Yogurt cheese is something every home cook should learn how to make and should use in some recipes calling for full fat cheese. Even if weight is not a concern, it is still worth trying. Not only is it tasty, it is extremely easy to make and is affordable.
This versatile homemade cheese can be used in many ways in food. The flavor is quite mild and the texture resembles somewhat like thick cream cheese when finished. Because of the mild taste, many flavorings and seasonings including herbs can be added to give it depth and flavor. The longer the cheese is left with the seasonings or herbs blended into it, it becomes even more flavorful.
Ideas for Using Yogurt Cheese
What are some ways to incorporate yogurt cheese into a healthy diet? Try using some of these suggestions for savory and sweet dishes.
- Use yogurt cheese with the addition of fruity jam mixed in and spread on a bagel or toast instead of cream cheese.
- Make an herbed cheese spread with fresh herbs of your choice. Add fresh minced garlic to boost the flavors even more. Use the mixture on toasted French bread or fancy crackers as an appetizer.
- Mix into pasta.
- Use yogurt cheese, instead of using ricotta in making homemade lasagna
- Use in a place of cream cheese to make a healthier alternative for a homemade cheesecake.
- For a tasty breakfast, mix yogurt cheese with honey and walnuts
- Make a veggie dip
- Make a sweet yogurt cheese by using flavored sweetened yogurt for spreading on toast and bagels.
To make yogurt cheese is quite simple. The only required equipment is a coffee filter or a couple of layers of cheesecloth. This will be needed to draw the whey (liquid) from the fresh yogurt. Also, be sure to not purchase a yogurt with gelatin, as this does not allow the whey to separate from the yogurt to create a cheese.
This recipe calls for 3 cups of plain low-fat or non-fat yogurt to yield 1 1/2 cups of cheese. If less is needed, simply divide the recipe in half. If a richer taste is desired, use whole plain yogurt in this recipe.
Yogurt Cheese Recipe
- 3 cups plain low-fat or non-fat yogurt
- (Makes 1 ½ cups of cheese)
- Large coffee filter or cheesecloth
Directions:
- Place the coffee filter or a couple of layers of cheesecloth, into the center of a large strainer or colander and place a bowl underneath. (This is necessary in order to drip the whey from the yogurt) If using cheesecloth, bring together the corners of the cloth and tie together to create a tight tall. Fasten with a twisty tie.
- If using a coffee filter, just let the mixture drain naturally and cover with plastic wrap. It won’t form such a uniform ball as the cheesecloth, but will still yield nice results.
- Place the yogurt cheese into the refrigerator and let drip for a minimum of six hours or overnight. The longer the yogurt is left to drain, the firmer the cheese will be.
- When the desired consistency has been achieved, squeeze any extra whey liquid from the cheese.
- Place in a container in the refrigerator. Will keep for two weeks.
Vanessa LaBranche - Vanessa is a culinary graduate from the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is passionate about baking and ...
