Soft Cheese
Creamy, soft cheese with a mild flavor, perfect for spreading or serving with bread and crackers, appealing to cheese lovers and those seeking homemade dairy treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour the milk into a saucepan and heat gently until warm, but not boiling.
- Dissolve the Junket tablet in a small amount of warm water according to package instructions.
- Add the dissolved Junket to the warm milk and stir gently.
- Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for about 10-15 minutes until curds form.
- Line a clean, coarse cloth with a bowl underneath and carefully transfer the curds into the cloth.
- Drain excess whey and sprinkle salt over the curds.
- Gather the cloth and gently press to remove additional whey if desired.
- Transfer the soft cheese to a serving dish or store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to allow the curdling process to work effectively. If you can't find a Junket tablet, you can substitute with rennet, but the quantity may vary. Adding herbs or spices to the curds can enhance the flavor, so feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings. For a richer texture, consider using whole milk instead of low-fat.
Serving Suggestions
This soft cheese is delicious spread on crusty bread or crackers and pairs beautifully with fresh fruits like figs or grapes. You can also serve it with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of herbs for added flavor. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a salad or as part of a cheese platter with other vegetarian recipes for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soft cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can last up to a week. To maintain the cheese's moisture, consider adding a small amount of milk before sealing the container. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove if you prefer a softer consistency, but avoid overheating to prevent separation.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soft Cheese contains roughly 5 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1748mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use non-dairy milk to make this soft cheese?
Non-dairy milks like almond or soy can be used, but results may vary. These alternatives may not curdle as well as dairy milk, so be prepared for a different texture. It's best to look for fortified versions to achieve the closest consistency to traditional soft cheese.
What can I do if my curds are not forming?
If curds are not forming, ensure the milk was heated adequately and that the Junket tablet was fully dissolved. Temperature is crucial; the milk should be warm but not hot. Allow the mixture more time to sit undisturbed, as sometimes curds may take longer to develop.
How can I flavor the soft cheese?
You can flavor your soft cheese by mixing in fresh herbs like chives or dill, or even spices such as smoked paprika or garlic powder. For a sweet variation, consider adding honey or fruit preserves. Experiment with different flavors to find your perfect combination!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).