Here’s a super simple recipe for Homemade Cheese using just 3 ingredients — no fancy tools, no special cultures. This method gives you a soft, crumbly cheese similar to paneer or ricotta. Ready in under an hour!
🧀 Homemade Cheese (3 Ingredients)
🍽️ Makes: About 1 cup
⏰ Time: 30–45 minutes
⭐ Ingredients:
1 liter (4 cups) whole milk
(Use full-fat cow’s milk for best results. Avoid ultra-pasteurized milk.)
2–3 tablespoons lemon juice (or white vinegar)
Salt to taste
🔪 Instructions:
1. Heat the Milk
Pour the milk into a large saucepan.
Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
When it reaches a gentle boil (starts to foam around the edges), remove from heat.
2. Curdle the Milk
Slowly add lemon juice or vinegar, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring gently after each addition.
The milk should curdle — the curds (white chunks) will separate from the whey (yellowish liquid).
If it doesn’t curdle after 2–3 tbsp, return to low heat and add a bit more acid.
3. Strain the Curds
Line a sieve or colander with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.
Place over a large bowl or the sink.
Pour the curdled mixture into the cloth to separate the whey from the curds.
Let drain for 15–30 minutes, depending on how soft or firm you want your cheese.
4. Season and Shape (Optional)
Once drained, sprinkle with salt to taste and mix gently.
You can:
Use it as-is (soft and spoonable, like ricotta),
Or press it under a weight for 1–2 hours for a firmer block (like paneer).
🧂 Optional Add-Ins:
Herbs (chives, parsley, dill)
Cracked pepper
Garlic powder
Chili flakes
🧊 Storage:
Keeps in the fridge for 3–4 days in an airtight container.