Homemade Feta Cheese: A Delicious and Easy DIY Recipe

Making your own feta cheese at home is a rewarding and surprisingly simple process. With just a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can create a creamy, flavorful cheese that adds a touch of indulgence to your salads, pastas, and snacks. This guide will walk you through the steps to make your own homemade feta cheese, providing tips and answers to common questions along the way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Milk: Start with fresh, high-quality milk. While any type of milk will work, whole milk will yield a creamier and richer feta cheese.
• Acid: You’ll need an acid to curdle the milk and separate the curds from the whey. Lemon juice or white vinegar are commonly used for this purpose.
• Salt: Salt is essential for flavoring the cheese and preserving it. Opt for a coarse sea salt or kosher salt for the best results.

How to Make Homemade Feta Cheese

Step 1: Heat the Milk

1. Pour the milk into a large saucepan.
2. Heat it over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of around 180°F (82°C).

• Tip: Stir the milk occasionally to prevent it from scorching.

Step 2: Add the Acid

1. Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat.
2. Slowly stir in the lemon juice or vinegar.

• Tip: You’ll start to see the milk curdle and separate into curds and whey.

Step 3: Strain the Curds

1. Line a colander with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl or sink.
2. Carefully pour the curdled milk through the cheesecloth, allowing the whey to drain away.
3. Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and gently squeeze out any excess liquid.

• Tip: Be gentle to avoid breaking the curds.

Step 4: Press and Salt the Cheese

1. Transfer the drained curds to a clean bowl.
2. Mix in the salt, adjusting to taste.

• Tip: If you prefer a saltier cheese, you can add more salt.

1. Press the curds into a mold or container lined with cheesecloth.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop.

• Tip: Use a weight to press the cheese for a firmer texture.

Enjoy Your Homemade Feta Cheese

ADVERTISEMENT

Next→