Rustic Homemade Herbed Cheese Recipe: A Flavorful Adventure

Crafting a delectable herbed cheese at home brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Soft cream cheese blends seamlessly with fresh garden herbs, creating a spread that dances across your taste buds.

Fragrant green snippings like chives, dill, and parsley infuse incredible depth into every creamy bite.

Kitchen experiments often spark unexpected delights, and this recipe promises something special.

Simple ingredients transform into a luxurious accompaniment that impresses without complicated techniques.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, making this herbed cheese a perfect addition to your cooking repertoire.

You’ll want to savor every smooth, herb-flecked moment of this delightful homemade creation.

Why Homemade Herbed Cheese Is A Fresh, Flavorful Treat

• Create Gourmet Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality cheese with minimal cooking skills, impressing family and friends with your culinary prowess.
• Customize Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, or basil to craft a unique cheese that reflects your personal taste preferences.
• Craft Healthier Alternative: Control exactly what goes into your cheese by avoiding preservatives and artificial ingredients, making a fresher and more nutritious homemade version compared to store-bought options.
• Master Simple Technique: Learn a fundamental cheese-making process that builds confidence in the kitchen and opens doors to creating more artisan dairy products with just a few basic tools and ingredients.

What You’ll Use For Homemade Herbed Cheese

• Milk: Fresh whole milk serves as the primary ingredient for creating the cheese base.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient helps separate the milk into curds and whey during the cheese-making process.

• Salt: Adds essential seasoning to bring out the cheese's natural flavor.
• Provencal Herbs: A blend of dried herbs that provides a classic Mediterranean taste profile to the cheese.

• Butter: Melted butter enriches the cheese's flavor and contributes to a smoother, more luxurious texture.
• Cheesecloth: A necessary tool for straining and forming the homemade cheese.

How To Craft Homemade Herbed Cheese At Home

Step 1: Warm the Dairy Base

Pour milk into a spacious pot and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Watch carefully to prevent boiling over, allowing the liquid to heat evenly and smoothly.

Step 2: Trigger Milk Separation

Remove the pot from heat and introduce apple cider vinegar. Stir gently to encourage curdle formation.

You’ll notice the liquid instantly transforming, separating into distinct curds and whey.

Step 3: Allow Curd Development

Let the mixture rest quietly for 2-3 minutes.

This short pause allows complete protein separation and curd formation.

Step 4: Strain and Collect Curds

Prepare a colander lined with fresh cheesecloth positioned over a large catching bowl.

Carefully pour the curdled mixture, allowing liquid to drain completely while capturing soft cheese solids.

Step 5: Season with Aromatic Herbs

• Sea salt
• Provencal herb blend
• Freshly ground black pepper

Gently fold herbs throughout the cheese to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 6: Press and Drain Excess Moisture

Gather cheesecloth corners and softly squeeze remaining liquid. Place bundled curds on a plate, topping with a weighted object like a cast-iron skillet or heavy canned goods.

Allow 30 minutes for pressing.

Step 7: Enhance with Richness

Unwrap cheese into a mixing bowl.

Drizzle melted butter across the surface, folding gently to create a luxurious, smooth texture.

Step 8: Shape and Chill

Form cheese into desired shape – round ball or rectangular block.

Wrap securely in plastic film. Refrigerate 2-4 hours until firm and fully set.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice or spread your homemade cheese on crackers, bread, or include on elegant charcuterie boards. Savor the fruits of your culinary creativity.

Tips To Get Homemade Herbed Cheese Just Right

• Use fresh, high-quality milk for the best flavor and texture of your homemade cheese.
• Control the heat carefully to prevent milk from boiling over, which can create a mess and affect cheese quality.
• Experiment with different herb blends like Italian seasoning or fresh chopped rosemary to customize the cheese's taste profile.
• Drain the curds thoroughly to ensure a firmer, less watery cheese consistency.
• Store the cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage.

Fun Ways To Flavor Homemade Herbed Cheese

• Spicy Herb Fusion: Add chopped jalapeños and red chili flakes to the cheese mixture for a fiery kick that transforms the mild herbed cheese into a zesty spread.
• Mediterranean Medley: Mix in sundried tomatoes, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano to create a Greek-inspired cheese with bold, tangy flavors.
• Garlic Lovers' Version: Incorporate roasted garlic cloves and fresh chives into the cheese for an intense, aromatic profile that elevates the original recipe.
• Smoky Paprika Blend: Stir in smoked paprika and cracked black pepper to develop a rich, earthy undertone that complements the herb notes.

Best Pairings For Homemade Herbed Cheese

• Pair Perfectly with Crusty Bread: Slice a fresh baguette or rustic sourdough to complement the creamy herbed cheese, creating a delightful texture contrast that brings out the herb's delicate flavors.
• Create a Wine Harmony: Select a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that matches the herbal notes and cuts through the cheese's richness, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
• Elevate with Fresh Accompaniments: Arrange sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives around the cheese to add refreshing brightness and provide a Mediterranean-inspired presentation that highlights the Provencal herbs.
• Match with Sparkling Beverage: Serve alongside a chilled sparkling water with lemon or a light prosecco to cleanse the palate and complement the cheese's creamy texture and herbaceous profile.

Storing Homemade Herbed Cheese Without Hassle

• Refrigerate: Store homemade herbed cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze: Wrap the cheese block in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Reheating: Gently warm at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. For a softer texture, microwave in short 10-second intervals, checking consistency between bursts. Avoid overheating to prevent oil separation.
• Texture Tip: If cheese feels dry after storage, drizzle a small amount of olive oil or mix in a touch of cream to restore moisture and softness.

FAQs About Homemade Herbed Cheese

• What type of vinegar works best for making homemade herbed cheese?

Apple cider vinegar is ideal because it provides a mild, slightly sweet acidity that helps curdle the milk effectively without overpowering the cheese’s delicate flavor.

• Can I use different herbs instead of Provencal herbs?

Absolutely! You can experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, or chives to create your own unique flavor profile in the homemade cheese.

• Is it necessary to use whole milk for this recipe?

Whole milk is recommended because it has a higher fat content, which results in a richer, creamier cheese with a smoother texture and more robust flavor compared to low-fat milk options.

Homemade Herbed Cheese Recipe

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• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy herbed cheese delights palates with fresh herbs and rich, tangy flavor. Smooth spreadable goodness brings Mediterranean charm to your table, inviting cheese enthusiasts to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 liters (50.7 fluid ounces) milk
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) melted butter

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Provencal herbs
• Salt (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and warm milk over medium heat until it approaches a gentle simmer, ensuring it doesn’t boil over or scorch the bottom.
2. Remove milk from heat and introduce apple cider vinegar, stirring carefully to initiate curd separation, watching the liquid transform and divide into distinct curds and whey.
3. Allow the mixture to rest for 2-3 minutes, enabling complete curd formation and optimal texture development.
4. Position a cheesecloth-lined colander over a large catching bowl, then carefully pour the curdled mixture, letting the whey drain completely while capturing the solid curds.
5. Incorporate Provencal herbs and salt directly into the fresh curds, gently folding to distribute flavors evenly and create a harmonious seasoning profile.
6. Gather cheesecloth edges and delicately squeeze out remaining liquid, then transfer the wrapped curds to a plate and apply gentle pressure using a weighted object for approximately 30 minutes to compact the cheese.
7. Unwrap the pressed cheese and transfer to a mixing bowl, then fold in melted butter to enhance richness and create a smoother, more luxurious consistency.
8. Mold the cheese into a desired shape – either a compact block or rounded ball – then encase in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to solidify and develop deeper flavors.
9. Once chilled, slice or serve whole, presenting your artisan creation as a versatile culinary delight perfect for appetizers, sandwiches, or elegant cheese boards.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality milk for the best flavor and texture of your homemade cheese.
• Experiment with different herb blends like rosemary, thyme, or za’atar to create unique flavor profiles.
• For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of butter in the final mixing stage.
• Store the cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its freshness and creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Curing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg