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Homemade American Cheese

An easy recipe for making your own American Cheese at home!

Prep Time
20 mins
Additional Time
3 hrs
Total Time
3 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 1 pound American cheese
Calories: 1473 kcal
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 12 ounces colby cheese shredded fine (about 3 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon whole dry milk powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • ½ cup + 2 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 1. Line a 5x4-inch disposable aluminum loaf pan with plastic wrap, using enough so that excess hangs over the sides.
  2. 2. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water in a small cup and let sit until the gelatin softens, about 5 minutes.
  3. 3. Meanwhile, pulse together the shredded cheese, dry milk powder, salt and cream of tartar in a food processor until combined, about 3 pulses.
  4. 4. Bring the milk to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the softened gelatin until it is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  5. 5. Turn the food processor on so it is running, then slowly add the hot milk mixture to the cheese mixture until smooth, about 1 minute, scraping down the bowl as needed.
  6. 6. Immediately transfer the cheese to the prepared pan. Working quickly, pack the cheese firmly into the loaf pan to eliminate most air pockets, then smooth the top. Fold the overhanging plastic tightly against the surface of the cheese and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. The cheese can be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 1 month.

Notes

  • Note: Be sure to use whole dry milk powder, not nonfat dry milk powder, as it will make a difference. I purchased my whole dry milk powder from King Arthur Flour.
  • Note
  • Nutritional values are based on the whole recipe

Nutrition Information

Calories 1473kcal (74%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 91g (182%) Fat 115g (177%) Saturated Fat 72g (360%) Cholesterol 342mg (114%) Sodium 4473mg (186%) Potassium 754mg (22%) Sugar 10g (20%) Vitamin A 3650IU (73%) Calcium 2537mg (254%) Iron 2.6mg (14%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1pound American cheese

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1473

% Daily Value*

Calories 1473kcal 74%
Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Protein 91g 182%
Fat 115g 177%
Saturated Fat 72g 360%
Cholesterol 342mg 114%
Sodium 4473mg 186%
Potassium 754mg 16%
Sugar 10g 20%
Vitamin A 3650IU 73%
Calcium 2537mg 254%
Iron 2.6mg 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.