Homemade Vinegar Cheese – Make Fresh Cheese in Minutes Without Curds or Aging 🧀🥛🔥
Did you know you can make soft, fresh cheese at home with just milk and vinegar ? No rennet, no fancy tools — just a few minutes on the stove and a splash of apple cider vinegar!
This homemade vinegar cheese (also known as junket or cottage cheese-style cheese ) is creamy, slightly tangy, and perfect for baking, spreading, or melting into casseroles like our bonus recipe: Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake 🥦🍗🧀
Let’s dive into how to make this incredibly easy cheese — and use it in a comforting baked dish your family will love!
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cheese Hack
- No store-bought cheese needed : Just milk, vinegar, and salt.
- Fast & easy : Ready in under 15 minutes — no waiting or straining overnight!
- Perfect for baking : Melts beautifully in pasta dishes or casseroles.
- Great for meal prep : Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Totally customizable : Add herbs, lemon zest, or spices for extra flavor.
🧀 Step 1: Make Your Own Fresh Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1.5 liters whole milk (6 1/3 cups)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar / lemon juice)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: ½ tsp cream of tartar (for smoother texture)
Instructions:
- In a large pot over medium heat, bring the milk almost to a boil — around 8–10 minutes , stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Once milk starts to steam and small bubbles form around the edges, remove from heat.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar and let sit for 5–10 minutes — the milk will begin to curdle.
- Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.
- Pour the curdled milk into the strainer — gently press down to separate the curds from whey.
- Let drain for 15–20 minutes , or until thickened to your desired texture.
- Season with a pinch of salt — and optional herbs, garlic powder, or lemon zest .
Tip: For a richer cheese, add 50g melted butter to the warm curds and mix well.
You now have a soft, spreadable, mild-flavored cheese perfect for baking, spreading on toast, or mixing into sauces!
🍝 Step 2: Use It in a Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake 🥦🍗🧀
Now that you’ve made your own cheese, let’s put it to work in a rich, comforting baked casserole that everyone will adore.
Ingredients for Pasta Bake (Serves 6–8):
- 12 oz penne or elbow pasta , cooked and drained
- 2 chicken breasts , diced and sautéed
- 2 cups broccoli florets , steamed or microwaved until tender
- 1.5 cups homemade vinegar cheese (plus ½ cup if you want extra gooey layers)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour (to help thicken sauce)
- 1 cup milk (add more if needed for sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg or paprika for depth
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Baked Pasta Recipe Using Homemade Cheese
Step 1: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a small saucepan:
- Melt butter over low heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute .
- Gradually add milk , whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes , until thickened.
- Stir in homemade cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper , and optional nutmeg or paprika .
Let cool slightly before mixing with pasta.
Step 2: Combine Everything
In a large bowl:
- Toss together:
- Cooked pasta
- Sauteed chicken
- Steamed broccoli
- Cheese sauce
Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish .
Smooth the top and dot with extra cheese if desired.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes .
Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes , or until golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve Warm & Enjoy
Scoop out hearty portions and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite — knowing you made the cheese yourself!
Pair with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete comfort meal.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- With a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
- Try it topped with crispy breadcrumbs or crushed bacon .
- Stack with grilled chicken or salmon for protein-packed meals.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or crusty rolls .
- Perfect with a cold drink like iced tea or lemon water .
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in fridge for up to 4 days .
- Freezer: Freeze cooled portions in ziplock bags for up to 3 months . Thaw and reheat when ready.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the pasta bake ahead and refrigerate — bake just before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in oven at 300°F (150°C) or microwave with a damp paper towel for best results.
✅ Expert Tips for Success
- Use whole milk for the richest cheese — skim gives a lighter result.
- Don’t boil the milk — just bring it to a near-boil to avoid burning.
- Want a firmer cheese ? Press the curds into a mold and chill for 1 hour.
- Swap vinegar with lemon juice for a tangier finish.
- Make it plant-based : Use oat or soy milk and apple cider vinegar for vegan version.
🧠 Nutritional Highlights
While indulgent, this homemade cheese brings some surprising benefits:
- Milk delivers calcium and vitamin D for strong bones.
- Apple cider vinegar supports digestion and blood sugar balance .
- Broccoli and chicken give fiber, protein, and antioxidants.
- Enjoy as part of a balanced lifestyle — especially with greens or lean proteins.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Vinegar Cheese Method proves that you don’t need expensive ingredients or complex steps to enjoy homemade dairy goodness. And when you use it in a Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake , you get the ultimate fusion of DIY flair and comfort food magic.
Whether you’re short on budget, trying to eat more natural foods, or simply curious about making your own cheese — this recipe brings bold flavor, creamy texture, and serious satisfaction straight to your kitchen.
So grab your pot, pour in that milk, and get ready to fall in love with every slice of homemade cheesy comfort!
