7 easy homemade cheese recipes without special equipment

Learn how to make 7 delicious and healthy cheese varieties at home, from soft paneer-like cheese to stretchy pizza cheese. These easy recipes will add flavor to any dish.

Cheese is as delicious as it is expensive, and sometimes processed. Instead of buying it, learn to make healthy, fresh, and chemical-free cheese at home to enhance your snacks and dishes. Making cheese isn't as difficult as it seems; you just need the right ingredients and method. Here are 7 easy and effective ways to make different types of cheese at home, perfect for everything from pizza to parathas and pasta.

1. Soft Paneer-like Cheese

To make soft, fresh cheese at home, boil full-fat milk and add lemon juice or vinegar to curdle it. Once the curds form, strain them through cheesecloth and hang for 1-2 hours to drain excess whey. Gently press to set the shape. This cheese has a mild flavor and smooth texture, perfect for parathas, sandwiches, or snacks.

2. Cream Cheese

Hang fresh yogurt in cheesecloth overnight or for 8-10 hours to drain the whey. This will thicken the yogurt. Add a little salt and, if desired, some butter or cream for a smoother texture. This cheese is great for spreading on toast, bread, and snacks.

3. Herb and Garlic Flavored Cheese

Mix finely chopped garlic, oregano, basil, or your favorite herbs into the basic cream cheese. This flavor is fresh and pungent, perfect for burgers, pasta, or dips. Refrigerate the mixture for a few hours to enhance the flavor before using.

4. Stretchy Mozzarella-like Cheese

For stretchy pizza cheese, heat milk with citric acid and rennet (available at pharmacies or online). Once the curds form, gently stretch and shape them into a ball before cooling. This cheese melts easily and is perfect for pizza or lasagna.

5. Buttermilk Cheese

Heat milk in a pan and add buttermilk, simmering gently. The milk will curdle, separating into a mild-flavored cheese. Strain and cool for a while. This is a healthy option for sandwiches, salads, or light snacks.

6. Spicy Chili Cheese

For a spicy kick, mix red chili powder, paprika, and a little salt into cream cheese. Use this spicy cheese as a topping, in pasta, or as a bread spread. Refrigerating for a few hours intensifies the flavor.

7. Sweet Dessert Cheese

For sweet desserts, hang yogurt in cheesecloth to drain the whey, then mix in honey and vanilla essence. This cheese is delicious with cheesecake bases, fruit salads, or sweet bread. It has a light, creamy, and natural flavor.