Cheese lovers, rejoice! Have you ever wanted to know how to make feta cheese? Look no further because we have the perfect recipe for you. Feta cheese is a delicious and versatile type of cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you want to make a classic Greek salad or add it to a homemade pizza, feta cheese will add a savory and salty kick to any recipe. Best of all, making feta cheese is easier than you might imagine.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let's make sure we have everything we need. Here are the ingredients required to make feta cheese:
- 1 gallon of whole milk
- 1/4 cup of white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of liquid rennet
- 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
Instructions
Now that we have all of our ingredients, let's get started on making feta cheese. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Heat the Milk
Pour the gallon of whole milk into a large pot and heat it over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and heat the milk until it reaches 86°F (30°C). This should take about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Vinegar or Lemon Juice
Remove the pot from the heat and add the 1/4 cup of white vinegar or lemon juice. Stir the milk gently for a few seconds and then let it sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. During this time, the milk should begin to curdle and separate into curds and whey.
Step 3: Add the Rennet
After 10 minutes, add the 1/2 teaspoon of liquid rennet to the pot. Stir it gently for a few seconds and then let it sit undisturbed for another 10 minutes. During this time, the curds should begin to fully separate from the whey.
Step 4: Cut the Curds
Using a long knife, slice the curds vertically and then horizontally to create cubes. Make sure to slice all the way down to the bottom of the pot. The size of the cubes will determine the texture of the feta cheese, so try to be as consistent as possible.
Step 5: Salt the Curds
Sprinkle the 1 tablespoon of kosher salt over the top of the curds and stir gently to distribute it evenly. Let the curds sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Drain the Curds
Line a colander with cheesecloth and gently scoop the curds into the cheesecloth. Tie the cheesecloth into a bundle and hang it over a bowl or sink to drain for at least 4 hours or overnight. The longer you let it drain, the firmer the feta cheese will be.
Step 7: Store the Feta Cheese
After the cheese has finished draining, remove it from the cheesecloth and transfer it to an airtight container. To keep it fresh, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
And there you have it! You have successfully made your own feta cheese. Use it to add flavor to your favorite dishes or impress your friends and family at your next dinner party. Enjoy!
