homemade cheese mold

homemade cheese mold

PinLinkedIn

Essential Cheese Molds & Presses: Top Supplies for Cheese Making

Embarking on your cheese making journey requires the right tools and supplies. This comprehensive guide will explore the essential cheese molds and presses you need to create delicious homemade cheese.



What Are the Best Cheese Making Supplies?

To start your cheese making adventure, you’ll need some essential supplies:




Understanding Different Types of Cheese Molds

Cheese molds come in various types, each suited for different cheese varieties:

Mold Type Best For Features
Basket Molds Soft cheeses (Chevre, Brie) Many small holes for drainage
Hard Cheese Molds Cheddar, Gouda Sturdy, with follower for pressing
Ricotta Molds Ricotta, other fresh cheeses Large drainage holes


Essential Cheese Press Features for Homemade Cheese

A good cheese press should have the following features:

  • Adjustable pressure settings
  • Durable construction (stainless steel or food-grade plastic)
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Suitable size for your cheese making needs
  • Clear pressure gauge or weight system

Top Cheese Making Kits for Beginners

For those new to cheese making, a comprehensive kit can be a great starting point. Here are some recommended options:

  1. Basic Mozzarella and Ricotta Kit: Perfect for quick, soft cheeses
  2. Hard Cheese Making Kit: Includes molds and press for cheddar-style cheeses
  3. Artisan Cheese Making Kit: Offers supplies for a variety of cheese types
  4. Goat Cheese Making Kit: Specialized for chevre and other goat milk cheeses


home made cheese mold


How to Use a Cheese Mold Effectively?

Using a cheese mold correctly is crucial for achieving the desired shape, texture, and moisture content in your homemade cheese. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use cheese molds effectively:

1. Preparation:

  • Sanitize your mold thoroughly using a food-grade sanitizer or by boiling for 5 minutes.
  • If using a cloth-lined mold, soak the cheesecloth in a saltwater solution (1 tablespoon salt per cup of water) to prevent sticking.

2. Lining the Mold:

  • For soft cheeses: Line the mold with cheesecloth, leaving enough excess to fold over the top.
  • For hard cheeses: A follower (a disc that fits inside the mold) may be used instead of or in addition to cheesecloth.

3. Filling the Mold:

  • Fill the mold with curds in layers, gently pressing each layer to remove air pockets.
  • For soft cheeses, fill to just below the rim to allow for settling.
  • For hard cheeses, overfill slightly as the curds will compact during pressing.

4. Draining:

  • Place the filled mold on a draining surface, such as a cooling rack over a tray.
  • For soft cheeses, allow to drain naturally without pressure.
  • For semi-hard and hard cheeses, apply pressure as specified in your recipe.

5. Pressing (for hard cheeses):

  • Start with light pressure, typically 10 lbs (4.5 kg) for the first hour.
  • Gradually increase pressure over time. For example:
    • 20 lbs (9 kg) for 2 hours
    • 50 lbs (23 kg) for 12 hours
    • Up to 100 lbs (45 kg) for 24 hours for very hard cheeses

6. Flipping:

  • Flip the cheese in the mold every 6-12 hours during pressing.
  • This ensures even moisture distribution and a uniform texture.

7. Monitoring:

  • Check the cheese regularly for proper whey expulsion.
  • The rate of whey expulsion should slow over time.
  • If whey expulsion stops too quickly, increase pressure slightly.

8. Removing from the Mold:

  • Once pressing is complete, carefully remove the cheese from the mold.
  • If the cheese sticks, briefly dip the mold in warm water to loosen.

9. Post-Molding Care:

  • Allow the cheese to air dry at room temperature for 1-5 days, depending on the cheese type.
  • Turn the cheese daily during this period to ensure even drying.

Remember, specific times and pressures may vary depending on the cheese recipe you’re following. Always refer to your recipe for precise instructions.

RELEVANT POST: CHEESE RECIPE SCALER

Steps to Make Cheese with a Mold

  1. Line the mold with cheesecloth, allowing excess to drape over the sides
  2. Fill the mold with curds, gently pressing to remove air pockets
  3. Fold the excess cheesecloth over the top of the curds
  4. Place the follower (if using) on top of the cheese
  5. Apply pressure as required by your recipe
  6. Allow the cheese to drain, flipping periodically as directed


steps to make a cheese mold


Tips for Choosing the Right Size Cheese Mold

  • Consider the amount of milk you typically use in your recipes
  • Factor in the yield rate of the cheese variety you’re making
  • Choose a mold slightly larger than your desired final cheese size
  • For hard cheeses, ensure your mold is compatible with your press
  • When in doubt, opt for a versatile, medium-sized mold


Tips for Choosing the Right Size Cheese Mold




Maintenance and Cleaning of Cheese Molds

Proper care of your cheese molds is essential for longevity and food safety:

  1. Rinse molds immediately after use with cool water
  2. Wash thoroughly with hot, soapy water
  3. Use a soft brush to clean all holes and crevices
  4. Rinse well to remove all soap residue
  5. Sanitize with a food-grade sanitizer or diluted bleach solution
  6. Air dry completely before storing
  7. Inspect regularly for wear and tear, replacing as necessary


What Is the Process of Cheese Making?

Understanding the basic cheese making process can help you use your molds and presses more effectively.



Ingredients You Need for Cheese Making

  • Milk (cow, goat, or sheep, depending on the recipe)
  • Starter culture
  • Rennet
  • Salt
  • Additional ingredients specific to your cheese variety (herbs, spices, etc.)


Step-by-Step Cheese Making Recipe

Here’s a basic outline of the cheese making process:

  1. Heat milk to the specified temperature
  2. Add starter culture and let ripen
  3. Add rennet and allow milk to coagulate
  4. Cut the curd
  5. Cook and stir the curds
  6. Drain the whey
  7. Salt the curds
  8. Place curds in mold
  9. Press the cheese (if making a hard variety)
  10. Age the cheese (as required by the recipe)


How to Drain Curd in a Cheese Mold

Proper draining is crucial for achieving the right texture in your cheese:

  • Line your mold with cheesecloth before adding curds
  • Place the mold on a draining surface (like a cooling rack over a tray)
  • Fill the mold gradually, allowing whey to drain between additions
  • Gently press the curds to encourage whey expulsion
  • For pressed cheeses, start with light pressure and gradually increase
  • Flip the cheese in the mold periodically for even draining


How to Drain Curd in a Cheese Mold


RELEVANT POST: CHEESE RECIPE SCALER


How Can You Create Homemade Cheese Molds?

While professional molds are ideal, it’s possible to create your own cheese molds at home.



DIY Cheese Mold: Materials and Instructions

To make a simple cheese mold, you’ll need:

  • Food-grade plastic container
  • Drill with small bit
  • Sandpaper

Instructions:

  1. Clean the container thoroughly
  2. Drill small holes in the bottom and sides for drainage
  3. Sand any rough edges
  4. Sanitize before use


Using PVC Pipe for Homemade Cheese Molds

PVC pipe can be used to create cylindrical cheese molds:

  • Use food-grade PVC pipe of desired diameter
  • Cut to desired height
  • Drill drainage holes in the sides
  • Create a follower from a piece of food-grade plastic cut to fit inside the pipe
  • Ensure all edges are smooth and the mold is thoroughly cleaned before use


Tips for Crafting a Cheese Mold with a Follower

A follower helps distribute pressure evenly in your homemade mold:

  1. Cut a disc from food-grade plastic slightly smaller than your mold’s diameter
  2. Sand the edges smooth
  3. Drill a few small holes in the follower for drainage
  4. Ensure the follower fits snugly but can move freely in the mold

Tips for Crafting a Cheese Mold with a Follower




What Types of Cheese Can You Make with These Supplies?

With the right molds and presses, you can create a wide variety of cheeses at home.



Making Soft Cheese: A Beginner’s Guide

Soft cheeses are a great starting point for beginners:

  • Ricotta: Made from whey, requires minimal equipment
  • Cream Cheese: Uses a simple draining mold
  • Chevre: Goat cheese that drains in a basket mold
  • Brie: Requires specific molds and aging conditions


Creating Hard Cheese with a Cheese Press

Hard cheeses require more equipment but offer rewarding results:

  1. Cheddar: Classic hard cheese, needs pressing and aging
  2. Gouda: Semi-hard cheese with distinctive flavor
  3. Parmesan: Very hard cheese, requires long aging
  4. Manchego: Spanish sheep’s milk cheese, needs specific mold
RELEVANT POST: CHEESE AGING CALCULATOR


Exploring Artisan Cheese Varieties

As you gain experience, you can try making more unique cheeses:

  • Blue Cheese: Requires specific molds and piercing equipment
  • Camembert: Soft-ripened cheese with special molds
  • Havarti: Semi-soft cheese with a unique texture
  • Feta: Brined cheese that can be made with various milk types


Where to Purchase Quality Cheese Making Supplies?

Finding the right supplies is crucial for successful cheese making.



Best Online Shops for Cheese Molds and Presses

Consider these reputable online retailers for your cheese making needs:

  1. New England Cheesemaking Supply Co.
  2. The Cheese Maker
  3. Cultures for Health
  4. Dairy Connection Inc.
  5. Homesteader’s Supply


How to Choose Food Grade Cheese Making Supplies

Ensure the safety of your homemade cheese by:

  • Checking for “food grade” or “food safe” labeling
  • Avoiding materials that can leach chemicals (like non-food grade plastics)
  • Opting for stainless steel or food-grade plastic for molds and presses
  • Verifying that wooden tools are untreated and suitable for food use


Reading Reviews: What to Look for in Cheese Making Kits

When evaluating cheese making kits, consider these factors:

  1. Comprehensiveness of included supplies
  2. Quality of instructions and recipes
  3. Durability of tools and equipment
  4. Versatility for making different cheese types
  5. Customer reviews on ease of use and results
RELEVANT POST: RENNET USAGE CALCULATOR


Conclusion

Equipped with the right cheese molds, presses, and knowledge, you’re ready to embark on your cheese making journey. Remember to start with simpler cheeses and gradually work your way up to more complex varieties. With practice and patience, you’ll be crafting delicious homemade cheeses in no time. Happy cheese making!