After making my first batch of homemade cottage cheese, I immediately wondered how long does it really last? This dairy product, after all, is seeing a surge in popularity in social media in toting the many health benefits of nutrient-dense protein option. Now, after making my own batch week after week for nearly 6 months, I am sharing my lessons and learnings with you. In this post I share my three key tips for identifying when it has met its expiration date. Let’s dive in.
How is This Type of Cottage Cheese Made?
Cottage cheese is a wonderful addition to one’s daily diet. It’s high in protein and, depending on the milk used, can be low in fat. Making your own is very simple. First, we bring the desired amount of milk to a simmer until the temperature reaches 180 to 190 degree Fahrenheit. Once heated to temperature, add in your lemon juice or distilled white vinegar and stir until the milk begins to curdle. Allow mixture to sit for 30 minutes before straining under cold water and seasoning to craft your own container of cottage cheese. Store cheese in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Store Bought Versus Homemade Cottage Cheese
There are only mild variations in texture and taste if using store bought versus homemade cottage cheese. Most cottage cheese containers sold in grocery stores are comprised of plastic. The date stamped on your airtight container is often not an actual expiration date. Instead, it’s the “sell-by” or “best-by date.” If stored under the recommended conditions and it shows no off odors or visible mold, it should be safe to consume past the date on the container.
Homemade cottage cheese can tend to have smaller curds and often is referred to as “farmers cheese.” It’s creamy in texture and you can control the level of salt added.
By examining its appearance you can use your best judgment to ensure freshness. If it has a foul odor or sour smell and shows visible mold, it should be discarded and not consumed.
Understanding the Shelf Life of Cottage Cheese
When it comes to making and storing fresh cottage cheese, there are a few different ways to know if it is beginning to spoil. It’s worth noting that its shelf life can depend on many factors besides its sell-by date. An open container should stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks after opening. This is where I like to employ the sight-smell-taste general guideline when looking for signs of spoilage.
Sight
One way to check the quality of cottage cheese is to see if it is showing signs of mold. This can look like white specks that do not resemble cheese curds. Another could be very visible signs of mold that will look green in color. If you’re seeing anything that looks out of the ordinary, it’s in your best judgment to toss it out.
Smell
The scent of fresh cheeses is usually neutral with just a hint of sweetness. That said, a cheese’s freshness can undoubtedly be checked by its scent. A sour smell or bad smell is a key indicator the shelf life has expired. In taking a quick smell test, check for an off odor. Is there a rancid smell like sour milk? Does it smell tangy to the point of smelling foul? If the answer is yes, there is a good chance it has gone bad. Toss it out.
Taste
The final test when checking for signs of cottage cheese spoilage is taste. Trust your taste buds here. Is it overly tangy or does it have a sour taste? Does it seem like it has lost its creamy texture and tastes gritty? If the answer is yes to any of these and you’re past the 7 day mark, the cottage cheese has likely spoiled. When in doubt, toss it out.
Tip for Storing Cottage Cheese
The best way to store your cottage cheese is in an airtight container. Because it falls into the soft cheeses category, it has a short shelf life compared to aged hard cheeses like Manchego or Parmesan. Given it’s a perishable product, it’s best to take note of the food safety rules and guidelines outlined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services which state that cottage cheese that is refrigerated at the safe temperature of 40º F or lower should be consumed within two weeks, if unopened, and within one week once opened.
For best results cottage cheese is meant to be stored in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Avoid leaving it out on your counter for extended periods of time. It is also best to keep it in its original packaging or in an airtight container once opened.
But that doesn’t mean you have to toss it out the second it “expires.” To keep it in its best condition, store in a cold refrigerator at a consistent temperature. If it is stored properly, or hasn’t been opened yet, chances are you have a little more time to enjoy it before it really does goes bad.
There are several more ways to help preserve its freshness and quality:
- Refrigerate as soon as possible after purchasing or making your cottage cheese.
- Always use a clean utensil when portioning out your small amount of cheese.
- After spooning out what you need, return the remaining portions to the refrigerator.
- To prevent the separation of additional whey from the product, smooth the surface of the cottage cheese flat with a spoon or spatula knife prior to putting it back in the refrigerator.
- After opening store bought cottage cheese, remove the seal completely from the top of the container. Use the plastic lid to reseal and store.
- If natural separation occurs between uses, simply stir it gently with a fork or spoon to blend it back together.
Can We Freeze Cottage Cheese?
For the best quality you should avoid freezing cottage cheese due to its high moisture content. This can affect the creamy texture and flavor. Although thawed cottage cheese may become gritty when defrosted, given its higher moisture content, some people find that frozen is perfectly acceptable to use in smoothies or for baking. You can whip it up in the food processor or blender to create a creamy cream cheese if the texture of the defrosted cheese isn’t prefered. It is also totally fine to use it in a pre-prepared dish, like lasagna, and then freeze it since it will be baked at a later date. Ultimately, this comes down to personal choice.
Recipes Using Cottage Cheese
Looking for a recipe to make your own homemade cottage cheese? Check out my original article with my go-to recipe here. This has quickly become one of my favorite dairy products and it’s also so easy to make. Once prepared, here are a few ways I love to enjoy it throughout the week:
- Breakfast Bowls topped sautéed veggies, and a fried egg
- In pancakes for added protein
- Mix with avocado and add to a breakfast toast topped with veggies and an egg
- Savory Breakfast Salads with a creamy dressing of whisked cottage cheese and a dollop of greek yogurt
- Enjoy with fruit and preserves like curds and jams and top with granola
- Use as a sour cream substitute
- Whip it up to use as a ricotta substitute for lasagna
- Add it to eggs for a protein boost
- No-churn cottage cheese ice cream
No matter how you enjoy it, cottage cheese makes for a wonderful addition to your weekly meal prep and recipe round ups. Pin this post and reference it whenever you’re finding yourself checking your containers
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