Answering the common question “Which basic cheese making kit is right for me?” this guide highlights five approachable kits that cover mozzarella, ricotta, feta, cheddar, and more. Each pick suits a different home-cheese goal: beginners seeking simple, quick cheeses; hobbyists wanting a broad variety; and makers aiming for authentic, traditional styles. Below, you’ll see clear “best for” notes, practical pros and limitations, and a quick buying table to compare essentials at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| The Big Cheese Ultimate Cheese Making Kit | All-around beginner to intermediate | Provides a wide range of cheeses and a recipe book for confidence with multiple steps |
| Mozzarella and Ricotta Cheese Making Kit | Quick, fresh mozzarella | Short, simple process, includes all basics except milk |
| Basic Beginner Cheese Making Kit | Comprehensive starter | Includes many varieties and a reusable drain cloth |
| Mozzarella & Ricotta Cheese Making Kit | 5 Piece | Starter with essentials | Compact kit with key tools and cultures |
| Ultimate Cheese Making Kit (Food Network) | Most versatile | Professional-grade ingredients; wide cheese variety |
The Big Cheese Ultimate Cheese Making Kit
Best for: Beginners who want a wide range of cheeses with a guided recipe book. This kit covers mozzarella, mascarpone, feta, ricotta, plus six other cheeses, offering a comprehensive start to home cheese making.
Caution: The kit’s breadth may be overwhelming for absolute beginners who prefer simpler, single-cheese projects first.
Mozzarella And Ricotta Cheese Making Kit
Includes 3-ounce citric acid, 3-ounce cheese salt, 5 tablets of vegetable rennet, 1 yard butter muslin, a thermometer, and a recipe booklet. Milk is not supplied. Mozzarella can be ready in about 30 minutes.
Best for: Home cooks who want quick mozzarella with a reliable ricotta option, using common kitchen ingredients.
Limitation: Milk supplies are required separately; the kit does not include dairy.
Basic Beginner Cheese Making Kit
Described as a well-rounded starter, this kit claims to yield 10-15 pounds of cheese and includes detailed recipes for ricotta, mascarpone, cottage cheese, chevre, cream cheese, and mozzarella. It also includes a reusable curd drain cloth.
Best for: Those who want a full spectrum of cheese types in one purchase and reusable accessories for repeated use.
Caution: Some beginners may prefer kits with more explicit step-by-step visuals for each cheese type.
Mozzarella & Ricotta Cheese Making Kit (5 Piece)
Includes mozzarella and ricotta cultures with essential salts and acids, plus a thermometer. It emphasizes basic cheese varieties and practical steps suitable for beginners.
Best for: Cooks who want essential starter cultures and tools to create classic Italian cheeses at home.
Caution: May require additional ingredients or equipment not included in the kit for some cheese types.
Ultimate Cheese Making Kit — Food Network Favorite
Promoted as Food Network’s best overall and best hard/soft cheese kit, it includes mesophilic and thermophilic cultures, liquid microbial rennet, calcium chloride, citric acid, real flake cheese salt, and a reusable drain cloth. Packaged in Tennessee with resealable packaging. Capable of producing a broad range of cheeses from soft to hard varieties.
Best for: Cheese enthusiasts seeking professional-grade ingredients and a wide cheese repertoire, including cultured butters and ghee options.
Limitation: The kit’s breadth may be more than needed for casual hobbyists who want a single-cheese focus at first.
Buying Guide: Cheese Making Kit Essentials
- Cheese Variety: Do you want a broad assortment or a focus on a few favorites? Consider whether you’ll use a kit that includes mesophilic/thermophilic cultures and liquid rennet for better cheese range.
- Included Tools: Check for essential items like thermometers, cheesecloth, a drain cloth, and reusable containers. Some kits bundle more tools than others.
- Milk Source: Most kits require you to supply milk. Some kits note the milk type (cow, goat) or suggest pasteurized options; plan accordingly.
- Time and Simplicity: If you want quick cheeses like mozzarella, look for kits marketed for fast results. If you aim for multiple cheese styles, choose a comprehensive kit with detailed instructions.
- Quality of Cultures: Kits with professional-grade cultures can improve texture and flavor, especially for harder cheeses. Verify if the kit uses vegetarian-friendly rennet if that matters to you.
- Storage and Freshness: Resealable packaging and long shelf-life add convenience for occasional cheesemakers. Consider how easy it is to store ingredients between batches.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What milk should I use with these kits?
Most kits do not include milk; use pasteurized whole milk for best results in soft cheeses, or fresh raw milk if you have access and local regulations allow it. - Are these kits suitable for beginners?
Yes, several kits target beginners with step-by-step instructions and all essential non-dairy components. - Do I need special equipment beyond the kit?
Some kits include most essentials, but you may need a thermometer, a pot, and straining cloths if not already provided. - Can I make aged cheeses with these kits?
Some kits include cultures and rennet needed for aging, but verify if the kit explicitly covers hard, aged varieties. - How long does cheese making take?
Cheese making times vary by cheese type; mozzarella can take about 30 minutes for fresh cheese, while others may require longer aging and handling. - Are these kits vegetarian-friendly?
Many kits use microbial rennet that is vegetarian, but check each product’s detail to confirm.