Homemade Cottage Cheese
Dive into the art of cheesemaking with this easy and rewarding Homemade Cottage Cheese recipe! Using just four simple ingredients—whole milk, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and optional heavy cream—you can create creamy, fresh cottage cheese in under 30 minutes. This recipe walks you through the process of curdling milk, separating whey, and gently crafting tender curds for a texture that's perfect for snacking, topping salads, or spreading on toast. With its short prep time and customizable flavor, this small-batch cottage cheese is a healthier, preservative-free alternative to store-bought options. Perfect for beginners, this step-by-step guide ensures delicious results every time. Create your own creamy masterpiece today!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Whole milk
- 3 tablespoons White vinegar or lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Heavy cream (optional, for creamier texture)
Instructions
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Heat the milk until it just begins to simmer and steam, but do not let it boil (around 190°F or 88°C if using a thermometer).
Once the milk is hot, remove the saucepan from the heat and slowly stir in the white vinegar or lemon juice, 1 tablespoon at a time. Stir gently for 1-2 minutes until curds start to form and separate from the whey (liquid).
Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 10 minutes to allow the curds and whey to fully separate.
Line a fine-mesh strainer or colander with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel. Place the strainer over a large bowl to catch the whey.
Carefully pour the curdled mixture into the strainer. Let it drain for 5-10 minutes, or until the cottage cheese reaches your desired consistency. For a firmer texture, press gently on the curds with the back of a spoon or let them drain longer.
Transfer the drained curds to a mixing bowl. Stir in the salt and, if desired, the heavy cream for a creamier consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
177 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.8 g | 14% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.8 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 32 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 351 mg | 15% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.1 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.1 g | ||
| Protein | 8.2 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.1 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 282 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 326 mg | 7% | |
*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.
