There’s something truly comforting about a warm, sweet, and creamy cottage cheese casserole, especially when it’s paired with the delightful tartness of cherries. This Cottage Cheese Casserole with Cherries is not just a dessert; it’s a slice of nostalgia that can brighten up any gathering or family dinner. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or treat your family to a delicious dessert, this casserole is bound to become a favorite!
Gather Your Cottage Cheese Casserole Ingredients
To make this sumptuous casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Cottage cheese: 800 grams (about 28 oz)
- Pitted cherries: 150 grams (about 5.3 oz)
- Sour cream: 120 grams (about 4.2 oz)
- Sugar: 120 grams (about ½ cup)
- Cornstarch: 40 grams (about ⅓ cup); you can substitute with wheat flour or potato starch if desired
- Eggs: 3 pcs
- Vanilla sugar: 1 pack (about 10 grams)
- Salt: a pinch (about 1 gram)
Step-by-Step Cottage Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering and preparing your ingredients. If you want to adjust the sweetness, feel free to modify the amount of sugar to fit your taste. It’s also a good idea to wash the eggs before you crack them.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, 30 grams of cornstarch, eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend Until Smooth: Using a hand blender or a regular blender, beat the mixture until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous texture. This step is crucial for a creamy casserole.
- Prepare the Cherries: Coat the pitted cherries in the remaining cornstarch. Gently stir them, ensuring they are well covered. You can use fresh cherries or frozen ones straight from the freezer—just don’t thaw them beforehand!
- Layer It Up: Line a baking dish with parchment paper and grease it lightly with vegetable oil. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture in the dish, add the cherries on top, and then layer the remaining cheese mixture. Be sure to press the cherries gently into the surface for even distribution.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Bake the casserole for about 45 to 50 minutes until it turns a lovely golden brown. Once baked, let it cool completely, then cut into slices and serve. Enjoy!
The Best Way to Serve It
Once your Cottage Cheese Casserole with Cherries is baked and cooled, it’s time to dig in! You can serve it warm or cold, depending on your preference. For an extra touch, consider dusting it with powdered sugar or dolloping some whipped cream on top. Fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing touch and make the presentation pop! Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Expert Tips for Cottage Cheese Casserole
- Customize the Flavors: Feel free to experiment with flavors! You can add a bit of lemon zest or cinnamon to the mixture for a unique twist.
- Swap the Fruit: Not a cherry fan? This casserole works wonderfully with blueberries, sliced strawberries, or even diced apples. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit.
- Texture Variation: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can increase the amount of cornstarch slightly. Just be cautious not to make it too dry.
Cottage Cheese Casserole FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the casserole?
While cottage cheese is the star ingredient, you can mix in some ricotta for extra creaminess. However, avoid using strong cheeses, as they may overpower the dish.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold or reheat it in the oven.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix all the ingredients and assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. Bake it fresh the next day for the best results.
Try this Cottage Cheese Casserole with Cherries for your next gathering or family meal! It’s the perfect blend of creamy goodness and fruity sweetness, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do. Enjoy your cooking adventure and happy baking!
Cottage Cheese Casserole with Cherries
Ingredients
Method
- Gather and prepare your ingredients, ensuring they are all at room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, 30 grams of cornstarch, eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend the mixture until smooth using a hand blender or regular blender.
- Coat the pitted cherries in the remaining cornstarch and gently stir to ensure they are well covered.
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it with vegetable oil.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture in the dish, add the cherries on top, and layer the remaining cheese mixture, pressing the cherries gently into the surface.
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Bake the casserole for about 45 to 50 minutes until it turns golden brown.
- Once baked, let it cool completely, then cut into slices and serve.