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Homemade farm-style cheese platter with olives and fresh green salad on a wooden board.
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Homemade Farm-Style Cheese

Make homemade farm-style cheese with 3 ingredients: milk, vinegar, and salt. Fresh, nutrient-rich, and ready in under an hour.
Course farm style cheese
Cuisine homemade, spanish
Keyword dairy, farm style cheese, low carb, queso fresco
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 4 serving
Calories 148kcal
Author missblasco

Equipment

  • 1 pot
  • 1 Stainer
  • 1 Cheese cloth

Ingredients

  • 4 cups 1 liter fresh pasteurized whole cow’s milk (refrigerated, not UHT)
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar or fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste

Instructions

  • In a large pot, heat 4 cups milk over medium heat to 185°F (85°C), stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
  • Remove from heat and stir in vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the milk curdles, separating into curds (solids) and whey (liquid).
  • If curdling is slow, add an extra teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and stir gently.
  • Line a large strainer with cheesecloth over a bowl.
  • Pour the curdled mixture through, collecting the whey in the bowl below (save for baking or smoothies).
  • Let drain for 15-20 minutes for creamy cheese or up to 30 minutes for a firmer texture, gently squeezing to remove excess whey.
  • Transfer curds to a bowl and mix in sea salt.
  • Shape into a round or log, wrap in fresh cheesecloth, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set.
  • Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Do not freeze, as it may alter texture. Store whey in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze for 2 months.

Notes

From 4 cups of milk, you’ll get about 3 cups of whey, a nutrient-rich liquid perfect for:
  • Baking: Substitute for milk or buttermilk in pancakes, muffins, or bread.
  • Smoothies: Blend with fruit and greens for a protein boost.
  • Soups: Use as a base for light, creamy broths.
  • Fermentation: Add to homemade yogurt for extra probiotics.

Nutrition

Serving: 100g | Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 383mg | Potassium: 374mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 396IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 301mg | Iron: 0.01mg