Crowdie

Crowdie

Crowdie (CROW-dee)

Scottish Fresh Cheese

Prep Time 20 min
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
6
🔥 Calories 124 kcal

A light, crumbly fresh cheese made from skimmed milk and a touch of cream — Scotland's oldest cheese, with a clean, tangy flavour.

Nutrition & Info

120 kcal per serving
Protein 10.0g
Carbs 3.0g
Fat 8.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ dairy

Equipment Needed

large pot muslin cloth colander thermometer

Presentation Guide

Vessel: small ceramic bowl

Garnishes: chives, cracked pepper

Accompaniments: oatcakes, bannock, smoked salmon

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat milk to 30°C (86°F) in a large pot. Remove from heat.

  2. 2

    Add lemon juice, stir gently. Leave undisturbed for 15 min until curds form.

  3. 3

    Pour through a muslin-lined colander. Let whey drain for 30 min.

  4. 4

    Gather the muslin and squeeze gently to remove excess whey.

  5. 5

    Crumble the curds into a bowl. Mix in cream and salt. Add herbs if desired.

  6. 6

    Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Serve with oatcakes.

💡

Did You Know?

Crowdie is so ancient that it was likely brought to Scotland by the Vikings, who made similar fresh cheeses across Scandinavia.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • large pot
  • muslin cloth
  • colander
  • thermometer

Garnishing

chives, cracked pepper

Accompaniments

oatcakes, bannock, smoked salmon

The Story Behind Crowdie

Crowdie is Scotland's most ancient cheese, possibly introduced by Norse settlers over a thousand years ago. It was a crofting staple across the Highlands and Islands, made daily from surplus milk. Highland crofters ate crowdie with oatcakes as a primary protein source. Though nearly extinct by the mid-20th century, it was revived by Susannah Stone in Ross-shire and is now produced commercially.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed breakfast, with oatcakes 📜 Origins: Viking era

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