Description
Learn how to make delicious homemade cheese with just a few simple ingredients. This easy recipe yields a soft cheese similar to paneer or farmer’s cheese, perfect for spreading on crackers or adding to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon whole milk (not ultra-pasteurized)
- 1/4 cup white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
- cheesecloth for straining
Instructions
- Heat the Milk: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the milk over medium heat until it reaches about 190°F, just before boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Add Acid: Remove from heat and slowly stir in the vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit undisturbed for 5–10 minutes as the curds begin to separate from the whey.
- Strain the Curds: Line a colander with a double layer of cheesecloth and set it over a large bowl. Carefully pour the curds and whey into the cheesecloth. Let it drain for 10–30 minutes, depending on desired consistency.
- Season and Store: Transfer the drained curds to a bowl, stir in salt if desired, and use immediately or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
- For a creamier cheese, add a splash of cream before draining.
- You can flavor the cheese with herbs, garlic, or spices once it’s drained.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
