Description
Creamy, fresh, and delightfully simple, this Homemade Cottage Cheese is a wholesome dairy treat that’s perfect for sweet or savory dishes. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a batch ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Whole Milk: 1 gallon – Provides a rich and creamy base for the curds.
- Lemon Juice or White Vinegar: 1/4 cup – Acts as the acid to separate the curds from the whey.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the natural flavor of the cheese.
- Heavy Cream (optional): 1/4 cup – Adds a luxurious creaminess when stirred in after straining.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Place a heavy-bottomed pot on the stove and get your thermometer ready.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour milk into the pot and heat slowly to 190°F, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Once at temperature, turn off the heat and gently stir in lemon juice or vinegar, then stop stirring.
- Assemble the Dish: Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow curds to form and separate from the whey.
- Cook to Perfection: Scoop curds into a cheesecloth-lined strainer and rinse under cold water, then drain for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with salt and stir gently. Add cream if using.
- Serve and Enjoy: Chill if desired and enjoy fresh.
Notes
- For firmer curds, allow longer resting time before straining.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially when adding cream.
- Use fresh milk for best results and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: homemade cottage cheese, fresh cheese, easy cheese recipe, dairy, creamy curds