Just a few decades ago, cottage cheese was considered a lesser dish, often found in the “Light” section of diner menus. It was seen as a sad side option compared to heartier options like mashed potatoes or french fries. However, recent years have seen a resurgence in cottage cheese’s popularity, thanks to TikTok trends and a growing interest in protein-rich foods. This dairy product is now celebrated in a variety of sweet and savory recipes, leading to an increase in available brands and styles.
To help navigate the wide selection of cottage cheese products, we consulted professional chefs and cookbook authors to share their favorite picks. Here’s what they had to say:
Our Panel of Cottage Cheese-Ranking Chefs:
– Erin Clarke, recipe developer and author based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
– Yumna Jawad, CEO and founder of Feel Good Foodie in Grand Rapids, Michigan
– Leslie Rohland, chef/owner of Cottage Cafe Bakery and Tea Room in Bluffton, South Carolina
Qualities of the Best Cottage Cheese:
According to Erin Clarke, texture and flavor are key factors that distinguish good cottage cheese from great. The chefs we spoke to look for brands with:
– A short ingredient list, avoiding products with excessive additives and preservatives.
– No added sugars, additives, or preservatives, and preferably only including milk, cream, salt, and active cultures.
– A creamy base with tender curds, avoiding watery or rubbery textures.
– A fresh cream flavor with a hint of tanginess from live and active cultures.
The Best Cottage Cheese, According to Chefs:
With two out of three votes from our panel, Good Culture Low-Fat Cottage Cheese emerged as the top choice. This brand was also the winner in a blind tasting of seven cottage cheese brands. Chefs appreciate its creamy consistency, smooth curds, and rich flavor profile.
In summary, Good Culture Low-Fat Cottage Cheese stood out for its superior quality and taste, making it a top recommendation from culinary experts in the cottage cheese realm.
An excellent alternative for those who prefer a smoother texture is our ultra-easy whipped cottage cheese recipe. Sara Haas praises Good Culture for its outstanding flavor, describing it as fresh, beautifully balanced, and reminiscent of burrata with just the right amount of salt and tang. The simple ingredient list of skim milk, whole milk, cream, sea salt, live, and active cultures adds to its appeal, making it a top choice for Haas.
In a close second, Good Culture is challenged by Daisy Low-Fat Cottage Cheese, a brand holding a special place in Rohland’s heart for its nostalgic charm. Rohland appreciates Daisy’s straightforward production process and consistent quality in flavor, texture, and ingredients. Daisy’s limited ingredient list, featuring only cultured skim milk, cream, and salt, aligns with Rohland’s preference for simplicity and quality. The use of live and active cultures in small-batch production further enhances the brand’s appeal to enthusiasts like Rohland.
For Rohland, cottage cheese carries sentimental value, evoking memories of her grandmother’s kitchen and the versatile role cottage cheese played in family recipes. This deep-rooted connection to Daisy underscores the emotional significance that food can hold for individuals and the power of nostalgia in shaping culinary preferences.
Despite the brand preference, the versatility of cottage cheese extends beyond mere consumption straight from the container. Chefs offer creative ideas for incorporating cottage cheese into various dishes, from Alfredo sauce to scrambled eggs and smoothies. The 15 cottage cheese breakfast recipes provide inspiration for innovative culinary creations using this versatile ingredient.
Jawad, Rohland, and Clarke suggest ways to elevate cottage cheese beyond its traditional uses, such as incorporating it into pierogies, cheesecakes, or even using it in place of other dairy products like ricotta or Greek yogurt. By highlighting its adaptability as a creamy and protein-rich substitute, these chefs encourage experimentation with cottage cheese in a wide range of recipes, from savory dishes like lasagna and stuffed shells to sweet treats like pancakes and popsicles.
Clarke further recommends using cottage cheese as a flavorful alternative to cream cheese in dips and spreads, emphasizing its protein content and creamy texture. By showcasing the versatility of cottage cheese as a multifunctional ingredient, chefs aim to inspire home cooks to explore new culinary horizons and rethink traditional recipes.
In conclusion, cottage cheese emerges as a versatile and nostalgic ingredient with the ability to elevate a wide range of dishes, from breakfast to dessert. The emotional connection to brands like Good Culture and Daisy Low-Fat Cottage Cheese adds a personal touch to culinary experiences, underscoring the significance of food in shaping memories and traditions. By exploring innovative ways to incorporate cottage cheese into various recipes, chefs aim to inspire creativity and experimentation in the kitchen, celebrating the unique qualities and adaptability of this beloved dairy product.
