Making homemade fresh cheese is easier than you might think, and it’s a great way to enjoy a delicious, creamy cheese that you can serve with bread, salad, or on its own. With just a few ingredients—milk, eggs, and yogurt or sour cream—you can create a soft, fresh cheese that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Milk: 1.5 liters (store-bought)
- Salt: 2 teaspoons (divided)
- Eggs: 4 (separated into yolks and whites)
- Yogurt or Sour Cream: 200 grams
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Sugars: 3 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Sodium: 310 mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Milk
- Pour the milk into a large pot and place it over medium heat.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the milk and stir well to dissolve. Heat the milk until it’s hot but not boiling; you should see small bubbles forming around the edges.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- Separate the egg yolks from the whites.
- Add the egg yolks directly into the heated milk, stirring thoroughly to combine. This will help create a smooth texture in the cheese.
Step 3: Combine Yogurt and Egg Whites
- In a separate bowl, mix the egg whites with the yogurt or sour cream. Add the remaining teaspoon of salt and stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Curdle the Milk
- Pour the yogurt and egg white mixture into the hot milk with the egg yolks. Stir gently to combine.
- Allow the mixture to cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You will notice the milk beginning to curdle, separating into solid curds and liquid whey.
Step 5: Rest the Mixture
- Once the curds and whey have separated, turn off the heat.
- Let the mixture rest for 20 minutes to allow complete separation of curds and whey. This rest period helps the curds to firm up slightly.
Step 6: Strain the Cheese
- Set up a strainer over a large bowl or cup and line it with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.
- Carefully transfer the curdled mixture into the strainer, allowing the whey to drain off.
- Press lightly on the curds to remove excess liquid. The more liquid you remove, the firmer the cheese will be.
Step 7: Refrigerate the Cheese
- Place the strained cheese into a container and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the cheese overnight to allow it to firm up completely.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the cheese has set, remove it from the refrigerator.
- Slice and serve the fresh cheese with your favorite accompaniments such as bread, crackers, salad, or simply enjoy it on its own.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Fresh Cheese
- Use Full-Fat Milk: For a richer and creamier cheese, use full-fat milk. Skim or low-fat milk can be used, but the cheese will be less creamy.
- Adjust the Salt: Feel free to adjust the salt to your preference. If you’re serving the cheese with salty accompaniments, you may want to reduce the salt in the recipe.
- Customize the Flavor: Add herbs, spices, or finely chopped vegetables like chives, parsley, or roasted red peppers to the cheese mixture before chilling for a customized flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With Bread and Crackers: Serve the cheese sliced or spread on crusty bread, crackers, or flatbreads for a delicious snack or appetizer.
- In Salads: Add slices of fresh cheese to salads for a creamy, mild flavor that complements greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other fresh veggies.
- As a Topping: Use the cheese as a topping for soups, stews, or baked dishes for added creaminess and flavor.
Storage Tips
- Keep the cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- If you want to store it longer, consider freezing the cheese. However, freezing can change the texture, making it crumblier.
This Homemade Fresh Cheese recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy cheese that’s made with simple, natural ingredients. It’s a versatile addition to your kitchen, perfect for various dishes, and can be easily customized to suit your taste. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful cheese with family and friends!