Homemade Cheese with 3 Ingredients – Creamy, Fresh, and Effortlessly Easy
Making homemade cheese might sound like a task for expert chefs or fancy kitchens, but this recipe proves it’s easier than you think. With just 3 everyday ingredients, you can create a soft, creamy, and fresh cheese that tastes far better than anything store-bought. No rennet, no thermometer, no special tools required—just a saucepan, a lemon, some yogurt, and milk.
This DIY cheese is similar to paneer, queso fresco, or labneh, depending on how long you strain it. It’s mild, rich, and versatile—perfect for spreading on toast, adding to salads, or using in pasta and wraps.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Cheese
- ✅ Only 3 natural ingredients – no additives or preservatives
- ✅ No complicated equipment – use what you already have
- ✅ Budget-friendly – cheaper than store-bought cheese
- ✅ Customizable – season to taste or add herbs and spices
- ✅ Done in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients for Homemade Cheese
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Whole milk | 1 liter |
| Plain, unsweetened yogurt | 1 cup |
| Fresh lemon juice | From ½ lemon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Kitchen towel or cheesecloth | 1 (clean and dry) |
Note: Use full-fat milk for best results. Do not use ultra-pasteurized milk as it may not curdle properly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Heat the Milk
- Pour 1 liter of whole milk into a large saucepan.
- Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Bring it to a gentle simmer (not a full boil). You’ll see steam and tiny bubbles around the edge.
2. Add the Yogurt and Lemon Juice
- Stir in 1 cup plain yogurt and juice of ½ a lemon.
- Stir gently and wait 1–2 minutes.
- The milk will begin to curdle, separating into white curds and yellowish whey.
If it doesn’t curdle right away, add a little more lemon juice and stir gently.
3. Strain the Curds
- Line a colander with a clean cotton kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Place the colander over a bowl to catch the whey.
- Pour the curdled mixture into the cloth.
- Let it drain for 10–30 minutes, depending on your desired texture:
| Drain Time | Texture |
|---|---|
| 10 minutes | Creamy and spreadable |
| 20–30 minutes | Firm and sliceable |
| 1 hour+ | Dense, similar to paneer |
4. Add Salt and Flavor (Optional)
- Once the whey is mostly drained, gather the cloth and gently squeeze out excess liquid.
- Transfer the curds to a bowl and mix in salt to taste.
- You can also stir in:
- Chopped herbs (chives, parsley, dill)
- Cracked black pepper
- Garlic powder or chili flakes
- Olive oil for smoothness
5. Serve or Store
- Use immediately while still warm and soft, or refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- If you’d like a firmer cheese block, wrap it in the cloth, place a heavy object on top, and refrigerate for a few hours.
Ways to Use Homemade Cheese
This cheese is versatile and delicious in many dishes:
🥪 Spread it on Toast
Drizzle with honey, jam, or olive oil for a sweet or savory snack.
🥗 Toss into Salads
Crumbled over greens or grains for extra protein and creaminess.
🍝 Mix into Pasta
Melt into warm pasta with garlic and herbs for a creamy twist.
🌯 Stuff in Wraps and Sandwiches
Pairs beautifully with grilled veggies or meats.
🧁 Make Sweet Cheese Desserts
Add powdered sugar and vanilla for a sweet spread or cheesecake base.
What to Do With Leftover Whey
Don’t toss the whey—it’s full of nutrients!
- Use in smoothies
- Add to soups or stews
- Replace water in bread or pancake batter
- Feed to plants as a natural fertilizer
Tips for Perfect Homemade Cheese
- Use fresh, full-fat dairy for best flavor and texture.
- Stir gently during curdling to avoid breaking the curds.
- Don’t overcook the milk—just bring it to a simmer.
- Let it drain longer for firmer cheese.
- Experiment with flavors to make it your own.
Nutritional Information (Per 2 tbsp serving)
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: Varies (based on added salt)
(Approximate values; depends on milk used and draining time.)
Final Thoughts
This 3-ingredient homemade cheese is proof that simplicity often creates the most satisfying results. It’s creamy, customizable, and incredibly easy, even for beginners. Whether you spread it on toast, stir it into recipes, or serve it with fresh herbs and crackers, you’ll love having this fresh cheese as part of your kitchen staples.
Make it once—and it might just become your weekly ritual.