Homemade Cottage-Style Cheese from Buttermilk — Simple and Creamy
Making your own soft cheese from buttermilk is easy and rewarding. Use a high-quality, natural buttermilk with a flavor you enjoy, as it will influence the final cheese taste.
This cheese resembles the creamy, mildly tangy “cottage cheese” sold in stores. It’s delicious served with fresh herbs, fruit sauces, or in recipes like grilled pizza with prosciutto, arugula, and peas.
🥛 Ingredients (yields approx. 300 g cheese)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Buttermilk (natural, quality) | 2 liters |
🔪 Preparation Steps
- Heat buttermilk:
Pour buttermilk into a wide oven-safe dish. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 15 minutes. If using a clear dish, you’ll see whey collecting at the bottom. - Cut the curd:
Remove dish from oven and gently cut the set curd into squares with a knife. - Drain the curds:
Line a sieve or colander with four layers of cheesecloth (tifon). Place the sieve over a bowl. Carefully transfer the curds into the cheesecloth (use a slotted spatula to avoid spilling). - Press and drain:
Bring the cheesecloth edges together over the curds. Cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place a weight on top (e.g., a bag of dried beans) to speed draining. Make sure whey does not touch the bottom of the sieve. - Drain at room temperature:
Let drain for 2 hours at room temperature. The cheese will be soft and creamy — perfect to enjoy with herbs and olive oil or as dessert with strawberry coulis or honey. - Optional further draining:
For firmer cheese, refrigerate while still under weight for several hours or overnight until desired texture is reached. - Serve or store:
Remove the weight, unwrap, and invert the cheese onto a plate or bowl. Consume immediately or keep refrigerated.
💡 Uses for Whey (Zer)
- Substitute whey for water or milk in bread dough for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use whey to sour soups and stews as a natural acidifier.
🧾 Final Thoughts
This homemade cottage-style cheese is fresh, creamy, and versatile — a perfect way to elevate your meals with simple ingredients and minimal effort.