People who know me always ask, why are you celebrating every weekend? I consider my weekends to stay calm and cook food. Playing my favorite playlist on Spotify and cooking my favorite food can be therapy for me to heal all the stress and pressures I had on the working days. This weekend, the star of My Kitchen is something that you research about the taste and recipes. Yeah, cottage cheese. Most people are curious about What Cottage Cheese tastes like. And how they can make recipes with it.
Let me explain honestly, cottage cheese wasn’t always stored in my fridge. But recently, I read so many best recipe sites for healthy and delicious meals. From there, I found the cottage cheese is best to eat healthy diets. So I just found some more recipes and types that went out well. If you are also confused like this, just read the blog and try this for a happy healthy gut.
The Textured First Impressions
If I went to the supermarket carrying my nephew, she would always take this cheese from the fridge. She didn’t even know how it tasted, but the appearance caught her attention. Unlike other cheese, it’s very creamy white curd and soft; you can see small lumps with a slightly milky liquid. For your new kitchen experiments, cottage cheesecake will be your extra point.
My first spoonful of cottage cheese is wonderful. I really liked the texture. It feels like a cross between ricotta and yogurt. By chewing, I feel it is more soft and lumps are breaking very easily.
What is Cottage Cheese and How is it Made?
The time I discovered my love towards this cottage cheese, my mother told me that her grandma is a homemade cottage cheese specialist. It is a type of cheese that made from curd just like ricotta or mozzarella or feta. It is made from the fermented milk.
There are many diary products that are made by fermentation in market. But making cottage cheese is need more care and concentration. By adding lemon juice or vinegar on milk, the milk sugar will convert into lactic acid and it separate from the liquid. This stage the milk will be sour and called as curd. I like to make curd like this and make fruit smoothies with it.
The next step is to drain and rinse the curd. Using a cotton cloth, drain the curd until get the desired consistency of cottage cheese. Adding fresh cream a little will help you to give a flavor. Remember to not over squeeze, it will make your cheese more dry. You can store the cottage cheese in a air tight jar for future use.
What Does Cottage Cheese Taste Like?
When I talk about the taste of cottage cheese, many people say that it has no taste. I even thought the same thing, and it may be the same as cheese. But when I really tasted it, I was surprised by the best taste. It tastes like a mix of yogurt and cheese, but not as insane. You can also get mild saltiness in it, which makes it more special.
Is Cottage Cheese Good for You?
Yes, Of course the cottage cheese is a power pack. If you are really looking for a tasty addition to the healthy diet, this can keep you full and satisfied. The cottage cheese have healthy fat, plenty of protein, calcium and vitamins. The main highlight for the people who target to weight loss is it is very low in calories.
The cottage cheese also contains probiotics that are really better for gut health. I find it very tasty and nutritious, so I had it every day in snacks or meals. As per the data of USDA, 100 grams of cottage cheese have 98 calories with 11g of protein, 4.3g of total fat, 17mg of cholesterol, 364g sodium and 104mg of potassium.
My Journey with Cottage Cheese
The health benefits I heard from the cottage cheese surprised me and I still remember the first time I gave it the chance. Initially I just added some cheese with my regular salad and to my surprise, it worked. It gives a creamy texture and mild saucy taste to it. I usually avoid seasonings in salad to make it healthy. The regular dry salad became boring until I get this cottage cheese idea.
Since I discovered this, it is always a must in my kitchen. I will put it on anything I like, pasta, noodles or whatever I like. My personal favorite is topping the cottage cheese with fresh berries, two spoons of honey and a sprinkle of granola. Trust me guys, it will taste like heaven.
How to Tell if Cottage Cheese is Bad?
The main thing I learned from all these years of kitchen experiments is that fresh ingredients always make delicious dishes. But how do you find cottage cheese fresh, good or bad? I used to smell everything before cooking. If it has an off odor or sour smell, it should be thrown away. The next way to find it is by checking the texture. It is creamy with small lumps. If you find a water layer above it or slimy, it is not good to have. In appearance, you may find any discoloration on bad cottage cheese.
What to Eat with Cottage Cheese
I love cottage cheese because it can pair with different types of food items. I like to add it in spicy, sour and sweet recipes. But my personal favorite is eating the cheese with fruits and berries. The cheese’s salty taste with sweetness of fruit and creamy texture make it perfect to eat.
Other than fruits, I also like to have it with water content vegetables like cucumber and cherry tomatoes with some sprinkled pepper powder. This can be eaten with toast for a meal.
What Goes with Cottage Cheese?
It is always easy to pair the cottage cheese with anything.. But you only have to notice certain things. If you are preferring sweet dishes, use cheese with honey, nuts and granola mix.
The grilled chicken, leafy greens, and avocado work well with cottage cheese for those who like spicy taste. If you are a pure vegetarian, have the cheese with capsicum, steamed broccoli, cooked veggies and roasted nuts.
Types of Cheeses: Exploring Beyond Cottage Cheese
I only shared general things about cottage cheese with you. But if you want to make use of it properly, know this type of cottage cheese.
Cheddar: It has a very sharp and tangy taste. Cheddar cottage cheese will be perfect for most of the recipes from burger to casseroles. This can be the perfect option for you to buy and add on anything.
Brie: If you are looking for something that is more soft and creamy, go for brie. I like to have this by spreading it on bread or crackers.
Feta: Feta is always my personal favorite. This has crumbly cheese with a salty taste which is perfect for any salads. This was my first try with the salads. It will also go perfect for the Mediterranean dishes.
Mozzarella: One of my friends is a lover of Italian cuisine. Any food like pizzas, salads like Caprese are stuffed with mozzarella cheese. If you want a melted and sticky feel in food, try this type.
Parmesan: It tastes like nuts and also has a granular texture. It can mostly be used to add in sauces for more flavor.
Ricotta: It is a more smoothie and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. It can also be used in so many deserts.
Best Cottage Cheese
Switching brands for finding the best is always Kate’s style experiment. So I have tried the top most brands of cheese that can be available in most of the stores. I found that all these brands have a 4% milk fat minimum. So I just had it raw to identify which tasted better. I also did some research about the ingredients too.
Daisy Pure and Natural Cottage Cheese: I felt it had a more creamy texture and lumps look like square soft snow. It tastes good and is less chewy compared to others. I don’t feel any flavor in it.
Friendship Cottage Cheese: If you are preferring lighter cheese without feeling like a thick sauce or oil, this can be a good choice for you. You could feel like cotton candy, but the flavor is just okay okay.
Organic Valley Cottage Cheese: My standards are very high, I want a nice texture and also very good flavor. In this case, this cheese has a very good taste but hard texture. You can use it in cooking for getting the best flavor but not to eat raw.
Hood Cottage Cheese: This cheese is mostly influenced by curd taste and a bit sweet. Personally I prefer a balance of sweet and salty, but my niece liked the sweet taste of it. This can be good to add with dessert recipes more.
Good Culture Cottage Cheese: This cheese is just made for me, I guess. I can call this the hero of all brands. Healthwise, texture, and flavor gave me ultimate satisfaction. It is perfectly tender and has a perfect level of salt and sweetness in it. This is also organic and low fat compared to others.
Best Cottage Cheese for Babies
Babies after 6 months can have the cheese. This will help to give them rich proteins, calcium and vitamins. Always remember to give pasteurized full fat cheese like cottage cheese is perfect for them. You can add scrambled eggs with the cheese on it. The brand Go Cheese has different varieties of pasteurized full fat cheese for babies.
Cottage Cheese, Sweet and Savory Applications
Cottage cheese can perfectly go with so many food items.
- Smoothies: For getting more protein and creaminess in your healthy smoothie, cheese can be a better option. I used to add the cheese in most vegetable and fruit smoothies other than oats smoothies. Because I felt that it had a thick consistency already.
- Salads: As I mentioned earlier, cottage cheese works wonderfully in salads. It can be a great substitute for feta or ricotta, adding a creamy texture without overwhelming the other flavors in the dish.
- Pasta: If you are looking for a protein rich and light food, add cheese to your sauce and have it with the pasta. Tomato-based sauces will be the perfect option for this.
- Baked Goods: Baked foods whether it is sweet or spicy like pancakes, muffins and spicy things, add cottage cheese can for taste and get more protein.
- Snacks: Snacking is very helpful when you are sleepy during work. So I prefer a bowl of cottage cheese mixing with some chopped herbs for a quick, savory snack. It’s filling, nutritious, and satisfying.
My Go-To Cottage Cheese Recipe: A Simple, Satisfying Snack
I have tried many recipes with cottage cheese, and one of them has become my favorite. I already told you about the salad part. But this will make your heart and tummy 100% happy.
Ingredients
– 1 cup of cottage cheese
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– A handful of fresh berries (I love using blueberries and raspberries)
– A sprinkle of granola or chopped nuts
Instructions
- Add one cup of cottage cheese into the bowl.
- Now add a tablespoon of honey to it.
- Add the fresh berries.
- Sprinkle with granola or chopped nuts for some crunch.
- Now mix it perfectly and serve it.
I had this most of the time when I crave sweets and still want to be healthy. When I crave sweets in my menstrual period, I will store it in the fridge to have it when I need it.
If you are still hesitant to have the beautiful and tasty cottage creamy cheese, give it a chance. You will love it.
FAQs about Cottage Cheese
Is Cottage Cheese High in Protein?
Yes, cottage cheese has plenty of protein. In a cup of cottage cheese there is 25g of protein minimum.
Does Cottage Cheese Taste Like Yogurt?
The cottage cheese has a mild taste and very light tangy flavor. But compared to other types of cheese, it seems creamier and just looks like unflavored yogurt. If you like yogurt, you can also have cottage cheese.
Is Cottage Cheese an Acquired Taste?
Yes, the cottage cheese can’t stimulate your taste bud instantly, it takes time to get its unique texture and mild flavor. But once you get used to it, this will be a must in your meals.
Does Cottage Cheese Taste Like Feta?
Cottage cheese is much milder and less salty than feta, with a creamier texture. If feta is too strong for you, cottage cheese might be a gentler alternative.
What Does Cottage Cheese and Mustard Taste Like?
The combination of cottage cheese and mustard creates a tangy, creamy mix with a surprising kick. It’s a great savory option if you’re looking to try something different.
How to Eat Cottage Cheese?
The cottage cheese can eat with different types of food and variety of flavors. Try it with fruits, vegetables, salads, toast etc.
