Homemade Fresh Cheese (Italian Stracchino): Soft, Creamy, and Delicious

Making fresh cheese at home, like the Italian Stracchino, is simpler than you might think! Soft, creamy, and delicately flavored, this cheese is perfect for spreading on bread, adding to sandwiches, or enjoying as part of an antipasto platter. With just a few ingredients—milk, cream, yogurt, salt, and rennet—you can create a fresh, authentic Italian cheese right in your kitchen.

What Is Stracchino Cheese?

Stracchino is a traditional Italian fresh cheese with a soft, creamy consistency. It’s mild, slightly tangy, and typically eaten fresh. Unlike harder cheeses, Stracchino does not require aging, which makes it a quick and easy option for homemade cheese lovers. It’s perfect for spreading, melting, or serving with fresh bread and vegetables.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Soft and creamy texture that melts in your mouth
• Simple ingredients that you likely already have
• Authentic Italian flavor similar to Stracchino cheese
• Versatile: Use it in sandwiches, salads, or as a snack
• No hard cheese-making skills required

Pro Tips for Success

1. Use whole milk for the best creamy texture.
2. Keep the milk at about 40°C (100°F) when adding cream, yogurt, and rennet.
3. Let the cheese rest undisturbed to allow proper curd formation.
4. Use a cheese basket to shape the cheese and allow excess whey to drain.
5. Store the cheese in the refrigerator and consume within a few days for the best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought yogurt?

Yes! Make sure it contains live cultures for proper fermentation.

How long can I store homemade Stracchino?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days.

Can I use just milk without cream?

Yes, but adding cream gives the cheese a softer, creamier texture closer to traditional Stracchino.

Do I need special rennet?

You can use either liquid or tablet rennet. Make sure to follow the package instructions for proper measurement.

Can I flavor the cheese?

Absolutely! Add herbs, garlic, or black pepper after draining to create custom-flavored Stracchino.

How to Store

Place your freshly made Stracchino in a clean, airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week. The cheese is best eaten fresh to enjoy its creamy texture.

How to Freeze

Freezing is not recommended for fresh Stracchino, as it may affect the creamy texture. Instead, make small batches to consume within a week for the best taste.

How to Make Stracchino Cheese

Warm the milk to about 40°C (100°F). Add the cream, yogurt, and salt, mixing everything thoroughly.

Stir in the rennet and mix gently. Cover the mixture and leave it in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours to allow the curd to form.

Once the curd has formed, make small cuts with a knife to help it set, and leave for another hour.

Transfer the curd to a cheese basket to drain excess whey and shape the cheese.

Refrigerate the cheese in the basket for 12 hours. After draining, your homemade Stracchino is ready to enjoy!