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–+ servings

Queso Fresco Recipe

Have you always wanted to learn how to make queso fresco? Now is your chance! This queso fresco recipe is easy to make and a perfect addition to so many dishes!
Prep Time3 hours
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time4 hours
Course: Cheese
Cuisine: Latin
Keyword: queso fresco
Servings: 10
Author: Erin Harris

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

Cheese Ingredients

  • 1 gallon organic pasteurized whole milk (non-UHT)
  • ½ teaspoon single strength liquid animal or vegetable rennet THIS is what we used
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  • Begin by heating the milk. Pour milk into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Stir the milk until cream dissolves in milk.
  • Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until milk reaches 109°F (about 18 minutes) making sure to not overheat the milk.
  • Remove from heat, and thoroughly whisk in the rennet. Cover pot, and let stand for 1 hour.
  • After 1 hour, check the consistency of the curd by using a small knife to pierce the surface. It should be set like firm custard.
    curd in pot with knife.
  • Using a large metal whisk, cut the curd into approximately 1/4-inch pieces. Let stand until curds sink to bottom of the pot, about 5 minutes.
    cheese curds floating in pot.
  • Meanwhile, line a colander with damp cheesecloth (with enough overhang cloth to tie the ends together to form a bag), and set inside a large bowl.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer curds to colander.
    cheese curds in cheesecloth.
  • Gather corners of cheesecloth, and lift with one hand while gently squeezing curds in cheesecloth with other hand to drain thoroughly. This will take 8-10 minutes.
    squeezing liquid out of cheesecloth.
  • Return to the colander, and let drain for another 10 minutes. Then, discard whey.
  • With clean hands, open cheesecloth, and transfer cheese to a medium bowl.
  • Break open cheese ball, and sprinkle with salt. Gently mix, breaking up cheese until salt is well incorporated.
  • Line the cheese molds with damp cheesecloth, allowing excess to drape over sides. 
  • Add curds to mold, pressing to fill evenly.
  • Fold cheesecloth over top, and press to expel remaining whey. Let stand 10 minutes.
    cheese in cheese mold.
  • Unmold cheese, flip, and return to cheesecloth-lined mold (the bottom will now be the top). Press cheese gently to set shape (a large can of tomatoes or beans works well as a weight for this).
  • Transfer mold to a rimmed baking sheet, and chill at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours before unmolding.
  • Unmold cheese, and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Cut into wedges or crumble before serving.
    sliced queso fresco.

Notes

 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 4g