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YOGURT CHEESE

Yogurt Cheese
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Yogurt cheese is a popular alternative to cream cheese and sour cream.

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Yogurt cheese can be used as a low-fat substitute for cream cheese and sour cream in spreads, toppings, dips, and desserts, or anywhere else cream cheese or sour cream is called for. There are many recipes for yogurt cheese; basically, they all involve the straining of the liquid from fresh yogurt. Once the whey is removed, the firm yogurt solids that remain are called “cheese.”

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Varieties

Yogurt cheese can easily be made from low-fat or fat-free yogurt that is free of gelatin and thickeners.

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Buying and storing tips

Covered and stored in the refrigerator, yogurt cheese will keep for about four days.

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Availability

While many yogurt varieties are widely available in natural foods, grocery, and specialty stores, yogurt cheese is not commercially available. You can make your own using cheesecloth or other common kitchen items, or purchase an inexpensive yogurt cheese maker.

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Preparation, uses, and tips

Most yogurt cheese is made from plain unflavored yogurt, but if you’re looking for something sweet, you can try making it from lemon or vanilla yogurt. Spoon the yogurt into a cheesecloth-lined strainer or a coffee filter, and set it atop a container to catch the whey. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, then discard the liquid that has drained into the container. The longer the yogurt is allowed to drain, the harder the cheese will be. Refrigerate the yogurt cheese in a covered container until needed. Use the cheese just as you would use sour cream or cream cheese.

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Nutritional Highlights

Yogurt cheese (nonfat), 1/2 cup
Calories: 126
Total Fat: 0.4g

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