Description
Make your own high-protein, low-carb cottage cheese at home with just three simple ingredients! This easy recipe is preservative-free, customizable, and perfect for a nutritious snack or meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups whole milk (or a lower-fat alternative)
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Heat the Milk – In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk to 185–195°F (85–90°C), stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Add the Acid – Remove from heat and slowly stir in the vinegar or lemon juice. Curds will form almost immediately.
- Let It Sit – Allow the mixture to rest for 5–10 minutes to let the curds fully separate from the whey.
- Strain the Curds – Line a colander with cheesecloth, place it over a bowl or sink, and pour in the mixture to drain the whey. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Rinse and Squeeze – Rinse the curds with cold water to remove excess acidity, then gently squeeze out any remaining liquid.
- Add Salt and Fluff – Transfer to a bowl, mix in salt, and stir gently to achieve the classic cottage cheese texture.
- Enjoy! – Serve fresh or store in the refrigerator for later use.
Notes
- Variations: Add herbs, spices, honey, or berries for customized flavors.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Freezing is not recommended.
- Whey Uses: Use leftover whey in smoothies, soups, or baking.
- Scaling: Easily double the recipe, adjusting the acid proportionally.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- resting time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dairy, High-Protein
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: global
Keywords: Homemade cottage cheese, low-carb cottage cheese, high-protein dairy, easy cottage cheese recipe, 3-ingredient cottage cheese