Dinner

Easy Cheezy Tofu Loaf (Vegan, Gluten-Free Option) Recipe

Name: Easy Cheezy Tofu Loaf (Vegan, Gluten-Free Option) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 lbs extra-firm tofu; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs (use gluten-free bread crumbs for gluten-free option); 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup shredded vegan cheddar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon Bragg’s liquid soy seasoning or soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1/4 cup fresh parsley or 2 tablespoons dry parsley; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

ByLila Prescott November 8, 2025November 8, 2025

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Introduction

This Easy Cheezy Tofu Loaf is a delightful vegan main dish perfect for holiday dinners or any comforting meal. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it offers a cheesy flavor and a satisfying texture that even non-vegans will enjoy. It’s also easily adaptable for gluten-free diets.

The image shows a golden-brown loaf with a crumbly, textured crust placed on a slate cutting board, with a small square slice cut off and laid next to it revealing a soft, oat-filled inside. Fresh green dill sprigs are placed beneath and around the loaf, scattered with a few red cranberries adding color contrast. To the upper left, there is a white bowl filled with bright orange roasted carrot sticks. To the upper right, a white bowl holds a light brown sauce or gravy. The background is a white marbled surface, with a woman's hand partially visible resting nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs extra-firm tofu
1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
1 medium onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup shredded vegan cheddar
1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon Bragg’s liquid soy seasoning or soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1/4 cup fresh parsley or 2 tablespoons dry parsley
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Crumble the extra-firm tofu into a large bowl. Add the rolled oats, Panko bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, shredded vegan cheddar, ketchup, soy seasoning, Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, parsley, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until well combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
Step 4: Pour the olive oil into an 8 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ (approximately 1 1/2 quart or litre) loaf pan, coating the bottom and sides.
Step 5: Press the tofu mixture firmly into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Bake the loaf in the oven for 60 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
Step 7: Allow the loaf to cool for about 10 minutes before removing it from the pan or slicing it directly in the pan.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, omit the Panko bread crumbs and add extra oats or substitute with gluten-free bread crumbs.

You can leave out the vegan cheddar and nutritional yeast if you prefer a less cheesy flavor, or try adding your favorite herbs to customize the taste.
Make the loaf a day ahead and reheat it gently on the day of serving to save time.
Serve with mushroom gravy, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce for a festive meal.

Storage

Store leftover tofu loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the loaf for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a golden brown loaf with a textured crispy top and a crumbly interior filled with light chunks, placed on a dark gray board. One slice is cut and positioned in front of the loaf, showing a dense mix of beige and light brown pieces with small flecks of herbs. Around the loaf are three bright red cranberries and a sprig of green dill. Behind it is a small white bowl filled with a light brown sauce and another white bowl with orange carrot sticks. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cheese instead of vegan cheddar?

While the recipe is designed to be vegan, you can substitute vegan cheddar with regular cheese if you’re not vegan. Keep in mind this will change the recipe’s dietary profile.

How do I know if the tofu loaf will hold together?

The mixture should bind when pressed together easily. If it feels too crumbly, add a little more oats or bread crumbs to help it hold its shape during baking.