Leipäjuusto (Finnish Baked Cheese)
Leipäjuusto is a traditional Finnish baked cheese, often called 'squeaky cheese' due to its unique texture. It's typically made from cow's milk (or sometimes reindeer or goat's milk) and baked until caramelized spots appear. Served warm, often with cloudberry jam, it makes a delightful and simple dessert.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 45 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 236 kcal
Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 1 lwhole milk
- 0.5 tsprennet
- 0.5 tspsalt
for serving
- 0.5 cupcloudberry jam(optional)
Equipment
food thermometer · cheesecloth · colander · large pot · baking sheet · parchment paper · knife
The method
Step by step
- 1
Gently warm the milk in a large pot over medium-low heat until it reaches about 37°C (98°F). Do not boil.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Use a food thermometer to accurately measure the temperature. The milk should feel warm to the touch but not hot.
- 2
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the rennet and the salt. Mix well.
About 1 min
- 3
Let the milk mixture sit undisturbed for 30-60 minutes, or until it forms a firm curd that separates from the whey.
About 45 min
Cook’s note: The curd should look like a soft, wobbly block. You can test it by gently pressing the edge with a spoon.
- 4
Preheat your oven to 225°C (440°F) or prepare your broiler.
About 5 min
- 5
Carefully transfer the curd into a colander lined with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel to drain the whey. Let it drain for about 10-15 minutes.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: You can save the whey for other recipes, such as baking bread.
- 6
Gently press the curd to remove excess whey, then shape it into a flat, round or oval disc, about 1-2 cm thick, and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: The shape doesn't have to be perfect; rustic is fine.
- 7
Bake the cheese in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the surface develops characteristic dark, caramelized spots.
About 20 min
Cook’s note: Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. If using a broiler, this step will be much faster, typically 2-5 minutes.
- 8
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
About 1 min
- 9
Cut the leipäjuusto into wedges and serve warm, traditionally with cloudberry jam.
Cook’s note: It can also be served with other berry jams or even fresh berries.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 235.9kcal
- Protein
- 8.1g
- Carbs
- 32.4g
- Fat
- 8.3g
- Fibre
- 0.3g
- Sugar
- 26.3g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover leipäjuusto in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Gently reheat in a microwave or oven until warm.
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