Homemade Cheese in 5 Minutes – Just Milk & Vinegar!

Homemade Cheese in 5 Minutes

Forget store-bought cheese—this incredibly easy, fresh homemade cheese requires just two ingredients and 5 minutes of your time! By adding vinegar to milk, you’ll get a mild, creamy, and versatile cheese perfect for salads, spreads, or even paneer-style dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Cheese
✅ Only 2 ingredients – Milk + vinegar (or lemon juice).
✅ Ready in minutes – No aging, no special equipment.
✅ Customizable – Make it soft or firm, salted or herbed.
✅ No preservatives – Pure, fresh, and natural.

Ingredients & Tools
What You Need:
4 cups whole milk (not ultra-pasteurized)

2 tbsp white vinegar (or lemon juice)

½ tsp salt (optional, for flavor)

Optional Add-Ins:
Herbs (dill, chives, garlic powder)

Red pepper flakes

Black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the Milk

Pour milk into a saucepan and heat on medium until steaming (180°F/82°C). Don’t boil!

2. Add Vinegar & Curdle

Remove from heat, add vinegar, and stir gently.
Within 30 seconds, the milk will separate into curds (solids) and whey (liquid).

3. Strain the Curds

Line a colander with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.
Pour the mixture in, letting the whey drain off.

4. Press & Shape (Optional)

For firmer cheese, gather the cloth and gently squeeze out excess liquid.
For spreadable cheese, leave it slightly moist.
Mix in salt or herbs if desired.

5. Enjoy!

Use immediately as a:
- Spread (like ricotta)
- Crumbled topping (like paneer or queso fresco)
- Firm cheese (press under a weight for 1 hour)

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheese

🔥 Best milk? Whole milk works best (avoid ultra-pasteurized).
🍋 No vinegar? Lemon juice works too (slightly tangier).
🧂 Flavor boost – Add herbs, garlic, or chili flakes while warm.
💧 Save the whey! Use it in smoothies, soups, or bread dough.

Ways to Use Your Homemade Cheese

🍅 On toast – With honey or jam for a sweet-savory bite.
🥗 In salads – Crumble over greens with olive oil.
🍝 In pasta – Toss with warm noodles and herbs.
🌯 As filling – For stuffed peppers or omelets.