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Queso Fresco Recipe recipe photo - Queso Fresco Recipe by Jan

Queso Fresco Recipe

Published: July 4, 2025 Prep Time: About 20 minutes Cook Time: About 30 minutes Total Time: About 2 hours 50 minutes Serves: 1 pound Difficulty: Medium Category: Side Dish Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon whole milk
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon calcium chloride (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat milk to 185°F in a large pot, stirring constantly
  2. Remove from heat and add vinegar and lemon juice
  3. Stir gently for 2-3 minutes until curds form
  4. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow curds to separate
  5. Line a colander with cheesecloth
  6. Pour curds and whey through the colander
  7. Rinse curds with cold water to remove acidity
  8. Add salt and mix gently
  9. Gather cheesecloth and hang to drain for 2 hours
  10. Shape cheese into a disk and refrigerate
  11. Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week

Special Notes

This homemade queso fresco is a fresh, mild Mexican cheese that's perfect for crumbing over dishes. The combination of vinegar and lemon juice creates the perfect acidity to curdle the milk. The key is not to over-stir the curds to prevent them from becoming too small. You can customize this recipe by adding different herbs or spices. This cheese is perfect for tacos, salads, or as a topping for soups and stews.

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