Lemon Cheese
Transform your kitchen into a small artisan cheesery with this quick and easy Lemon Cheese recipe—your go-to guide for homemade, creamy perfection! Made with just three simple ingredients—whole milk, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of salt—this versatile cheese comes together in under 30 minutes. The subtle tanginess of lemon perfectly enhances the velvety texture, while optional mix-ins like fresh herbs or garlic let you customize it to your taste. Whether spread on warm bread, paired with crackers, or incorporated into your favorite recipes, this homemade cheese is a testament to pure, simple flavors. Plus, it’s a beginner-friendly introduction to cheesemaking, using straightforward techniques like curdling milk and draining with cheesecloth. Perfect for appetizers, brunch boards, or an elegant snack, this Lemon Cheese will quickly become a household favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 liter Whole milk
- 4 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 tablespoon Optional: fresh herbs or garlic (for flavoring)
Instructions
Pour the whole milk into a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Bring the milk to a gentle simmer, just until bubbles start forming around the edges of the pan. Do not let it boil.
Add the fresh lemon juice one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently after each addition. The milk will begin to curdle.
Once the milk has fully curdled, with curds separating from the whey, remove the pan from heat.
Line a colander with a clean cheesecloth or fine muslin and set it over a large bowl to catch the whey.
Carefully pour the curdled milk mixture into the colander, allowing the whey to drain through the cheesecloth.
Gather the edges of the cheesecloth together and gently squeeze to remove excess whey. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can make the cheese too dry.
Transfer the cheese to a bowl and mix in the salt. At this point, you can also add optional flavorings such as chopped fresh herbs or minced garlic for extra flavor.
Shape the cheese into a small round or press it into a mold, if desired. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours to firm up.
Serve the Lemon Cheese as a spread, use it in recipes, or enjoy it on crackers or bread. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
643 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.1 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.2 g | 96% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 124 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 1573 mg | 68% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 52.0 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.1 g | ||
| Protein | 34.0 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.3 mcg | 57% | |
| Calcium | 1273 mg | 98% | |
| Iron | 0.1 mg | 1% | |
| Potassium | 1614 mg | 34% | |
*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.
