What Is Cottage Cheese and How Is It Produced?

Cottage cheese is a smooth, creamy, and incredibly versatile ingredient that should have a regular place in your fridge. But what exactly is it, and how did it come to be? Here's everything you need to know about this kitchen essential:

What Exactly Is Cottage Cheese?

Cottage cheese consists of curds, which form when milk is curdled by an acid, and cream. Similar to ricotta, mozzarella, feta, and goat cheese, it’s a fresh cheese, meaning it doesn’t undergo aging like Parmesan or Cheddar.

Though variations of it have existed for thousands of years, the term 'cottage cheese' only appeared in the mid-1800s. It’s believed to be the first cheese created in America, introduced to the U.S. from Europe, says Jesse Merrill, co-founder and CEO of Good Culture.

"The origin of cottage cheese is tied to farmhouses or cottages, where excess milk from butter production would be used to make this cheese," he explains. This is how it got its name.

How Is Cottage Cheese Produced?

Cottage cheese is a fermented product. Like all dairy, it starts as milk. By introducing enzymes or live cultures (probiotics), the milk sugars (lactose) are converted into lactic acid, which causes the curds (milk solids, fats, and proteins) to separate from the whey (the liquid).

At this stage, the curds form a solid block of cheese. A curd cutter, resembling a knife, slices this block into smaller pieces. The size of the curds—whether small or large—depends on the design of the cutter.

"When the curd is cut, it releases a significant amount of whey. After draining off the whey, what’s left is the curd, which is then mixed with cream," says Merrill.

Cottage Cheese Alternatives

Chef John's Homemade Ricotta Recipe. Chef John

Out of cottage cheese? No worries. Ricotta is a top substitute for cottage cheese, as they share similar textures and flavors. Here are a few other options that can serve as substitutes depending on your recipe:

Mascarpone
Feta cheese
Sour cream
Cream cheese
Yogurt
Kefir
Mozzarella
Goat cheese

What Does Cottage Cheese Taste Like?

Cottage cheese comes in various curd sizes, textures, and flavors. According to Merrill, it should never have a runny or slimy feel; rather, it should be thick and creamy like yogurt. A smoother texture is achieved when there's less separation between curds and cream.

Cottage cheese should offer a mild, clean, and milky flavor with a touch of salt. Depending on the culture used and its fat content, it may also have a slight tang. Fat-free and low-fat (2%) cottage cheese tend to taste more tangy, while full-fat (4%) and high-fat (6%) versions are creamier.

How to Prepare Cottage Cheese at Home

Soup Loving Nicole

Believe it or not, you can easily make cottage cheese at home with just three simple ingredients: milk, vinegar, and salt. You'll also need a small saucepan, a colander, and some cheesecloth.

Get the recipe: Homemade Cottage Cheese

Ricotta vs. Cottage Cheese

While cottage cheese and ricotta may look alike and sometimes be swapped for each other, they are actually quite different. Cottage cheese is made from coagulated cow’s milk, whereas ricotta is a by-product of other cheeses (like mozzarella). They also vary in texture and taste—cottage cheese is lumpy and mildly salty, while ricotta is smooth and slightly sweet.

Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta in certain cooked dishes (like lasagna), thanks to its similar texture and lower calorie content.

Ways to Enjoy Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese can be enjoyed much like yogurt—on its own, mixed with fruit or vegetables, blended into smoothies, or incorporated into various recipes.

How to Keep Cottage Cheese Fresh

Store cottage cheese in the refrigerator in an airtight container (the original packaging works fine). Flip the container upside down to help slow bacterial growth. When stored correctly, it should stay fresh for about 10 days after opening.

Can You Freeze Cottage Cheese?

While you can freeze cottage cheese, it may change its texture slightly, says Merrill. It's best to enjoy it fresh or freeze only the amount you plan to cook with. For instance, when baking lasagna, you likely won’t notice a difference between fresh and frozen cottage cheese.