How to Make Cheese: A Simple + Delicious Farmer Cheese Recipe
This homemade farmer cheese is the ultimate DIY project for cheese lovers, requiring just three ingredients and minimal effort. Made with rich and creamy Alta Dena Whole Milk, this cheese is fresh, tangy, and endlessly versatile. Whether you spread it on toast, crumble it into salads, or dress it up with your favorite herbs and spices, this recipe delivers a delightful, wholesome cheese that’s miles ahead of anything store-bought. Prepare to become a cheese-making convert!
Equipment
- Large Heavy Bottomed Pot
- Instant Read Thermometer
- Colander
- Cheesecloth
Ingredients
- 1/2 gallon Alta Dena Whole Milk 8 cups
- 1/4 cup white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Milk
- Pour your Alta Dena Whole Milk into a large pot. Set it on medium heat and stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Heat the milk until it reaches about 180°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you’re looking for tiny bubbles forming around the edges, and the surface should look like it’s threatening to break into a boil but hasn’t quite gotten there.
Step 2: Add the Acid
- Turn off the heat and slowly stir in your vinegar or lemon juice. You’ll see the milk start to curdle almost immediately—this is the magic moment! The curds will separate from the whey (remember, Miss Muffet was onto something with her little curds and whey obsession).
Step 3: Let It Sit
- Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes. This gives the curds time to really develop and firm up.
Step 4: Strain the Curds
- Stir any add-ins into the curds. Place your cheesecloth over a colander and pour the curds and whey mixture into it. The whey will drain off, leaving you with beautiful, tender curds. Gently stir-in the salt. Pull up the edges of the cheesecloth around the curds and squeeze out any excess whey. If you want a creamier cheese, you can leave in a little whey. If you squeeze most of it out, it will be more crumbly.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Transfer your wrapped cheese to a plate and gently pat into a disk shape. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour to set up.
Video
Notes
Variations and Add-Ins
Here’s where things get fun. Farmer cheese is a blank canvas just waiting for your creative touch. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Herb Garden Delight: Stir in fresh chopped herbs like dill, chives, or basil. This version is perfect for spreading on toast or stuffing into omelets.
Garlic and Black Pepper: For a punch of flavor, mix in minced garlic and freshly cracked black pepper. This one’s great crumbled over a salad or melted into pasta.
Sweet and Creamy: Add a spoonful of honey and a handful of dried fruit (think cranberries or apricots) for a sweet twist. Spread it on a bagel, and thank me later.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. Perfect for topping tacos or adding to a grain bowl.
Nutrition
Serving: 1portionCalories: 228kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 12gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 377mgPotassium: 568mgSugar: 18gVitamin A: 613IUCalcium: 466mgIron: 0.004mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!