Alton Brown's Cottage Cheese Cheesecake: A Surprising Twist on a Classic Dessert
For many, cheesecake evokes warm memories of indulgent flavors and family traditions. Sara Haas, a registered dietitian and culinary expert, recently shared her experience with Alton Brown's unique take on cheesecake—a version that swaps out the classic cream cheese for cottage cheese! Intrigued by the claim that this recipe might rival even her beloved father’s cream cheese-based masterpiece, Sara set out to test it for herself. Here’s a detailed breakdown of her experience with Alton Brown's cottage cheese cheesecake and her final verdict.
A New Way to Make Cheesecake
Alton Brown’s cheesecake recipe opts for an unconventional ingredient: cottage cheese. Although it lacks the rich, luxurious cream cheese base that defines a traditional cheesecake, this innovative substitution promises a quicker, less labor-intensive dessert with a tangy flavor profile.
Ingredients and Preparation
The recipe creates individual cheesecakes baked in eight-ounce ramekins. It starts with a familiar graham cracker crust, which is pressed into the ramekins and baked. Meanwhile, the filling is prepared by beating sugar and cottage cheese together until combined. Lemon zest, lemon juice, and sour cream are added to the mixture, giving it a citrusy, tangy boost. The recipe rounds off with egg yolks, a whole egg, and vanilla extract, creating a creamy filling that is poured into the crusts.
Baking Method
The cheesecakes are baked in a water bath—a technique where the ramekins are placed in a baking dish surrounded by hot water. This helps achieve even cooking and prevents the tops of the cheesecakes from cracking. After 25 minutes in the oven, the cheesecakes are cooled on the countertop and then chilled in the refrigerator.
The Taste Test
After the cheesecakes set in the fridge, Sara was eager to dive in. The first bite revealed a delightful burst of tangy flavor, with lemon zest shining through in every spoonful. However, the texture proved a bit divisive. While flavorful, the cheesecake lacked the iconic smoothness one expects from a cream cheese-based recipe. Sara could detect tiny particles of cottage cheese, which gave the dessert a faintly curdled mouthfeel—an aspect that didn’t quite match the creamy expectation she had based on her dad’s classic cheesecake.
What Could Be Improved?
Although Sara appreciated the simplicity and tanginess of the recipe, her one major suggestion for improvement was blending the cottage cheese before mixing it into the filling. This step could smooth out any graininess and yield a texture closer to the creamy richness that defines a traditional cheesecake.
Additionally, compared to her dad’s classic cheesecake—which involved hours of meticulous preparation—Alton Brown’s approach prioritized efficiency and ease. This makes it an appealing option for beginner bakers or those short on time.
Final Verdict
While Alton Brown’s cottage cheese cheesecake offers a fun and flavorful twist, Sara concluded that her dad’s traditional cream cheese recipe still reigns supreme for its unparalleled texture and nostalgic charm. However, she acknowledged that Alton’s recipe has merit, especially for those looking to simplify the process of making cheesecakes. With a quick tweak (like blending the cottage cheese), this recipe has great potential to become a go-to option for cheesecake fans craving a less labor-intensive dessert with a refreshing flavor.
Why Try Alton Brown’s Cheesecake?
- Less Time-Intensive: Ideal for busy bakers or those wanting quick results without compromising too much on flavor.
- Refreshing Citrus Notes: The addition of lemon zest and juice adds a bright tang to the cheesecake.
- Portion Control: Baking in ramekins allows for individual servings—perfect for sharing or enjoying in moderation.
Although traditionalists might stick to the classic cream cheese formula, adventurous cooks or cottage cheese lovers will find this recipe a worthy experiment. With Sara’s suggestion of blending the cottage cheese, this dessert could achieve the perfect balance of creamy texture and tangy flavor.
If you’re ready to give Alton Brown’s cottage cheese cheesecakes a try, grab your ramekins, and you might just find a new favorite twist on a timeless treat!
For more tips and recipes from Simply Recipes, check out their guide to cheesecakes and discover other creative culinary experiments worth exploring.
