Cottage cheese is known for its thick, creamy texture, possessing a wonderful flavour that’s both mild and slightly tangy. But did you know that cottage cheese is also a versatile ingredient and popular in many diets, and for a number of very good reasons. If you’ve been wondering what is cottage cheese all this time, let’s show you exactly what you need to know.
What Is Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese is made from the curds of cow’s milk and is offered in different curd sizes, including small, medium, or large, and is available in a number of different varieties, such as low fat, whipped, lactose-free, and protein+.
What Is Cottage Cheese a Healthier Alternative To?
Cottage cheese can serve as a healthier alternative to a wide variety of dairy and non-dairy products, depending on individual goals. In comparison to cream cheese, sour cream or cream, cottage cheese is a much lower-fat option. Cottage cheese can also be a good substitute for crème fraîche, Greek yoghurt, and ricotta, amongst others. It is a protein-rich and calcium-packed alternative in a variety of both sweet and savoury recipes, ensuring a versatile and nutritious approach to your meal times.
What Are the Best Ways to Enjoy Cottage Cheese in Your Diet?
Because cottage cheese has a wonderfully mild flavour, there are infinite possibilities to bring cottage cheese into your life. Here are just a couple of suggestions:
- Swap out cream cheese or ricotta in any of your favourite dessert recipes for a healthier, lighter option.
- Pair it with fresh berries or other fruits, such as in our Berry, Berry Good Brekkie Bowl – or even with a sprinkle of cinnamon, that brings out the slight sweetness alongside the tanginess.
- Mix it into classic mains courses such as caponata pasta, lasagna or mac and cheese to add a protein boost and lower the fat content.
- Why not try out the latest cottage cheese craze with ‘nice’ cream – a healthier, guilt-free option to traditional ice cream, without losing any of the yumminess!
What Goes Well with Cottage Cheese?
Because cottage cheese is highly adaptable and pairs with a wide range of ingredients, it’s equally at home in savoury and sweet settings, as well as making fab smoothies. For a sweet twist, fruits like pineapples, strawberries, or peaches work well with cottage cheese, such as this awesome Strawberry, Pistachio and Whipped Cottage Cheese Tart. For a more savoury option, as our Brand Ambassador, Chef Tom Walton, states: “It stands out with its incredible flavour and creamy texture which makes it perfect for using both straight from the tub and into salads, sandwiches, onto toasts, through pasta and grain dishes, into savoury muffins & fritters.” Check out our recipes page today and you’ll see that there’s so much that you can create for any meal, and at any time of day!
What Other Healthy Things Can You Eat with Cottage Cheese?
High in protein, cottage cheese is a great solution for people looking for effortless ways to up their protein intake. More than a side dish, it is the key ingredient for so many amazing dishes, whether it’s spread on toast with a poached egg if you are looking for a big dose of protein, or as part of a juicy watermelon salad. With every spoonful packed with protein, Brancourts special Protein+ Cottage Cheese is a wonderful way to help your body build lean muscle.
What Things Can You Add to Cottage Cheese?
This is all dependent on your flavour choices. Sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or even some chopped walnuts or almonds can make for an excellent infusion, but there are also plenty of ways to make it the star ingredient in any dish! Take a look at our Summer Cottage Cheese Pesto & Heirloom Tomato Galette to see just how much potential our cottage cheese has!
How Is Cottage Cheese Made?
The process of making cottage cheese is when the curd is extracted during the processing of milk. The curd is cut, dressed, and then set, which is all done on our Hexham site near Newcastle in NSW. Other cottage cheeses are often made with powdered or semi-skimmed milk. What sets our cottage cheese apart from the rest, is our commitment to only using the freshest Australian, full-fat cows’ milk, crafted according to authentic family recipes that have been handed down for four generations, in small batches, which ensures total creaminess, amazing flavour, and top-tier quality control!
What Type of Cheese Is Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese is classified as being part of the category of fresh cheeses. Aged cheeses typically consist of common types like mozzarella or cheddar. Cottage cheese is not aged, and this means the curds are not pressed or ripened, resulting in its unique flavour and texture.
What Milk Is Cottage Cheese Made From?
We only use the freshest Australian milk and add the cream back into the dressing, resulting in the creamy and thick consistency of Brancourts Cottage Cheese.
What Food Group Is Cottage Cheese In?
Falling within the dairy or dairy alternatives food group, cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, making it a valuable addition to most people’s diet.
How Much Fat Is in Cottage Cheese?
Per 100g serving, our Classic Cottage Cheese contains 4.9g of fat, which is just 7% of your recommended daily intake, and only 3.3g of saturated fats, making up approximately 14% of your daily intake per 100g serving.
At Brancourts, we have a dedication to creating only the finest cheeses in Australia. Since our story began in the 1800s, we have always strived to make only the finest cottage cheese. A proud winner of the Gold medal at the 2022 Australian Dairy Industry Association Awards and the Silver prize at the 2022 Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Show, these act as testimonials to the fantastic nature of our cottage cheese. Try Brancourts today and you will see that when it comes to cottage cheese, it’s always guaranteed to please!
