Homemade Greek Yogurt Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Greek Yogurt Cheese is a simple and creamy homemade cheese that’s tangy and rich. Made by straining plain Greek yogurt, it’s a versatile spread that can be enjoyed on crackers, sandwiches, or as a dip.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Scoop the plain Greek yogurt onto the center of a large cheesecloth or a few layers of paper towels. Wrap the yogurt completely in the cloth and place it in a mesh strainer.
- Step 2: Position the strainer over a large bowl and place a heavy can or two on top to help press out the whey liquid.
- Step 3: Allow the yogurt to strain in the fridge for 1 to 3 days, or until no more liquid drips from it.
- Step 4: Unwrap the cloth and transfer the thickened cheese into a bowl. Stir in the olive oil and salt, adjusting amounts to taste.
- Step 5: Shape the cheese into a log wrapped in parchment paper or roll into small balls with clean hands. Store logs in the fridge or keep balls submerged in a jar of olive or canola oil in the fridge.
Tips & Variations
- For a creamier texture, use full-fat Greek yogurt.
- Add herbs like dill or chives for extra flavor before shaping your cheese.
- Try rolling cheese balls in crushed nuts or spices for a tasty twist.
Storage
Store your Greek yogurt cheese logs wrapped in parchment paper or cheese balls submerged in oil in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To serve, remove from fridge and let it come to room temperature for best texture. Reheating is not necessary.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
It’s best to use Greek yogurt because it’s thicker and strains well for cheese. Regular yogurt may be too runny and take longer to strain.
How long should I strain the yogurt?
Strain for at least 1 day and up to 3 days, depending on how thick you want your cheese. The longer you strain, the firmer it becomes.
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Homemade Greek Yogurt Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 1 to 3 days (straining time)
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup of Greek Yogurt Cheese 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Greek Yogurt Cheese recipe transforms plain Greek yogurt into a creamy, spreadable cheese by straining out the whey. It’s a simple, no-cook process that results in a tangy, fresh cheese perfect for spreading on bread, adding to dishes, or shaping into flavorful balls or logs.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Yogurt: Scoop the 2 cups of plain Greek yogurt onto the center of a large cheesecloth or place it inside several layers of paper towels. Wrap the yogurt tightly so it’s completely covered.
- Set Up Straining: Place the wrapped yogurt into a mesh strainer. Position the strainer over a large bowl to catch the liquid whey as it drains out.
- Apply Weight: To help squeeze out the liquid, place a heavy can or two on top of the wrapped yogurt in the strainer. This pressure accelerates the draining process.
- Strain Yogurt: Transfer the setup into the refrigerator and let the yogurt strain for 1 to 3 days, or until no more liquid drips from the cheesecloth. The longer it strains, the thicker your cheese will be.
- Mix in Flavors: Unwrap the strained yogurt cheese into a bowl. Mix in 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, adjusting both to your taste preferences for flavor and texture.
- Shape and Store: Shape the yogurt cheese into logs or roll into small balls with clean hands. For logs, wrap in parchment paper. For cheese balls, store them in a jar filled with olive or canola oil. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for creamier cheese.
- The straining time can be adjusted based on how thick you want the cheese.
- Adding fresh herbs or spices during mixing can customize the flavor.
- Store the cheese covered in oil to extend freshness and add richness.
- Use cheesecloth for best results; paper towels may tear but can still work in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cheese Spread
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Greek Yogurt Cheese, Homemade Cheese, Strained Yogurt, Cheese Spread, Mediterranean Cheese, No-Cook Cheese
