Making goat cheese at home is easier than you might think, and it's a delicious way to use fresh milk from your goats. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make Chevre, a creamy and versatile French-style goat cheese, using simple tools and ingredients.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 gallon of goat's milk (fresh and unprocessed is ideal)
- Chevre culture with rennet (included in a Cheese Kit)
- Butter muslin or cheesecloth
- Stainless steel pot
- Dairy thermometer
- Slotted spoon
- Colander
- Large bowl
- Kitchen twine
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Milk
Start by sterilizing all your utensils in boiling water. Pour the goat’s milk into a stainless steel pot and place it in a sink filled with hot water. Slowly heat the milk to 80-86°F while stirring gently to ensure even heating.
2. Add the Culture
Sprinkle the Chevre culture over the warmed milk. Let it sit for 2 minutes to rehydrate, then stir thoroughly from top to bottom to distribute the culture evenly. Cover the pot and let it rest undisturbed in a warm spot (like a cool oven) for 20-24 hours.
3. Check for Curd Formation
When the curds and whey have visibly separated, it’s time to drain the curds. Line a colander with butter muslin and place it over a large bowl to catch the whey. Gently ladle the curds into the muslin and let them drain.
4. Drain the Curds
Gather the muslin and tie it with kitchen twine to create a bag. Hang the bag over a pot to allow the curds to drain for 6-12 hours, depending on your desired consistency.
5. Salt and Shape the Cheese
Once the curds are drained, transfer them to a bowl and mix in 1 teaspoon of salt. This step is crucial for flavor and preventing bacterial overgrowth. Form the cheese into logs or press it into molds for a professional look.
Flavoring Your Cheese
Chevre can be flavored with herbs, spices, or even dried fruits. Try combinations like:
- Herb Blend: Mix dried rosemary, basil, and parsley.
- Moroccan Spice: Use ground cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and cardamom.
- Citrus Zest: Add dried Meyer lemon rind for a tangy twist.
You can either mix the flavors into the cheese or create an herb crust by rolling the cheese in your chosen seasonings.
Storing Your Cheese
Chevre will keep in the refrigerator for about two weeks. If you want to store it longer, freeze the cheese before adding salt or seasonings. Thaw, salt, and season when ready to use.
Why Make Goat Cheese?
Homemade goat cheese is not only delicious but also a rewarding way to use fresh milk. It’s versatile, allowing you to experiment with flavors and textures, and makes a fantastic gift for food lovers. For more cheese-making inspiration, check out our companion article.
So milk your goats, get creative with flavors, and enjoy the satisfaction of making your own cheese. Grow organic for life!
