Description
This simple homemade cheese recipe uses just four basic ingredients to create fresh, creamy cheese. With only 50 minutes of active cooking plus resting time, you’ll enjoy a natural and delicious cheese perfect for spreads, snacks, or cooking. Using whole milk, eggs, salt, and sour cream, this recipe guides you through boiling, whisking, cooking, and pressing the cheese to achieve a delightful texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 quart whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 16 ounces sour cream
Instructions
- Boil the Milk: In a large pot over medium heat, bring the whole milk to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: While the milk is heating, whisk together the eggs and salt in a large bowl. Then, whisk in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Cook Mixture: Slowly pour the egg and sour cream mixture into the boiling milk while continuously stirring. Cook the combined mixture for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking, until the mixture curdles and separates.
- Cool: Remove the pot from heat and let the curdled mixture cool to room temperature.
- Drain Curds: Line a colander with a clean cheesecloth and pour the cooled curd mixture into it to drain the liquid whey.
- Squeeze and Press Cheese: Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and squeeze out as much whey as possible from the cheese curds.
- Weigh Down: Place the cheesecloth bundle on a plate, then put a heavy object on top to press the cheese further. Let it sit and press for at least 5 hours to firm up.
Notes
- Make sure to stir constantly during boiling and cooking to prevent the milk from scorching.
- The resting and pressing time can be extended for a firmer cheese texture.
- The cheese can be stored refrigerated for up to a week and used in salads, sandwiches, or cooking.
- Use fresh, high-quality whole milk for the best flavor and texture.
