This homemade cheese block is a delicious and versatile recipe, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or even as a snack. Made with milk, butter, and hard cheese, it has a smooth, creamy texture with a rich, cheesy flavor. The addition of agar agar helps it set beautifully, giving it a firm, sliceable texture. It’s a great alternative to store-bought cheese and can be customized by adding different herbs or spices to suit your taste.
Preparation Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours (in the fridge)
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Conclusion:
This homemade cheese block is a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. It’s creamy, flavorful, and versatile enough to be used in a variety of dishes. You’ll love the fact that it’s healthier than most store-bought cheeses, without compromising on taste or texture. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, making your own cheese at home has never been more convenient. Give it a try, and you’ll never want to go back to packaged cheese again!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use plant-based milk like almond or soy milk, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly. - What is agar agar, and can I substitute it?
Agar agar is a vegan gelatin alternative made from seaweed. You can substitute it with gelatin, but it will no longer be vegetarian. - Can I add herbs or spices to the cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to add garlic powder, paprika, or herbs like thyme for extra flavor. - How long does the cheese take to set in the refrigerator?
It typically takes about 4 hours to set, but for best results, leave it overnight. - Is this cheese suitable for vegans?
This version contains dairy, but you can experiment with vegan cheese and plant-based milk for a vegan alternative. - Can I make this cheese without corn starch?
Corn starch helps thicken the mixture. You could try arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a substitute. - Can I freeze this cheese?
Yes, you can freeze the cheese for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before using it. - What kind of hard cheese works best?
Cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella are great options. You can also experiment with any cheese that melts well. - Can I make this cheese spicier?
Yes! Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. - How should I serve this cheese?
It’s perfect for sandwiches, grated over pasta, or served with crackers as part of a snack board.