Vegan Cotija Cheese

User Reviews

5.0

15 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    6 mins

  • Total Time

    6 mins

  • Servings

    2 cups

  • Calories

    614 kcal

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Vegan Cotija Cheese

This popular dairy-free cotija cheese recipe is made quickly and effortlessly from blanched slivered almonds, pickle juice, and a few other simple ingredients. This creamy and tangy sprinkle-able cheese alternative is perfect for garnishing tacos, salads, or any recipe crying out at night for a cheesy finish.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 ½ cup blanched slivered almonds
  • 2 tablespoons pickle juice (pickle brine)
  • 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, combine the slivered almonds, pickle juice, refined coconut oil, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and salt. Process until the mixture forms a coarse texture, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a clean, dry bowl. Using your hands, squeeze and press the mixture together to form small crumbles. If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit more coconut oil or pickle juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  3. Once you've formed the crumbles, they are ready to use as vegan cotija cheese. Sprinkle them on top of tacos, salads, or any dish in need of a savory, cheesy finish. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Equipments used:

Notes

  • 🥄 Soak Almonds, it’s the C.R.E.A.M.
  • 🥄
  • Soak slivered almonds in water overnight or for at least 4 hours before blending for a smoother consistency.
  • 👅 Adjust Seasonings to Taste:
  • 👅
  • Taste and tweak seasonings as needed. Add more salt, lemon juice, or nutritional yeast for perfect flavor balance.
  • 🎨 Experiment with Flavor Variations:
  • 🎨
  • While this recipe is intentionally neutral, add herbs like cilantro or spices like cumin for a personalized touch.
  • 🙅‍♀️Don’t use a blender:
  • 🙅‍♀️
  • Use a food processor (not a blender) for this recipe. You will get a more consistent grind.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 614kcal (31%) Carbohydrates 18g (6%) Protein 19g (38%) Fat 57g (88%) Saturated Fat 15g (75%) Polyunsaturated Fat 10g Monounsaturated Fat 28g Trans Fat 0.01g Sodium 528mg (22%) Potassium 617mg (18%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 6IU (0%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 192mg (19%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2cups

Amount Per Serving

Calories 614 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 614kcal 31%
Carbohydrates 18g 6%
Protein 19g 38%
Fat 57g 88%
Saturated Fat 15g 75%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10g 59%
Monounsaturated Fat 28g 140%
Trans Fat 0.01g 1%
Sodium 528mg 22%
Potassium 617mg 13%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 6IU 0%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 192mg 19%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5.0

15 reviews
Excellent

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