Homemade American Cheese Recipes

Steps:

• Pour the milk into a large pot, and heat until the temperature reaches 195 degrees F (90 degrees C), or almost boiling. Stir constantly to prevent scorching on the bottom of the pot. When the milk reaches the temperature, remove from the heat, and stir in the vinegar. Let stand for 10 minutes.
• Line a strainer with cheesecloth, and set over the sink or a large pot or bowl. The milk should separate into a white solid part, and a yellowish liquid (whey). Stir the salt into the milk, then pour through the cloth-lined strainer. Let the curds continue to drain in the strainer for 1 hour. Discard the whey.
• After the cheese has finished draining, pat into a ball, and remove from the cheese cloth. Wrap in plastic and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Fresh cheese will usually last about a week.

Steps:

• To make a block of cheese, line a 2-cup resealable container with plastic wrap. Alternatively, to make square cheese slices, line a 13x9" rimmed baking sheet with plastic wrap.
• Place 2 Tbsp. milk in a small bowl and sprinkle gelatin over. Let sit 10 minutes. Meanwhile, pulse cheese and salt in a food processor just until mixed and broken up.
• Heat butter and remaining 1/2 cup milk in a small saucepan over medium-high. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and whisk in gelatin mixture.
• With motor running, carefully pour in milk mixture through tube, then continue to process, scraping bowl halfway through, until smooth, 10-20 seconds.
• Working quickly (gelatin will begin to set), pour cheese mixture into prepared container, smoothing top. Cover and chill until firm, 2-3 hours. If making a block, unmold and slice as desired. If making cheese slices, cut cheese into 6 4x4" squares and store slices with layers of wax or parchment paper in between.
• Do Ahead
• Cheese can be made 5 days ahead; wrap tightly in plastic and chill.

Steps:

• Line 5-by 4-inch disposable aluminum loaf pan with plastic wrap, allowing excess to hang over sides.
• Place water in small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over top, and let mixture sit for 5 minutes. Pulse cheese, milk powder, salt, and cream of tartar in food processor until combined, about 3 pulses.
• Meanwhile, bring milk to boil in small saucepan. Off heat, stir in softened gelatin until dissolved, and transfer mixture to 1-cup liquid measuring cup. With processor running, slowly add hot milk mixture to cheese mixture until smooth, about 1 minute, scraping down bowl as needed.
• 4. Immediately transfer cheese mixture to prepared pan, pressing to compact. Wrap tightly and chill at least 3 hours, or overnight.