How to make cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is so simple to make at home, and the outcome is wholesome, delicious and so frugal! With just 4 ingredients you’ll have delicious homemade cottage cheese for lasagne, salads or snacking within two hours. Originally, I learned how to make cottage cheese at home by reading an article and recipe found at hilltop farmhouse blog

this recipe is for regular pasteurized milk from the store (not homogenized or high heat pasteurized)

What are the ingredients in cottage cheese?

1 gallon of whole milk

3/4 cup white vinegar

1 tsp salt

heavy cream to taste (start with two Tablespoons at a time

While the milk and vinegar are a must to make cottage cheese with pasteurized milk at home , you can skip or adjust the salt and cream if you wish.

How much cottage cheese does 1 gallon of milk make?

This recipe makes About 22 oz of cottage cheese once strained.

Since we have been making cottage cheese at home, we have really enjoyed knowing there are no preservatives or thickening agents. Just 4 wholesome ingredients that most people keep on hand at home. not only is it healthier, and you get more for your money, you also get to say “yes, I made this myself!”

What to do with whey?

After straining your curds, you will be left with a large bowl of yellow liquid called whey.
whey has a slightly acidic or lemony flavor, which when put in other foods is hardly detected. And before you throw it out, wheyyyyyait! Whey is such a protein powerhouse. Highly consider putting it to use in soups, Broth and smoothies!


Cottage cheese recipe

Serving Size:
Makes 22 oz
Time:
1 1/2 – 2 hrs
Difficulty:
Easy

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon whole milk
  • 3/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • heavy cream to taste

Directions

  1. Starting with a clean pot (I use my insta pot )
  2. turn on the sauté button on normal/ high or heat on medium to medium high if using stove top
  3. pour in a gallon of whole milk
  4. using a whisk, stir often to prevent a film on the bottom being scorched
  5. Heat to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. it’ll take about 20-25 minutes to come to temperature in the instant pot.
  6. Once the milk is starting to simmer, quite steamy and bubbles are slowly coming up from the bottom turn off heat – using candy thermometer will help with accuracy
  7. remove pot, place on hot pad
  8. add 3/4 cup white vinegar. gently stir in to incorporate evenly.
  9. let sit 30 minutes.
  10. Set large colander In a large bowl and line with cheese cloth or clean tea towel
  11. pour curds and whey into colander and let strain 30 minutes
  12. take up sides of towel, form a ball and squeeze out remaining excess whey.
  13. Rinse cheese ball in the tea towel under cold running water while squeezing around ball with one hand 5 to 8 times or until cool. This also helps cool it down faster.
  14. twist towel to squeeze excess water out
  15. Dump cottage cheese ball in a bowl or Pyrex dish
  16. using a spoon brake up into small curds
  17. add salt and heavy cream
  18. adjust to taste
  19. refrigerate for an hour and enjoy
  20. use within 5 days


How do you use cottage cheese?

  • Enjoy with fruit
  • Use in lasagna instead of ricotta cheese.
  • Eat plain as a snack
  • Include this cheese as a breakfast side

What is your favorite way to use cottage cheese? Any tips you would add? Let us know in the comments section.

As always thank you so much for reading.

This post is all about how to make cottage cheese

Read our other articles on homemaking and recipes like 12 Beginner homesteading skills or our recipe for Savory Roasted Chicken Stock in the instant pot

3 responses to “How to make cottage cheese recipe”

  1. […] you loved this article, check out this cottage cheese recipe and my other recipes like these BARBECUE GLAZED CHICKEN THIGHS and my go-to Lemon Bar […]

  2. […] dairy products at home is not only a frugal way to consume yogurt, cottage cheese and other cultured dairy products, but it’s so tasty. With no added preservatives and fillers, […]

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