Description
This simple homemade cottage cheese recipe yields a deliciously fresh and creamy cheese that’s perfect for enjoying on its own, spreading on toast, or adding to your favorite dishes. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a batch of cottage cheese that’s far superior to store-bought varieties!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon whole milk
- 1/4 cup white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier texture)
Instructions
- Heat the Milk: Pour the milk into a large pot and heat it over medium heat until it reaches 185°F (85°C). Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Add Acid: Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and slowly add the vinegar or lemon juice while gently stirring. You will see the milk begin to curdle and separate into curds and whey.
- Rest and Set: Let the mixture sit undisturbed for about 5-10 minutes to allow the curds to fully form.
- Drain the Whey: Place a colander lined with cheesecloth over a large bowl and carefully pour the curds and whey into the colander. Allow the whey to drain off for about 5 minutes.
- Rinse and Squeeze: Rinse the curds under cool running water to remove any excess whey and acidity. Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and gently squeeze to remove more liquid.
- Add Salt and Cream: Transfer the drained curds to a bowl, add salt to taste, and stir in the heavy cream if desired. Mix well to coat the curds evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cottage cheese for at least 30 minutes before serving. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 100 kcal