Homemade Cottage Cheese Recipe 🧀
Overview:
🕒 Total Time: 5 minutes
🍴 Servings: 1 pot cottage cheese
🔍 Category: Cheese
🔑 Keywords: Low Cholesterol, < 15 Mins, Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon 2% milk
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 2225.6
- Fat: 77.9g
- Saturated Fat: 48.5g
- Cholesterol: 314.9mg
- Sodium: 4650.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 216.1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 207.1g
- Protein: 155.5g
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Heat the milk: In a large pot, heat the milk to 190°F, ensuring it’s hot but not boiling. A thermometer will come in handy for precision. |
| 2 | Add vinegar: Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, remove it from heat and gently stir in the vinegar. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for a few minutes to allow the curds to form. |
| 3 | Cool the mixture: Allow the mixture to cool down until it’s comfortable to handle. You’ll notice it has separated into curds (solid) and whey (liquid). |
| 4 | Drain the whey: Carefully pour the mixture into a colander lined with cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to separate the curds from the whey. Let it drain for a few minutes to remove excess liquid. |
| 5 | Season with salt: Transfer the drained curds into a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Gently mix to incorporate the salt evenly throughout the cheese. Adjust the salt according to your taste preference. |
| 6 | Optional: Add cream: For a creamier texture, you can optionally add a splash of cream to the cottage cheese and mix well. This step adds richness and silkiness to the final product. |
| 7 | Enjoy: Your homemade cottage cheese is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it fresh as a snack, spread it on toast, or incorporate it into your favorite dishes like lasagna for a deliciously creamy twist. |
Tips:
- Use high-quality milk for the best results. Fresh, organic milk will yield superior taste and texture.
- Experiment with different types of vinegar for variations in flavor. White vinegar is traditional, but you can try apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a tangier taste.
- If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender before adding salt.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before serving as separation may occur over time.
Final Thoughts:
Making your own cottage cheese at home is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a fresh and flavorful cheese that far surpasses store-bought varieties. Whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into your favorite recipes, this homemade cottage cheese is sure to impress with its creamy texture and rich taste. Give it a try today and elevate your culinary creations to a whole new level! 🌟
