Homemade American Cheese
A homemade version of classic American cheese made with Colby cheese, milk, and gelatin. This recipe produces a sliceable cheese that's perfect for sandwiches and burgers.
Ingredients
- •½ cup whole milk
- •1 teaspoon gelatin
- •8 ounces mild orange cheese
- •¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- •1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
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.
5 min
- 2.
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.
10 min
- 3.
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.
5 min
- 4.
With motor running, carefully pour in milk mixture through tube, then continue to process, scraping bowl halfway through, until smooth, 10-20 seconds.
1 min
- 5.
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.
180 min
- 6.
Cheese can be made 5 days ahead; wrap tightly in plastic and chill.