Cottage Cheese
Create your own fresh, creamy cottage cheese right at home. This simple recipe uses just a few ingredients and gives you complete control over the sodium, making it a perfect healthy, high-protein snack.
For 3 servings
Heat and curdle the milk
- Pour 4 cups of skim milk into a large, heavy-bottomed pot.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, until it reaches about 185-190°F (85-88°C). Do not let it come to a rolling boil.
- Remove the pot from the heat and gently stir in the white vinegar.
- Stop stirring and let the pot sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. You will see the milk separate into solid white curds and thin, yellowish whey.
Strain and rinse the curds
- Line a colander or large sieve with a double layer of cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl or in the sink.
- Carefully pour the curdled milk mixture into the cheesecloth-lined colander to separate the curds from the whey.
- Let the curds drain for 5 minutes. You can save the whey for other uses like baking or adding to smoothies.
- Gently rinse the curds under cool running water to wash away the vinegar taste and cool them down. This also helps create smaller, distinct curds.
Finish the cottage cheese
- Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and gently squeeze to remove any excess water.
- Transfer the drained curds to a clean bowl.
- Stir in the 2 tablespoons of skim milk and the 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if you prefer a creamier consistency.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a different flavor, you can use lemon juice instead of vinegar in equal amounts.
- 2The texture of the curds can be controlled. For larger curds, stir less when adding the acid. For smaller curds, break them up gently after straining.
- 3Store the cottage cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- 4Serve with fresh fruit, a sprinkle of black pepper, or use in recipes as a high-protein, low-sodium ingredient.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Cottage cheese is packed with casein protein, which digests slowly, helping you feel full longer and supporting muscle maintenance.
Sodium Control
Making it at home allows you to drastically reduce the sodium content compared to store-bought versions, supporting heart health and blood pressure management.
Rich in Calcium
Provides a good amount of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's very healthy. It is an excellent source of lean protein and calcium. By making it at home, you have full control over the sodium content, which is beneficial for blood pressure and overall heart health.