How to make Queso Fresco with Sheep Milk
There’s something magical about turning fresh milk—especially from your own animals—into cheese. This week on the homestead, I made a fresh batch of Queso Fresco using milk from our dairy sheep, right here in the vintage 1950s bunkhouse that we now rent out as an Airbnb. It’s a simple, rewarding cheese that’s perfect for beginners, and in this post, I’ll walk you through the process—and share a little of the homestead life along the way.
Why Sheep Milk?
Most people are used to cow’s milk cheese, but sheep milk is naturally richer and creamier, which makes it fantastic for fresh cheeses like queso fresco. It’s also easier to digest for many people, and it yields more cheese per gallon than cow or goat milk. Win-win!
If you’re new to milking sheep or curious about starting a small flock, we’ve got you covered—more on that below!
What is Queso Fresco?
Queso fresco quite literally translates to “fresh cheese” in Spanish, and that’s exactly what it is—a bright, tangy, delicious cheese that you can make in just a couple of hours with minimal equipment. It doesn’t require aging or complicated tools. It’s perfect shredded over casseroles, nachos, or eaten straight off the cutting board (guilty!).
The Cheesemaking Process
Here’s a simple overview of how I made it:
Warm the milk slowly to around 88°F.
Add a mesophilic culture
Add rennet to set the curd
Stir the curds to get the right texture
Strain the curds into cheesecloth, salt and let them drain.
Press the cheese lightly, and enjoy!
You can follow along step-by-step in my YouTube video where I film the entire process from milking our sheep to the finished cheese—all inside the bunkhouse kitchen with its vintage appliances and cozy vibes.
A Peek Inside the Bunkhouse
We built this little bunkhouse like the 1950’s as a place for folks to come stay and experience the rhythms of homestead life. It’s filled with old charm, natural light, and a few well-loved tools of the trade. Making cheese here always feels a little like stepping back in time—and we’d love to share that with you.
If you’re dreaming of a peaceful weekend surrounded by fields, sheep, and simple living, check out our Airbnb listing.
Interested in Raising Dairy Sheep?
We raise happy, healthy East Friesian sheep and occasionally offer lambs or starter flocks for sale to folks interested in home dairying. If you’ve ever dreamed of milking your own sheep, making cheese, and becoming a bit more self-sufficient, feel free to reach out here or leave a comment—we’re always happy to chat.
Come Stay With Us—or Make Cheese Wherever You Are
Whether you’re here to learn cheesemaking, curious about homesteading life, or just looking for a relaxing rural escape, I hope this post and this video inspire you to give it a try. There’s something so grounding about making food with your own hands—and if it happens to be in an old bunkhouse with a warm cup of coffee and a few curious sheep peeking in the window, well, even better.
👉 Watch the full video on YouTube
👉 Book your stay in the bunkhouse
👉 Interested in buying sheep? Contact us
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Thanks for stopping by the homestead. 💛