Homemade Cheese Block
Making your own homemade cheese block is easier than you might think, and the results are both delicious and rewarding. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal equipment, you can create a rich, creamy cheese that’s perfect for slicing, grating, or melting. Whether you’re looking for a fresh addition to your cheese board, a flavorful topping for your favorite dishes, or a wholesome snack, homemade cheese offers a customizable taste and texture that store-bought varieties can’t match. Plus, you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to adjust the salt, add herbs, or experiment with different flavors to suit your preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Customizable: You can change the flavor by using different types of cheese or adding herbs and spices.
Healthier: Free from preservatives and artificial additives, making it a healthier option than store-bought cheese.
Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, this cheese block is quick to prepare and easy to make.
Perfect texture: Thanks to the agar agar, this cheese has a smooth, firm texture that’s perfect for slicing, grating, or melting.
Ingredients:
Milk: 1.6 liters (6 ¾ cups)
Corn starch: 100 g (¾ cup)
Agar agar: 16 g (4 teaspoons)
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Butter: 30 g (2 tablespoons)
Hard cheese (grated): 200 g (2 cups)
Directions:
Prepare the mixture:
In a large pot, combine milk, corn starch, agar agar, and salt. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
Cook:
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Cook for 16-20 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Add butter:
Stir in the butter and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
Add cheese:
Gradually add grated hard cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Cook for an additional 7-10 minutes until fully combined.
Cool and set:
Pour the mixture into a greased container or mold and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
Serve: Once set, slice the cheese block and serve as desired.
Cooking Tips:
Use a whisk while stirring the milk mixture to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
You can substitute the hard cheese with your favorite variety, such as cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella.
To give your cheese a flavorful twist, add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or a pinch of chili flakes.
Serving Suggestions:
Slice and use in sandwiches or wraps.
Grate and use over pasta or salads.
Serve alongside crackers or fresh veggies as a snack.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezer: You can freeze the cheese block for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Tip: Slice or grate the cheese before freezing for easier use after thawing.
Nutritional Benefits:
Protein-packed: Cheese is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Rich in calcium: This recipe provides a good amount of calcium, which is important for healthy bones and teeth.
No preservatives: Unlike store-bought cheese, this homemade version is free from artificial additives and preservatives.
Dietary Information:
Vegetarian-friendly (if using vegetarian-friendly hard cheese)
Gluten-free
Contains dairy
Nutritional Facts (per 1 slice, approximately 30g):
Calories: 120 kcal
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Calcium: 150 mg
Sodium: 250 mg