What Is Dry Cottage Cheese and How To Use It? All About the Protein Superfood and 2 Easy Recipes
Whenever I think the cottage cheese rabbit hole couldn’t get any deeper, another variety pops and wows my taste buds. Recently, I came across dry cottage cheese — which is a less liquidy version of the dairy superfood. You’re not missing out on deliciousness or protein as dry cottage cheese has both. Plus, it’s versatile to use in hot or cold dishes without giving them a watery consistency. Keep reading for more on this type of cottage cheese as it’s sure to become one of your protein dairy staples!
How dry cottage cheese differs the regular kind
All varieties of cottage cheese start with the same process: milk is heated before an acidic ingredient is added to separate it so curds form. Once drained and rinsed, Erin Coffield, RDN, LDN, registered dietitian at National Dairy Council, describes the final steps that create multiple kinds of cottage cheese. “For small and large curd cottage cheese, a ‘dressing' is added to the dry curds at the end of the cheesemaking process that will typically consist of some blend of cream, milk, salt and maybe citric acid,” she explains. “Some brands may add less ‘dressing’ which can result in a drier version. However, for a true dry curd cottage cheese, no dressing is added.” When it comes to dry cottage cheese, it has a solid texture rather than a milky consistency as little to no liquid is added to the curds. However, it’s slightly salty and tangy like regular cottage cheese. So, dry cottage cheese is great if you want to enjoy the dairy plain or in dishes without a ton of moisture included.
The health benefits of dry cottage cheese
Cottage cheese’s reputation largely stems from its health benefits — and the dry kind is no different. One cup of dry cottage cheese contains 104 calories and 15 grams of protein. This is ideal especially to boost your intake of dairy proteins, which are full of amino acids that may help strengthen your immune system and promote weight loss. These benefits give you more than enough reason to add dry cottage to your regular diet. Though, if you’re lactose intolerant, be sure to consult your doctor to see if it’s okay to consume.
Best uses for dry cottage cheese
While dry cottage cheese is less creamy than most varieties, it’s still just as versatile. “Dry curd cottage cheese works well in recipes where you are looking for less liquid so it would be a perfect choice for dishes like lasagna, stuffed shells or stuffed pepper and tomatoes and also baked goods like cheesecake,” Coffield says. Additionally, she notes this cottage cheese is great for cold dishes such as spreads, salad dressings and pudding as it results in a thicker consistency. You can find typically dry cottage cheese (often sold as "dry curd cottage cheese") in the dairy aisle.
2 delicious recipes that use dry cottage cheese
Below, our test kitchen shares two recipes that are perfect for adding dry cottage cheese. Give them a try the next time you’re craving a sweet or savory dish!
Mini Cherry-Almond Clafoutis
Ingredients:
4 large eggs
2 cups (16 oz.) dry curd cottage cheese
6 tbsp. sugar substitute, like Monk Fruit in the Raw
1 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups fresh cherries, halved and pitted
Directions:
Active: 5 mins
Total time: 35 mins
Yield: 4 servings
Heat oven to 325°F.
In large bowl, whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, sugar substitute, almond extract and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Divide cherries evenly among six 8 oz. ramekins. Pour batter over cherries.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until center is set and edges are golden brown. Cool completely. Garnish with additional fresh cherries and powdered sugar, if desired.
Lemon-Pepper Potato Salad
Ingredients:
6 medium all-purpose potatoes, peeled, cut into 1?-inch pieces
? cup dry cottage cheese
2 Tbs. light mayonnaise
1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. lemon-pepper seasoning
? cup chopped celery
? cup chopped red and/or green peppers
? cup fresh parsley leaves
1 scallion, chopped
2 hard-cooked eggs, peeled, cut into chunks
Directions:
Active: 30 mins
Total time: 1 hr.
Yield: 6 servings
In pot, combine potatoes with enough salted water to cover. Over high heat, bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Cook until potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain well and let cool completely.
Puree cottage cheese; transfer to large bowl. Whisk in mayonnaise, mustard, lemon-pepper seasoning and ? tsp. salt. Add celery, pepper pieces, parsley and scallion; toss until coated. Gently fold in potatoes and eggs. Serve at room temperature.
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