Homemade Cheese with 3 Ingredients

Delicious homemade cheese made with just 3 ingredients

Print Recipe

No ratings yet

Homemade Cheese with 3 Ingredients

Make creamy, dreamy cheese at home with just three simple ingredients in under an hour!

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Easy, Homemade

Servings: servings

Calories: 150kcal

Cost: Budget-friendly

Equipment

Large saucepan
Sieve or colander
Cotton kitchen towel

Ingredients

1 liter Whole milk Use high-quality milk for the best results.
1 cup Plain, unsweetened yogurt
1/2 unit Lemon (juice) Juice from half a lemon.
to taste Salt Adjust according to preference.
1 unit Cotton kitchen towel For straining the cheese.

Instructions

Heat the Milk: Pour the whole milk into a large saucepan or pot. Heat over medium heat until it comes just to a simmer, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t scorch on the bottom. Don’t let it boil!
Add Yogurt and Lemon: Once the milk is hot and steamy but not boiling, stir in the yogurt until fully incorporated. Slowly pour in the lemon juice while stirring constantly. The acid from the lemon will help the milk curdle—within a minute or two, you’ll notice curds separating from the whey.
Curds Formation: Turn off the heat. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes, giving the curds time to fully develop.
Prepare to Strain: Line a sieve or colander with a clean cotton towel or cheesecloth, and place it over a large bowl or sink. Carefully ladle or pour the curdled mixture into the lined sieve.
Draining: Gather the ends of the towel and tie them together. Let the cheese drain for at least 20-30 minutes, depending on your desired texture (shorter for soft, longer for firmer cheese). Gently squeeze out excess liquid if you prefer a drier cheese.
Season: Open the towel and transfer the cheese to a bowl. Sprinkle with salt to taste and stir gently to combine. If you wish, mix in fresh herbs, black pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil at this stage.
Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately or press into a mold for a firmer texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding herbs or spices before serving. This cheese is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.

Nutrition