Description
This Easy Cheezy Tofu Loaf is a delicious vegan and vegetarian-friendly holiday staple. Made with mashed extra-firm tofu combined with oats, vegan cheddar, nutritional yeast, and flavorful seasonings, this loaf is baked to a golden brown in a simple olive oil–greased pan. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, it can be customized to be gluten-free and pairs wonderfully with mushroom gravy and classic holiday sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the tofu loaf.
- Mix tofu and ingredients: Crumble the extra-firm tofu into a large mixing bowl. Add rolled oats, Panko bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, shredded vegan cheddar, ketchup, Bragg’s liquid soy seasoning (or soy sauce), Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, parsley, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir with a spoon or use your hands to thoroughly combine everything into a cohesive mixture.
- Prepare the loaf pan: Pour the extra-virgin olive oil into an 8 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ loaf pan (approximately 1.5-quart capacity). Swirl the oil around to coat the entire interior to prevent sticking.
- Form the loaf: Press the tofu mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring the surface is smooth and compact to promote even baking.
- Bake the loaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and the edges will become slightly crispy.
- Cool and serve: After baking, allow the tofu loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully removing or slicing it directly in the pan. This helps the loaf set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, omit Panko bread crumbs and substitute with additional rolled oats or gluten-free bread crumbs.
- You can prepare this tofu loaf a day in advance and reheat it before serving.
- The tofu loaf pairs beautifully with mushroom or vegan gravy, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes made with vegan margarine and non-dairy milk, and cranberry sauce.
- Feel free to customize herbs and omit or add the “cheezy” ingredients (vegan cheddar and nutritional yeast) based on preference.
- Ensure the mixture binds well by testing a small amount pressed together in your hands before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, Vegetarian, American
Keywords: vegan, vegetarian, tofu loaf, gluten-free option, Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday meal, plant-based, easy, cheezy tofu loaf
