How to make Queso Fresco?

How to make Queso Fresco?

make your own Mexican cheese

Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 5m
Cook Time: 2h 20m
Total Time: 2h 25m
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Easy
5.0 (28 Reviews)
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Ingredients

Adjust servings:

Nutritional Information

148
Calories
7g
Fat
11g
Carbohydrates
7g
Protein
23mg
Cholesterol
538mg
Sodium
How to make Queso Fresco?

Recipe Description

Queso Fresco is a Mexican cheese with a fresh, milky, mild flavor and texture. It is made from whole milk and vinegar. As this recipe shows, it’s actually really simple to make at home – all you need in terms of special equipment is cheesecloth to help with the draining process. Queso fresco is super versatile and you can serve it on many Mexican dishes or you can bake it in the oven or even use it as a fresh substitute for feta or goats cheese in salads.

Making the queso is super easy too. Start by heating ½ a gallon of whole milk. Add 2 types of vinegar so that the milk curdles and curds of cheese start to appear. Then begin the draining process using a colander lined with cheesecloth. Once you have formed the cheese and drained it for the final time, place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.

To make Queso Fresco, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for How to make Queso Fresco?

Steps to make

  1. 1

    Prepare a colander

    1 min
    Step 1 - How to make Queso Fresco?

    Line a colander with cheesecloth. Place the colander over a large bowl or pot.

  2. 2

    Heat milk

    10 min
    Step 2 - How to make Queso Fresco?

    Place ½ a gallon of milk in a pot and heat to 170°F, stirring constantly to ensure even heating.

  3. 3

    Add vinegars

    45 min
    Step 3 - How to make Queso Fresco?

    Once the milk reaches 170 °F, remove the pot from the heat. Add ⅔ of a cup of distilled white vinegar and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Stir well and allow the mixture to rest on the stove top for 30-45 minutes until curds form.

  4. 4

    Break up curds

    30 min
    Step 4 - How to make Queso Fresco?Step 4 - How to make Queso Fresco?

    Use a knife to gently break up the curds that form in the milk. Once broken, carefully transfer the curds to the colander using a slotted spoon. Allow the curds to sit and drain untouched in the cheesecloth for 30 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add salt

    1 min
    Step 5 - How to make Queso Fresco?

    Add 1 ½ teaspoons of salt and stir lightly.

  6. 6

    Drain again

    30 min
    Step 6 - How to make Queso Fresco?

    Tie the edges of the cheesecloth together using kitchen twine. Hang the parcel from a faucet, and allow the liquid to drain for a further 30 minutes.

  7. 7

    Shape the cheese

    30 min
    Step 7 - How to make Queso Fresco?

    Remove the curds from the cheesecloth. Gently shape the cheese into a flat disc using your hands. Return the cheese to the colander. Leave it to sit for about 30 more minutes.

  8. 8

    Store and serve

    Step 8 - How to make Queso Fresco?

    Transfer the queso fresco to a nice bowl. Refrigerate until you are ready to use it.

You’ll be surprised at how easy this Queso Fresco is! Make a batch soon and you try out all of the Mexican queso fresco recipes on this site! If you try it, make sure you tag #CookeMeRecipes in your insta pics!

About the author

Jelena Mardere

Jelena is an interior designer and young mom! As a busy working mom, her time is precious so she’s always looking for a quick and efficient way to get things done. Jelena is very creative, but has a strong practical side. She loves trying new things and travels a lot, especially around Europe. The kitchen is Jelena’s safe space, where she can let her creative side out and dedicate herself to her favorite hobby - cooking!

Recipe Reviews

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience and help other cooks!

★★★★★
★★★★★
5.0 out of 5 (28 reviews)
Garry
January 22, 2025
Verified

Superb! Made it for taco night, absolutely loved it!

Hugo Martínez
December 27, 2024
Verified

Excelente! Hice el queso fresco para un evento familiar y todos quedaron impresionados. Simplemente perfecto.

Quinn Taylor
December 11, 2024
Verified

Amazing! I made this queso fresco for a taco night with friends, and it turned out perfect! Everyone loved it, and I felt so proud serving it. So simple yet so delicious!

Cathy
November 3, 2024
Verified

Delicious!

Ian
September 28, 2024
Verified

Great recipe! Love making Queso Fresco for taco night. It's super easy and the kids adore it! Totally a must-try!

Emilio
August 6, 2024
Verified

Man, this Queso Fresco recipe is the real deal! I tried making it for my taco night, and it was so easy. The flavors were spot on. Takes me back to my grandma's kitchen, just missing her laughter. Real simple but tastes like magic.

Victor
May 4, 2024
Verified

Super simple recipe. My kids loved it.

Grace Allen
March 16, 2024
Verified

Awesome!

Ike
March 4, 2024
Verified

Super easy cheese!

Emmy
December 18, 2023
Verified

OMG, this queso is life! Made it for taco night, and my hubby couldn’t stop raving. So easy, and feels fancy — def my go-to now!

Xandra Smith
October 10, 2023
Verified

Super.

Victor
October 6, 2023
Verified

Man, this Queso Fresco recipe is a game changer. I made it for taco night, and my family couldn't get enough. It's super simple, and the fresh taste beats store-bought for sure. Remembering my Grandma's cooking while making this brought back good vibes. Can't recommend it enough.

Xavier
July 10, 2023
Verified

Making Queso Fresco was a proud moment for me! I never thought I could create a cheese at home. The kids loved it on their tacos. So simple yet rewarding.

Zara
October 31, 2022
Verified

Delicious

Laura Johnson
September 7, 2022
Verified

I tried making Queso Fresco last weekend and it turned out great! Super easy to do, even for a beginner like me. I used it in a taco night with friends, and everyone loved it. Such a fresh taste! I will definetly make it again.

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