Easy Homemade Cottage Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Making your own cottage cheese at home is easier than you might think, and it tastes fresh and creamy. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy this classic dairy delight anytime.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon Whole Milk
• 1/2 cup White Wine Vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Salt
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour the whole milk into a large saucepan and place it over medium heat. Heat the milk until it reaches 120°F (50°C).
2. Step 2: Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in the white wine vinegar for 1 to 2 minutes until the curds separate from the whey.
3. Step 3: Cover the saucepan and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the curds to fully form.
4. Step 4: Return the pot to very low heat and add salt. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to break up the curds evenly.
5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into a colander lined with two layers of cheesecloth, then squeeze out most of the moisture. Let the curds cool for 10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Transfer the drained curds to a mixing bowl. Add heavy cream and stir with a fork to break up the curds and combine. Taste and add more salt if needed. Chill before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a tangier flavor, substitute white wine vinegar with lemon juice.
• Use low-fat milk if you prefer a lighter cottage cheese, but the texture may be less creamy.
• Add fresh herbs like chives or dill for extra flavor.
• If you want a drier texture, drain the curds longer before adding cream.

Storage

Store homemade cottage cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving and keep chilled. If it separates, simply stir to recombine. Avoid freezing as it can affect texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use vinegar other than white wine vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Just be aware that the flavor may change slightly.

What is the difference between curds and whey?

Curds are the solid parts that form from milk during the cheese-making process, while whey is the liquid leftover. Cottage cheese is made mainly from curds.

Easy Homemade Cottage Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 104 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 cups cottage cheese 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This easy homemade cottage cheese recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create fresh, creamy cottage cheese with a rich texture. Using whole milk and white wine vinegar, the milk is gently curdled, drained, and combined with heavy cream for a smooth and delicious result perfect for snacking or recipes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 gallon Whole Milk
• 1/2 cup White Wine Vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Salt
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream

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Instructions

1. Heat the Milk: Pour the whole milk into a large saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it reaches 120°F (50°C), allowing the milk to warm without boiling.
2. Curdle the Milk: Remove the saucepan from the heat and slowly stir in the white wine vinegar for 1 to 2 minutes, which will cause the milk to separate into curds and whey.
3. Rest the Curds: Cover the pot and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes so the curds can fully form and separate.
4. Salt and Break Curds: Place the pot back on very low heat and add the salt. Gently stir with a wooden spoon to break up the curds evenly without destroying them.
5. Drain the Curds: Pour the curds into a colander lined with two layers of cheesecloth, and squeeze out most of the liquid. Let it cool for 10 minutes to firm up.
6. Finish and Chill: Transfer the drained curds to a mixing bowl, add the heavy cream, and stir with a fork to break up any large curds and combine everything thoroughly. Adjust salt to taste and chill before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh whole milk for the best creamy texture.
• The vinegar type can be substituted with lemon juice if desired.
• Ensure the milk reaches the correct temperature to properly curdle.
• Chilling the cottage cheese enhances flavor and texture.
• Store homemade cottage cheese in an airtight container and consume within 5 days.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dairy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cottage cheese, homemade cottage cheese, dairy recipe, fresh cheese, easy cheese making