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Homemade Cottage Cheese

It's so easy and delicious. You'll never want to buy it pre made again.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheese, cottage cheese, whole milk
Servings: 12 servings
Author: neena.perez

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • * 10 cups whole milk
  • * ½ cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • * 1 to 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • * ¼ to ½ cup heavy cream optional, for a creamier texture

Instructions

  • Instructions
  • Pour the milk into a large heavy-bottomed pot.
  • Heat slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk reaches 185–190°F (just below a boil).
  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in the vinegar and gently stir for 30 seconds.
  • Let sit undisturbed for 10–15 minutes. The curds should separate from the yellowish whey.
  • Line a colander with cheesecloth and strain the curds.
  • Rinse lightly with cold water if you want a milder flavor.
  • Drain for 5–10 minutes depending on how moist you like your cottage cheese.
  • Transfer to a bowl and gently break up the curds.
  • Stir in salt and heavy cream to taste.
  • Refrigerate until chilled.

Video

Notes

Chef Neena Tip
For larger, restaurant-style curds, stir very gently after adding the vinegar and avoid over-draining. For a richer cottage cheese, fold in heavy cream after the curds have cooled.