Homemade Cheese with 3 Ingredients 🧀✨
This Homemade Cheese recipe is a simple, wholesome way to make fresh cheese at home using just three ingredients: milk, yogurt, and lemon juice. It’s creamy, tangy, and perfect for spreading on bread, adding to salads, or enjoying as a snack. With no special equipment or advanced skills required, this recipe is ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Let’s dive into how to make this delicious homemade cheese step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Wholesome : Made with only three natural ingredients—no preservatives or additives.
- Customizable : Add herbs, spices, or salt to suit your taste.
- Quick & Easy : No fancy tools or techniques needed—just patience and love for cooking.
- Versatile : Use it as a spread, dip, or ingredient in other dishes.
- Kid-Friendly : A fun and educational activity for kids to learn about food.
Ingredients
(Makes approximately 200–250g of cheese)
- 1 liter (4 cups) whole milk 🥛
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt 🥄
- Juice of 1/2 lemon 🍋
- Salt , to taste 🧂
- 1 cotton kitchen towel (for straining )
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Milk
- Pour the 1 liter of whole milk into a large pot and heat over medium-low heat , stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Heat the milk until it reaches 180°F (82°C) or starts to steam but does not boil. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Add Yogurt and Lemon Juice
- Stir in the 1 cup of plain yogurt until fully combined with the warm milk.
- Add the juice of 1/2 lemon and gently stir. The acid in the lemon juice will cause the milk to curdle, separating into curds (solid) and whey (liquid).
- Tip : If the milk doesn’t curdle immediately, let it sit undisturbed for 5–10 minutes. You can also add a little more lemon juice if needed.
Step 3: Strain the Curds
- Line a colander with a clean cotton kitchen towel and place it over a large bowl to catch the whey.
- Carefully pour the curdled milk mixture into the colander. Allow the whey to drain for 15–30 minutes , depending on how firm you want the cheese to be.
- For softer cheese : Drain for less time.
- For firmer cheese : Drain longer or press the curds lightly with a spoon.
Step 4: Season and Shape
- Transfer the strained curds to a bowl and season with salt to taste. Mix gently to combine.
- Optional : Add fresh herbs (like dill or chives), cracked black pepper, or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Shape the cheese into a ball or log, or simply leave it loose for spreading.
Step 5: Store and Serve
- Store the cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days .
- Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables, or use it in recipes like sandwiches, salads, or dips.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients : Fresh, high-quality milk and yogurt yield the best flavor and texture.
- Save the Whey : Don’t throw away the leftover whey! Use it in smoothies, soups, or as a substitute for water in baking.
- Adjust Acidity : If you don’t have lemon juice, substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Experiment with Flavors : Mix in chopped nuts, dried fruits, or spices like paprika or cumin for a unique twist.
- Make Ricotta-Style Cheese : For a creamier texture, skip pressing the curds and use the cheese immediately after draining.
Perfect Pairings
This Homemade Cheese pairs beautifully with:
- Bread or Crackers : Spread it on crusty baguette slices or whole-grain crackers.
- Fresh Veggies : Serve with sliced cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers for a healthy snack.
- Herbs and Spices : Top with fresh herbs, olive oil, or za’atar for added flavor.
- Salads : Crumble it over salads for a tangy, creamy addition.
- Breakfast Dishes : Use it as a topping for toast, bagels, or oatmeal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
(Based on 4 servings)
- Calories : ~120 kcal
- Protein : ~8g
- Carbohydrates : ~8g
- Fat : ~6g
- Fiber : ~0g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Cheese is a simple, delicious way to enjoy fresh, creamy cheese without any artificial ingredients. Whether you’re using it as a spread, dip, or ingredient in your favorite dishes, it’s a versatile and satisfying addition to your kitchen repertoire. The process is easy, the ingredients are minimal, and the results are rewarding.
The best part? You can customize the cheese to suit your preferences—add herbs, spices, or even sweeteners for a dessert-style cheese. So grab your milk, yogurt, and lemon, and get ready to make a batch of homemade cheese that’s as wholesome as it is tasty.
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