Juustoa Finnish Squeaky Cheese
Experience the delightfully unique taste of Juustoa, a traditional Finnish squeaky cheese that's a true culinary treasure. This homemade recipe combines wholesome ingredients like whole milk, creamy Greek yogurt, and rennet to create a tender, golden cheese with its signature "squeak" when bitten. Perfect for cheese enthusiasts and adventurous cooks alike, this recipe highlights simple techniques, from curd cutting to gentle baking, to achieve a beautifully browned, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Serve it warm or at room temperature with a dollop of jam, fresh berries, or a comforting cup of coffee for an authentic Nordic treat. Whether you're exploring Scandinavian cuisine or looking to impress guests with a unique appetizer, Juustoa Finnish Squeaky Cheese is a must-try creation.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 liters Whole milk
- 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt
- 1 dose Rennet (liquid or tablet)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, gently heat the whole milk to 90°F (32°C), stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, stir in the Greek yogurt thoroughly to distribute the cultures.
Add the rennet according to the package instructions (typically one dose for this quantity of milk). Stir gently to mix.
Turn off the heat, cover the pot with a clean towel, and let the milk rest undisturbed for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the milk has set into a firm custard-like curd.
Use a long knife to cut the curd into 1-inch cubes, reaching all the way to the bottom of the pot.
Gently heat the curds to 105°F (40°C), stirring slowly to encourage the curds to release their whey. Maintain this temperature for about 15 minutes.
Line a colander with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl to catch the whey. Carefully ladle the curds into the prepared colander to drain for about 10 minutes.
Remove the drained curds from the cheesecloth and transfer them into a greased, oven-safe dish. Press them gently to shape into a flat, uniform layer.
Sprinkle the surface with salt to enhance flavor.
Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and a little browned on top.
Let the cheese cool slightly before cutting into wedges or strips. Serve warm or at room temperature with jam, berries, or alongside coffee.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2695 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 136.7 g | 175% | |
| Saturated Fat | 79.7 g | 399% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 520 mg | 173% | |
| Sodium | 4011 mg | 174% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 200.7 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 207.1 g | ||
| Protein | 159.3 g | 319% | |
| Vitamin D | 45.4 mcg | 227% | |
| Calcium | 5356 mg | 412% | |
| Iron | 0.1 mg | 1% | |
| Potassium | 6533 mg | 139% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
