If you adore creamy, tangy, and herb-infused dairy delights, then you absolutely must try the Best Cottage Cheese with Herbs (Amish Inspired) Recipe. This charming homemade version brings a fresh, rustic twist to traditional cottage cheese by enhancing it with bright freeze-dried chives, a touch of zingy buttermilk, and just the right balance of salt and pepper. The result is a wonderfully smooth yet textured spread that tastes like it came straight from an Amish kitchen, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your breakfasts, snacks, or light meals. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought cottage cheese again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a celebration of simplicity, with every ingredient playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy whole milk cottage cheese to the aromatic chives, these components come together beautifully to deliver that unbeatable balance of herbaceous freshness and velvety richness.
- Whole milk large curd cottage cheese (24 ounces): The creamy, slightly tangy base that gives the dish its lush texture and satisfying bite.
- Buttermilk (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle acidity and helps meld the flavors together while enhancing creaminess.
- Freeze-dried chives (3 tablespoons): Provides the bright, oniony herbal note that makes this cottage cheese uniquely flavorful without any added moisture.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out all the individual flavors and balances the tanginess.
- Freshly ground black pepper (¾ teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and depth to complement the herbs and dairy.
How to Make Best Cottage Cheese with Herbs (Amish Inspired) Recipe
Step 1: Drain the Excess Whey
Start by pouring the whole milk large curd cottage cheese into a wire sieve set over a bowl. Refrigerate it for 1 to 2 hours to gently drain off the excess whey. This simple step concentrates the texture, giving you a creamier, more indulgent cottage cheese without the watery finish that sometimes disappoints. Be sure to discard the whey after—it has done its job!
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Once the cottage cheese is nicely drained, transfer it to a medium bowl. Add the buttermilk, freeze-dried chives, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together until evenly combined. This is where the magic really happens, infusing every bite with that wonderful herbal aroma and a silky bite that feels utterly homemade.
Step 3: Chill to Let Flavors Marry
Place your herby, creamy cottage cheese in an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, ideally up to 24 hours. This wait allows the flavors to deepen and meld together perfectly, giving you a cottage cheese experience that’s far richer and more vibrant than anything store-bought can offer.
Step 4: Enjoy and Store
Once chilled, your Best Cottage Cheese with Herbs (Amish Inspired) Recipe is ready to be enjoyed! It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it perfect for prepping ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
This is your moment to dig in and savor that irresistible blend of creamy texture and fresh herb flavor. Whether spooned over something or eaten by itself, this cottage cheese will quickly become a favorite staple.
How to Serve Best Cottage Cheese with Herbs (Amish Inspired) Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle a few fresh chives or a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving. If you want to get fancy, a little drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few cherry tomato halves can brighten up the plate and add a juicy contrast to the creamy cottage cheese.
Side Dishes
This cottage cheese shines when paired with crusty artisan bread, crisp cucumber slices, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and bell peppers. It also makes a fantastic dollop atop a baked potato or as a creamy complement to grain bowls and salads. It’s versatile enough to brighten up many dishes!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the herbed cottage cheese in small ramekins or pretty bowls for a lovely appetizer or snack tray. For brunch, spread it generously over warm bagels or English muffins, then top with smoked salmon and capers for a show-stopping twist. You can even stuff it inside warm pita pockets with fresh greens for an easy, flavorful lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cottage cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps its fresh taste for up to 5 days, so you can enjoy delicious meals all week long without compromising quality.
Freezing
Although freezing cottage cheese can alter its texture slightly, this recipe freezes reasonably well if necessary. Place it in a well-sealed container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using, and give it a good stir to reincorporate any separated liquid.
Reheating
This cottage cheese is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. It doesn’t need reheating, but if you want to incorporate it into warm dishes, gently fold it in at the end of cooking to preserve its creamy texture and fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chives instead of freeze-dried?
Absolutely! Fresh chives will lend a brighter, juicier flavor, but they can add moisture that might slightly loosen the texture. If using fresh, add them just before serving for the best bite.
Is it necessary to strain the cottage cheese?
Straining is key for this recipe because it removes excess whey, resulting in a thicker, creamier cottage cheese that better absorbs the flavors of the herbs and buttermilk.
Can I substitute buttermilk with something else?
If you don’t have buttermilk, a mixture of plain yogurt and a splash of milk works well as a substitute, adding similar tang and creaminess.
How spicy is the black pepper in this recipe?
The amount of black pepper used provides a gentle warmth—not spicy hot—just enough to enhance the herbs and dairy without overpowering the dish.
What are some other herbs that would work in this cottage cheese?
Dill, parsley, or even a pinch of thyme can be wonderful alternatives or additions. Just be sure to adjust quantities to keep the herb flavor balanced and fresh.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Best Cottage Cheese with Herbs (Amish Inspired) Recipe because it truly transforms a simple dairy staple into something spectacular. With minimal effort and humble ingredients, you create a creamy, flavorful treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Once you taste how fresh, bright, and satisfyingly rich it is, I have no doubt it will earn a permanent spot in your kitchen favorites. Go ahead—give it a whirl and enjoy every delicious spoonful!
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Best Cottage Cheese with Herbs (Amish Inspired) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes prep + 1-2 hours straining + 4-24 hours chilling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Amish
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Amish-inspired Best Cottage Cheese with Herbs recipe is a creamy, flavorful take on traditional cottage cheese, enhanced with freeze-dried chives and a tangy touch of buttermilk. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or spread, it offers a fresh, homemade taste with minimal effort and no cooking required.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 24 ounces whole milk large curd cottage cheese (1 tub)
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons freeze-dried chives
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Strain the Cottage Cheese: Pour the cottage cheese into a wire sieve placed over a larger bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to drain off the excess whey. Discard the liquid collected in the bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the strained cottage cheese with buttermilk, freeze-dried chives, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
- Refrigerate the Mixture: Transfer the prepared cottage cheese into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld and develop.
- Store Properly: Keep the cottage cheese in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy your homemade herb-infused cottage cheese as a delicious snack, spread, or accompaniment to your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Straining the cottage cheese removes excess liquid, resulting in a thicker, creamier texture.
- Freeze-dried chives provide a concentrated herb flavor without extra moisture.
- The resting time in the refrigerator helps the flavors to fully develop for a tastier result.
- Use whole milk large curd cottage cheese for the best texture and richness.
- This recipe requires no cooking, making it quick and easy to prepare.
