Homemade Fresh Cheese Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Delight

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

  1. Pour the milk into a large pot and place it over medium heat.
  2. 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

  1. Separate the egg yolks from the whites.
  2. 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

  1. 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

  1. Pour the yogurt and egg white mixture into the hot milk with the egg yolks. Stir gently to combine.
  2. 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

  1. Once the curds and whey have separated, turn off the heat.
  2. 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

  1. Set up a strainer over a large bowl or cup and line it with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.
  2. Carefully transfer the curdled mixture into the strainer, allowing the whey to drain off.
  3. 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

  1. Place the strained cheese into a container and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap.
  2. Refrigerate the cheese overnight to allow it to firm up completely.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Once the cheese has set, remove it from the refrigerator.
  2. 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!