Homemade Cheese Block

This homemade cheese block is a delicious and versatile recipe, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or even as a snack. Made with milk, butter, and hard cheese, it has a smooth, creamy texture with a rich, cheesy flavor. The addition of agar agar helps it set beautifully, giving it a firm, sliceable texture. It’s a great alternative to store-bought cheese and can be customized by adding different herbs or spices to suit your taste.

Preparation Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours (in the fridge)

Ingredients:
Milk: 1.6 liters (6 ¾ cups)
Corn starch: 100 g (¾ cup)
Agar agar: 16 g (4 teaspoons)
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Butter: 30 g (2 tablespoons)
Hard cheese (grated): 200 g (2 cups)
Directions:
Prepare the mixture: In a large pot, combine milk, corn starch, agar agar, and salt. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
Cook: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Cook for 16-20 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Add butter: Stir in the butter and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
Add cheese: Gradually add grated hard cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Cook for an additional 7-10 minutes until fully combined.
Cool and set: Pour the mixture into a greased container or mold and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.