Homemade Cheese with Milk and Vinegar

Ingredients

  • 1 liter (4 cups) full-fat milk
  • 2–3 tablespoons white vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
  • Fresh herbs (optional, for flavor)

Instructions

  1. Heat the Milk
    • Pour the milk into a large pot and heat it over medium flame.
    • Stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn. Heat until it just starts to boil (small bubbles form at the edges).
  2. Add Vinegar
    • Turn the heat to low and slowly add vinegar (or lemon juice) while stirring gently.
    • You’ll see the milk curdle and separate into white curds (cheese) and greenish liquid (whey).
  3. Strain the Curds
    • Line a colander with a clean cheesecloth or thin cotton towel.
    • Pour the curdled milk mixture into it to separate the curds from the whey.
  4. Rinse & Season
    • Rinse the curds under cold water to remove the vinegar taste.
    • Gather the cloth edges and squeeze gently to remove excess liquid.
    • Add salt or herbs if desired, mixing them in with your hands.
  5. Shape the Cheese
    • Press the cheese into a flat round or block shape (still inside the cloth).
    • Place a heavy object (like a pot) on top and let it press for 1–2 hours.
  6. Serve
    • Unwrap and enjoy your fresh homemade cheese!
    • Perfect for salads, sandwiches, or eating as is.

Would you like me to also give you a creamy spreadable version of this cheese (instead of the firm block)?

Leave a Comment