cream cheese vs. cottage cheese - what's the difference?

If you like soft cheeses, cream cheese and cottage cheese are probably on your favorites list. They are delicious and should be kept in the fridge, as both are very versatile.

But what is the difference between cream cheese and cottage cheese?  Cream cheese and cottage cheese are made by curdling milk with an acid, but cream cheese retains more moisture and blends to a spreadable texture, while cottage cheese is drained and retains a lumpy, curdled texture. Cream cheese is sweeter, and cottage cheese is sourer.

Both are soft. However, cream cheese is smooth, thick, and spreadable. Cottage cheese is a curdled product, so it is not so soft. Cottage cheese contains less fat and fewer calories than cream cheese, making it a healthier option.

In this article we have compared all aspects of cream cheese and cottage cheese: from the manufacturing process to the nutritional data, through the texture and flavor, and their uses.

Differences between cream cheese and cottage cheese

Both cream cheese and cottage cheese are varieties of soft cheese. This means that they are unripened, soft and have a high moisture content. Although we can find some similarities between these two varieties of cheese, they are quite different.

Manufacturing

Cream cheese is made from milk or from a combination of milk and cream. The pH balance of milk is lowered by lactic acid. This causes the milk (or milk and cream) to separate into whey and solids (curds).

The whey is drained and only the curd is used to make the cream cheese. They are heat treated and stabilized with additional ingredients.

The cottage cheese manufacturing process also begins with the milk curdling process. This is also achieved by adding acidic products, such as lactic acid and vinegar.

In the preparation of cottage cheese, they must remove as much liquid as possible from the solidified parts. Starches and other natural stabilizers can be used to keep the curd intact. The curd is then drained and rinsed.

Can you make cream cheese and cottage cheese at home?

You can make cream cheese and cottage cheese at home. For both products, acid is needed for the cream or milk to separate into curds and whey.

To make cream cheese, you have to bring the milk to a simmer. Then you have to add the vinegar keeping the milk on a stable low heat. At this time, the milk begins to curdle.

When the curds have separated from the whey, drain the milk. To transform the curd into cream cheese you will have to use a blender or a food processor. Shred adding fresh or dried herbs and spices.

The cottage cheese is made with the same technique. You just skip the blender step, since cottage cheese is basically the solids left over from the curdling process.

Use a cheesecloth to drain the curdled milk. You can leave some of the whey in with the curds, or you can squeeze the curds dry if you like your cottage cheese with little or no moisture.

moisture content

Since both cream cheese and cottage cheese are varieties of soft cheese, they contain a lot of moisture.

The moisture content of the cream cheese must be at least 30%, but not more than 50%. The moisture content of cottage cheese ranges from 55 to 80%.

Aspect

Cream cheese and cottage cheese are very different in appearance.

Cream cheese is smooth, while cottage cheese is not. As the latter is a curdled product, it will only look smoother when mixed. You can buy small curd or large curd cottage cheese.

Commercial cottage cheese has a bright white color. The color of the cottage cheese is not always bright white. It can oscillate between white and cream tones.

Taste and texture

The flavor of both cream cheese and cottage cheese is mild. Cream cheese tastes sweet and spicy at the same time, while cottage cheese is slightly salty.

Cottage cheese that has a higher percentage of milk fat has a dairy flavor. The lower the milk fat content, the sourer the cottage cheese will taste.

Cream cheese has a smooth, spreadable consistency. Compared to cottage cheese, it is much thicker.

Although cottage cheese is a curdled product, its texture is very creamy, light and smooth.

nutritional data

Cream cheese is high in fat and high in calories. The fat content of cottage cheese is significantly less . It also contains fewer calories, making cottage cheese a good choice for those trying to keep their weight in check.

Both products contain similar amounts of sodium and are low in carbohydrates. They also contain a good amount of calcium, magnesium, vitamin B-6, and cobalamin (vitamin B-12). The latter is essential for the health of nerve and blood cells.

Here is a comparison table of a cup of cream cheese and a cup of small cottage cheese.

Is cottage cheese healthier than cream cheese?

Cottage cheese is certainly a healthier cheese option. 

Cottage cheese is a good source of protein. It will keep you full for longer, thus preventing you from overeating. Due to its high protein content, cottage cheese is also good for people trying to gain muscle mass.

Cottage cheese is said to have a positive impact on bone health. It also contains selenium. The latter is a powerful antioxidant and has a positive impact on the overall health of the body.

Cottage cheese has more fat and calories and is recommended to be consumed in moderation. But this does not mean that cream cheese does not have health benefits. It is a good source of vitamin A and can provide your body with a small amount of antioxidants.

Applications

Cream cheese and cottage cheese are versatile ingredients. You can incorporate them into any meal of the day, be it a light snack or a hearty dinner.

There are a few culinary tasks for which both cream cheese and cottage cheese are suitable:

• bake . You can use cream cheese and cottage cheese to bake cookies, cakes, scones, etc. For low-fat baked goods, cottage cheese is preferable.
• Make pasta . You can make the best cheese sauce for pasta with cream cheese. You can also top the pasta with cottage cheese and it will turn out just as delicious.
• Toast or rolls to spread . Although cream cheese is known as the best spread on bagels, cottage cheese also does a good job. Spread warm bread with cream cheese or cottage cheese, add some fruit and you’ll have a perfect breakfast ready in just a few minutes.
• No bake desserts . Both cream cheese and cottage cheese are often used in no-bake dessert recipes.
• Dipping sauces . You’ve probably made cream cheese dipping sauces for veggies and French fries. But you might be surprised to know that you can also use cottage cheese for dips. Both products make very creamy sauces.
• soups . Cream cheese makes soups the perfect consistency. But did you know that cottage cheese can also be used to make soups?

Other uses for cream cheese and cottage cheese

A popular culinary use for cream cheese is to make a cream cheese frosting. You can decorate cakes and cupcakes with it or use it as a filling for desserts.

Cottage cheese, on the other hand, has other uses.

It can be used as a topping for salads, baked potatoes, scrambled eggs, etc. Pancakes and waffles made with cottage cheese are also delicious.

If you have cottage cheese at home, your breakfast will never be boring. You can mix it with fruit and granola, and even make a filling glass of cottage cheese smoothie.

Storage and shelf life

Since cream cheese and cottage cheese are dairy products, they should always be refrigerated.

Cream cheese will keep for over a week in the fridge if it has been opened. Unopened cream cheese keeps well for about 1 month.

An opened container of cottage cheese keeps well for about 10 days. In the case of unopened cottage cheese stored in the refrigerator, the shelf life is 7 days after its expiration date.

Can cottage cheese be used in place of cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to cream cheese, cottage cheese is a good choice. You can mix it with a small amount of low-fat milk to smooth out the texture and make it similar to cream cheese.

The taste, however, will still be different. Cream cheese is usually sweeter than cottage cheese.

Blended cottage cheese can be used in place of cream cheese in many recipes where you need the smoothness of cream cheese with less fat and calories.

But there are cases when you can not change cream cheese for cottage cheese. In dishes where cream cheese will be melted, cottage cheese will not work because it does not melt.