Queso Fresco (Step by Step Recipe)

User Reviews

5.0

36 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    12 mins

  • Cook Time

    12 mins

  • Total Time

    27 mins

  • Servings

    8 servings

  • Calories

    150 kcal

  • Course

    Condiments

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Queso Fresco (Step by Step Recipe)

Queso Fresco is a semi-soft cheese made from whole cow's milk. It has a crumbly texture with a delicious, mild and milky flavor. Ideal for various Mexican dishes. This homemade recipe is easier than you think!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 8.5 cups whole milk (2 liters)
  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • ¾ teaspoon table salt (or more to taste)
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Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat the milk over medium-high heat, stirring often, until a thermometer reads 170°F (90°c). (see note #1).
  2. Pour in the vinegar and salt. Using a wooden spoon, stir for 2 minutes to allow the milk to curdle. (The curds will appear small.) Turn off the heat and let sit for 20 minutes.
  3. Line the inside of a strainer with enough cheesecloth to drape over the sides of the strainer by a few inches, then place the strainer in another large pot or the sink.
  4. Carefully pour the cheese mixture into the prepared strainer; let sit until the liquid is mostly drained out.
  5. Bring the open ends of the cheesecloth together in your hands to form a bundle, then squeeze out any remaining liquid. Place the bundle back in the strainer. Continue draining if it still has some liquid.
  6. Remove the liquid from the bowl (or use a different bowl) and transfer the cheese to it. Crumble it and taste for salt. If it needs more, add according to taste. Mix well.
  7. Top tip! Line a storage container with 2 strips of parchment paper forming a cross. This will help the cheese to come out once is ready to be consumed.
  8. Transfer the cheese into the container and push down with the back of a spoon or your hands as you add the cheese. Remove as much air as possible to make a solid cheese shape.
  9. Close the container with an airtight lid and refrigerate at least 8 hours or up to overnight. The cheese will be ready to crumble or dice right away but I recommend you chill it first.

Notes

  • If you don't have a thermometer, here are a few clues what the milk will look like. At this temperature, the milk is far from boiling, but it's definitely getting there. You might notice some steam and foam rising gently from the surface.
  • Top tip! Line a storage container with 2 strips of parchment paper forming a cross. This will help the cheese to come out once is ready to be consumed.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1wedge out of 8 Calories 150kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 11g (4%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 23mg (8%) Sodium 490mg (20%) Potassium 315mg (9%) Sugar 11g (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 150 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1wedge out of 8
Calories 150kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 11g 4%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Sodium 490mg 20%
Potassium 315mg 7%
Sugar 11g 22%

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

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36 reviews
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