Beginner Cheese Making

To make cheese at home, you'll need milk, a few basic ingredients (like rennet and a starter culture), and simple tools like a thermometer and cheesecloth or butter muslin. A beginner cheese making kit is the easiest way to get started—it includes everything you need in one box.

Soft cheeses like ricotta, mascarpone, paneer, and chèvre are perfect for beginners. They require minimal ingredients and no aging, so you can enjoy fresh cheese the same day.

Yes! Many beginner cheeses—like ricotta and paneer—don’t require rennet. These cheeses use acid (such as citric acid or tartaric acid) to form curds. We offer have a beginner cheese making kit specifically designed for rennet-free cheese making.

You can use cow, goat, or sheep’s milk to make cheese. For best results, choose whole milk that’s not ultra-pasteurized. Raw milk and low-temp pasteurized milk are both great options for beginners. Check out our Good Milk List to find good milk near you .

Many beginner cheeses take less than an hour of active time. For example, mascarpone and ricotta can be made in about 30–45 minutes, plus draining time. Harder cheeses may take longer and require aging.

We have free Getting Started guides and tutorials to walk you through every step of the process. Whether you’re curious about ingredients or looking for step-by-step instructions, we’re here to help you learn how to make cheese at home with confidence.