Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese: An unassuming star of the cheese world

Cottage cheese has been quietly rocking breakfast bowls, powering up smoothies, and giving salads a creamy lift for generations. A soft, pebbly, mild-flavored fresh cheese that’s packed with protein, cottage cheese is a versatile delight that fits into just about any meal. Athletes, health-conscious eaters, and cheese lovers everywhere are always a little happier when cottage cheese is within reach.

Cottage cheese from Wisconsin

The cheesemakers here in America’s Dairyland produce more than 600 flavors, styles, and varieties of cheese. So, it should come as no surprise that some of the best cottage cheese in the world is made right here in The State of Cheese™. Westby Cooperative Creamery is a 120-year-old cheesemaker that produces a small bit mighty range of cottage cheese products, including a 4% milk fat small curd variety that has won the gold medal at the World Championship Cheese Contest. Westby’s cottage cheese is produced in small batches with top quality, hormone-free milk sourced from their local farmer-owners.

Everything to know about cottage cheese

Cottage cheese has a mild, slightly tangy flavor, making it a wonderful canvas for both sweet and savory dishes. Its texture is unmistakable – soft and coarse, with pearly milk curds of various sizes. Some varieties are creamier and smoother, while others are drier and chunkier.

Origins and history

The origins of cottage cheese likely date back centuries to a time when farmers wanted to make use of the low-fat milk that remained after cream was skimmed from the evening milking to make butter. Cottage cheese became a staple of American cuisine in the 20^th century, when industrialization of food production was in full swing after World War II and low-cost cottage cheese was an inexpensive way to feed growing families. Demand declined by the 1990s, when just a few cottage cheese plants were left in the country.

Nutritional value

Cottage cheese is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with protein, calcium, and vitamins. It’s low-calorie, high-protein profile makes it a natural for weight loss diets and fitness regimens. This cheese is a favorite among bodybuilders and athletes because it’s high in casein protein, which digests slowly and provides a steady release of amino acids.

How it’s made

Cottage cheese is made from fresh, pasteurized cow’s milk. Cheesemakers add a lactic starter to form the milk curds, which are cut and gently cooked until they reach the right size and texture. After the whey is drained off, cheesemakers wash the curd, salt it, and add a cream or light milk dressing.

How to enjoy cottage cheese

Cottage cheese in the kitchen

The mild milky flavor of this fresh cheese makes it a go-to ingredient for lots of recipes. Blend it up in smoothies for a thick, creamy texture and an extra protein boost, or add it to pancake batter for fluffier, protein-rich pancakes. Cottage cheese makes a tasty and filling snack when paired with sliced homegrown tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. For something sweet to nibble on, try pairing it with berries, honey, pineapple, nectarine, or peaches – anything with a touch of acidity and fresh-picked, bright flavor will do. When baking, cottage cheese works best in dishes like casseroles, lasagna, or baked goods like cheesecake muffins. It won’t melt like a mozzarella or cheddar, but it adds creaminess and moisture to these dishes. To avoid a watery texture, it’s best to drain cottage cheese before using it in baked cheese dishes.

What to drink with cottage cheese

While you likely won’t see it on the menu at a wine and cheese tasting, cottage cheese can be paired with a nice range of wines, beers, and spirits. If you’re drinking wine, try young and unoaked whites like pinot gris, riesling, or sauvignon blanc. The acidity in these wines will balance this creamy cheese nicely. For beer, a light pilsner, pale lager, wheat beer, or hard cider will complement the freshness of the cheese without overwhelming its delicate flavor. If you’re in the mood for spirits, cottage cheese pairs surprisingly well with a light gin cocktail – something with a touch of citrus to cut through the creaminess.