machinery is only used to run milk-based products. Where can I find the best-by and Julian dates on the packaging? The best-by and Julian dates can be found on the bottom of the cups and in the seams of the squeeze packaging.

What is a substitute for 1 cup of cottage cheese? ›

Dairy
FoodAmountSubstitute
Cottage cheeseequal amountRicotta or farmer cheese
Cream Cheeseequal amountPart skim milk ricotta cheese or lowfat cottage cheese beaten until smooth
Cream, half and half1 cup7/8 cup whole milk plus 1/2 tbsp butter
Cream, half and half1 cup3 tbsp oil plus milk to equal 1 cup
83 more rows

What is healthier than cottage cheese? ›

Huneke gives an analysis, “nu*tritionally speaking, plain Greek yogurt is the closest comparison (to cottage cheese) – they're both lower in calories (the 0-2% fat versions), high in protein, a good source of calcium, contain no added sugars, and have lower levels of lactose (so they're among the more easily-tolerated ...

What has the same protein as cottage cheese? ›

Low fat dairy products, like cottage cheese, yogurt, and milk are also good sources of protein. Plant proteins like beans, tofu, and powdered peanut butter offer ample protein too.

What is a French alternative to cottage cheese? ›

From what I remember, I'd say "fromage frais" -fromage blanc with lumps in it - is closer to cottage cheese than milk & cream. It can be found in crèmeries. Or in supermarkets what is called "faisselle" would be rather close too.

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.

Why do you put pineapple in cottage cheese? ›

The French classify cottage cheese under the heading of "Fromage Frais" and across the Channel, the idea of adding sugar, honey, jam or fruit is an age-old tradition. Moving the flavour profile of cottage cheese from sour in the direction of sweet by adding pineapple works in just the same way.

Is cottage cheese OK for weight loss? ›

Cottage cheese is a curd cheese with a mild flavor and smooth texture. It's high in many nutrients, including protein, B vitamins, and minerals like calcium, selenium, and phosphorus. If you're looking to lose weight or build muscle, cottage cheese is among the most beneficial foods you can eat.

Does cottage cheese help with anxiety? ›

Low-fat cottage cheese

The calcium helps strengthen and relax the nervous system and can help you manage stress.

What can I eat with cottage cheese for weight loss? ›

“When you pair a protein-rich food like cottage cheese with a carbohydrate source like fruit, you're getting long-lasting energy to keep you full and prevent blood sugar crashes later." Mustard has some health perks, too. “For one, mustard is low in calories and can support weight loss goals,” Galati said.

What does cottage cheese do to your body? ›

The high protein content in cottage cheese comes mostly from casein, which — because it's slowly absorbed — can build muscle just as well as whey protein. Thyroid health. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in how your thyroid works.

Does anyone make lactose-free cottage cheese? ›

Lactaid Lactose-Free Lowfat Cottage Cheese, 16 oz:

12g of protein. Gluten-free.

Is cottage cheese good for dairy intolerance? ›

Cottage Cheese

During this process, the amount of lactose is reduced. Cottage cheese contains a moderate amount of lactose with about 9 grams in 1 cup. 2 So, cottage cheese is higher in lactose, but some people with lactose intolerance may still tolerate it.

Does vegan cottage cheese exist? ›

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 does lactose-free cottage cheese taste like? ›

As the only certified organic, lactose-free and FODMAP-friendly cottage cheese in the U.S., Green Valley Creamery's cottage cheese has a rich, creamy taste and mild cultured flavor.

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