Homemade Queso Fresco Recipes

HOMEMADE QUESO FRESCO

Steps:

• Dissolve rennet in the water.
• Pour milk into a heavy pot. Heat slowly to 90 degrees F (32 degrees C), stirring occasionally. Turn off heat and gently stir in the rennet solution.
• Cover pot and let rest in a warm place, at about 90 degrees F (32 degrees C), until the curd forms a thick mass, about 40 minutes. Place your finger or spatula in the curd and gently lift to check for a clean break; it should split along a clean line and not be too soft or milky. Let rest for another 10 minutes if it isn't quite firm.
• Cut curds into 1/4-inch cubes using your finger, a knife, or a spatula. Heat curds and the remaining liquid, or whey, to 110 to 115 degrees F (43 to 46 degrees C), about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ladle curds into a colander; discard whey or keep for another use. Gently mix salt into the curds using your fingers.
• Line a colander or plastic container with a cheesecloth; add curds and wrap cheesecloth around the top. Place a heavy weight on top, such as a small bowl filled with pie weights or a jar of water. Press for 4 to 6 hours.

HOMEMADE QUESO BLANCO CHEESE

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• In a large pot, combine the milk, whipping cream, buttermilk, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the temperature reaches 190 F (or nearly a boil). Remove from heat.
• Stir in the vinegar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Small curds will begin to form. Stir gently for 5 minutes or so, then let the mixture cool for 10 more minutes.
• Line a large colander with 2 to 3 layers of cheesecloth. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the colander, letting the whey (the clear liquid) drain away into a bowl.
• When most of the whey has drained off and the cheese is cool enough to handle, lift the edges of the cheesecloth up and twist, wrapping the cheese securely inside the cheesecloth. Squeeze off excess whey.
• Hang the cheesecloth "bag" over the sink (use a clip to hang it from the faucet, for example) and let the whey drain for about an hour.
• Once the cheese is well-drained, store the cheese in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Alternatively, you can press the curds by following the instructions below.
• Once the cheese curds are well drained, place a ring mold (or clean, empty metal can with both lids removed) on a baking sheet or flat dish. Spoon curds inside of the ring.
• Cover the curds with a piece of wax paper, then use another can or something heavy to press down on them. Place the cheese in the refrigerator and press for 3 to 4 hours, or overnight.
• Remove from the mold and wrap cheese with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.

MEXICAN QUESO DIP

Steps:

• Melt butter on low heat. Whisk in flour. Whisk for 2 minutes.
• Add grated Asadero Mexican Cheese or Queso Quesadilla cheese.
• Stir in 1 cup half and half. Whisk on low heat until cheese sauce is melted and mostly smooth.NOTE: Sauce may be lumpy until heated and melted. If it does not melt, turn up the heat a very little, whisk, and add in a splash of half and half until it is smooth.
• Remove from heat and keep stirring until smooth. More half and half may be added to thin out queso dip to desired texture.
• Stir in chopped green chiles, chopped jalapenos, diced tomatoes, minced garlic cloves, and cilantro.
• Pour into serving bowl and serve with tortilla chips or serve over your favorite Mexican dishes.
• NOTE: This recipe has been updated as of 3/2022 to reflect comments. It appears newer stovetops heat too high on low so a roux of flour and butter has been added to the recipe to fix it.

QUESO (MEXICAN CHEESE DIP)

Steps:

• Melt butter in a medium-sized pot over medium-heat. Sauté the green onions (white parts only) for 4 minutes, until soft. Then add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Add the tomatoes in with juices with the chiles, cumin, onion powder and cayenne pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
• Mix cornstarch into the pot, then pour in the evaporated milk, stirring well to combine.
• Bring to a boil, then add the cheese, mixing well. Cook, while stirring, until cheese just melts through the milk and transforms into a smooth sauce. Take off heat immediately.
• Stir in cilantro, green onions (reserved green parts) and season with salt to taste if needed. Mix well.Serve warm.Tip: Queso thickens when cooled.