Quark Cheese | Wisconsin Cheese (2024)

Quark lights up our life in cheese

We have Germany to thank for introducing us to quark, a milky fresh, slightly tart spreadable cheese that's kind of a cross between sour cream and ricotta. The Germans pronounce it "kvarg." Here in Wisconsin, we pronounce it "quite scrumptious."

Packed with protein but zero salt, quark can do anything Greek yogurt can do. It's a specialty cheese that's especially good at adding moisture and creamy flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. So, thanks again to the Germans for making us realize how much we needed this light and silky smoothie to complete our cheese life. Quark, you had us at hello.

What can you do with quark?

Quark is a team player – it'll take on any role you ask it to. Quark can add creamy flavor to moussaka or Indian butter chicken just as easily as cheesecakes or blueberry parfaits. We love it dolloped on potatoes or stirred into rich pasta dishes, spread over toast, or mixed with whip cream and lemon zest to fill a crepe. Quark makes great cheese dips, too. Try mixing it with mango chutney and lime for a spicy sweet-and-sour party dip.

When quark is on the table, it adores light and bright beverages – think crisp German and Austrian whites like riesling, Müller-Thurgau and Grüner Veltliner. But really, anything slightly acidic and off-dry will make quark happy.

Why Wisconsin Quark Cheese

The Germans may have invented quark, but Wisconsin cheesemakers (and cheese eaters) have gone gaga over this creamy white charmer. It's just one more example of the truth of our cheesemaking abilities. We know that here in Wisconsin, we make some of the best cheese in the world.

Sorry if that sounds a little braggadocious. (It's not really like us to toot our own horn, but darn it, our cheese really needs some tooting.) Our cheesemakers have been making world-class cheese for over 175 years – since before Wisconsin was even a state. Today, we make more flavors, varieties, and styles of cheese, quark included, than any other state or country in the world. And our 5,552 cheese awards? They just go to show that the world pretty much agrees – if it's quark or any other cheese from Wisconsin, it's likely to be the best cheese on the planet.

Craving award-winning aged cheddar, pining for parmesan, or searching for a new cheese to try? The world’s best cheese is just a click away! Explore our directory of Wisconsin cheesemakers and retailers who offer online cheese shopping and get cheese shipped right to your door. What are you waiting for?

Quark Cheese | Wisconsin Cheese (2024)

FAQs

What is quark called in the USA? ›

Quark is a soured milk, fresh, unaged cheese product which is gaining popularity in the U.S. because of its versatility. You also will hear it called dry curd cheese, farmer's cheese and sometimes pot cheese.

What is the American equivalent of quark? ›

So what are the best quark substitutes? Cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt culture, mascarpone cheese, and crème fraîche are all good alternatives to quark cheese, though you really owe it to yourself to try making this fantastic cheese yourself to find its own unique cheese voice!

What is a quark cheese? ›

Quark is a creamy, mild fresh cheese common throughout Northern and Eastern Europe. It's consumed on its own as a breakfast food, similar to Greek or Icelandic yogurt, and incorporated into dips, baked goods, and other recipes.

What is the English version of quark? ›

Quark is traditional in the cuisines of Baltic, Germanic and Slavic-speaking countries as well as amongst Ashkenazi Jews and various Turkic peoples. Dictionaries sometimes translate it as curd cheese, cottage cheese, farmer cheese or junket.

What supermarket sells quark? ›

Tesco Quark Fat Free Soft Cheese 250G.

Does Aldi carry quark? ›

Emporium Plain Quark Spoonable Soft Cheese 250g | ALDI.

Does Trader Joe's sell quark cheese? ›

In the U.S., quark cheese is readily available at health food stores, but it can also be found at chains like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.

Is ricotta and quark the same thing? ›

Quark is a fresh cheese of European origin. It is a mild creamy cheese without the sour taste of yogurt. It is a soft un-aged cheese and is not the same thing as cream cheese or cottage cheese. It is also distinct from ricotta because ricotta is made from scalded whey.

Is quark just cottage cheese? ›

Technically a cottage cheese but closer in taste and texture to yogurt, quark is certainly Germany's, and perhaps even the world's, best kept dairy secret. This creamy, spoonable cheese can be eaten plain or in combination with granola, nuts, fruits, roasted vegetables—just about anything your taste buds fancy.

Is Philadelphia cream cheese the same as quark? ›

Quark, a German cheese made from buttermilk and heavy whipping cream, has a creamy consistency and tangier taste than cream cheese. Think of it as a cross between cream cheese and yogurt. You can use the same amount of quark, but you may want to adjust the recipe to make up for the increased sour flavor.

Can you eat quark every day? ›

Like many things, quark is healthy — but only when it's consumed in moderation and is part of a balanced diet that is rich in a wide variety of foods. Quark's fat content ranges from 1% to 40%, but it's always extremely high in protein.

Is quark good for your gut? ›

It's gut friendly

Full of mesophillic bacteria (don't worry, it's the good kind of bacteria), quark can help you maintain a healthy happy digestive environment that'll in turn mean that you're able to absorb all the good stuff that passes through and generally keep you healthy!

What is closest to quark cheese? ›

Greek yogurt is an acceptable substitute for desserts calling for quark, and other non-baking recipes.

What replaced quark? ›

Top 10 Alternatives to QuarkXPress Recently Reviewed By G2 Community
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What is the German word for quark? ›

noun. curd [noun] (also curdsnoun plural) the solid substance formed when milk turns sour, used in making cheese.

Does Trader Joe's carry quark? ›

Stores like Lowes Foods and ShopRite carry quark from Wünder Creamery in their yogurt aisles. Different brands of the dairy product can be found at stores like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods in the yogurt or cheese aisles, whileKroger carries cups of quark from Vermont Creamery in some of its locations too.

Are cottage cheese and quark the same? ›

Technically a cottage cheese but closer in taste and texture to yogurt, quark is certainly Germany's, and perhaps even the world's, best kept dairy secret. This creamy, spoonable cheese can be eaten plain or in combination with granola, nuts, fruits, roasted vegetables—just about anything your taste buds fancy.

Is quark the same as ricotta? ›

Quark is a fresh cheese of European origin. It is a mild creamy cheese without the sour taste of yogurt. It is a soft un-aged cheese and is not the same thing as cream cheese or cottage cheese. It is also distinct from ricotta because ricotta is made from scalded whey.

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