Discover the creamy delight of homemade German Quark with this simple, two-ingredient recipe that brings authentic European flavor to your kitchen. Made with whole milk and buttermilk, this tangy, protein-rich dairy staple is as versatile as it is delicious. Through a natural fermentation process and gentle straining, you'll achieve a luscious, custard-like consistency perfect for spreading, baking, or blending into desserts and dips. With minimal active prep time and a touch of patience, this traditional German recipe offers a wholesome, homemade alternative to store-bought versions. Whether youβre crafting a savory dip or a decadent cheesecake, this easy-to-make Quark will quickly become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire.
In a large pot or container, combine 1 liter of whole milk and 100 milliliters of buttermilk. Stir thoroughly to mix the cultures in the buttermilk with the milk.
Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, leaving it at room temperature. Allow it to sit undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours, or until the mixture thickens into a custard-like consistency. This is the fermentation stage.
Once the mixture has thickened, preheat your oven to its lowest setting (typically 50Β°C or 120Β°F) or use the 'keep warm' feature. Turn off the oven before proceeding to the next step; it should just be slightly warm.
Transfer the pot with the thickened mixture into the warm oven. Allow it to sit for 2 hours. This gentle warming will help set the curds and whey further.
Remove the pot from the oven. Place a fine-mesh strainer or a colander lined with cheesecloth over a large bowl.
Pour the thickened mixture carefully into the cheesecloth-lined strainer. Let it drain for 1 to 2 hours, or until the desired consistency is achieved. For thicker Quark, let it drain longer.
Once drained, transfer the Quark into a clean bowl and discard the whey or save it for other uses (such as in baking or smoothies).
Refrigerate the Quark for at least 1 hour before serving to chill and set fully. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Enjoy your German Quark as a spread, in desserts, or as a base for savory dips.
Calories |
173 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.4 g | 12% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 28 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 138 mg | 6% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.9 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.9 g | ||
| Protein | 9.4 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.6 mcg | 18% | |
| Calcium | 321 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 375 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.