Leipäjuusto with Cloudberry Jam
Leipäjuusto, also known as 'squeaky cheese' or 'bread cheese,' is a traditional Finnish fresh cheese. It has a firm, slightly rubbery texture and a mild, milky flavor. When baked or broiled, it develops a beautifully browned, slightly crisp exterior. Served warm with sweet cloudberry jam, it's a delightful dessert or snack that showcases Finnish culinary traditions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 liter Whole cow's milk(Can also use goat or reindeer milk for a more traditional flavor.)
- 250 ml Full-fat buttermilk
- 1 tsp Rennet(Liquid or powdered)
- 0.5 tsp Fine sea salt
- 4 tbsp Cloudberry jam(For serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Gently warm the milk in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over low heat to around 37°C (body temperature).
💡 Tip: Avoid overheating the milk. - 2
Add the buttermilk and stir gently to combine.
- 3
Add the rennet and stir gently for no more than a minute. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for about 40 minutes, or until a clean break is achieved.
⏱️ 40 minutes - 4
Using a long knife, cut the curd into small, even cubes, about 1 cm in size. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Return the pot to very low heat and slowly stir the curds for 15 minutes. Do not boil.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 6
Line a colander with cheesecloth and carefully pour in the curds, draining off the whey. Let it drain for at least 1 hour.
⏱️ 1 hour - 7
Transfer the curds to a lightly greased, oven-safe round dish or mold, pressing them down evenly to form a flat cake. You can also use a pizza pan.
💡 Tip: Ensure the cake is of even thickness for consistent baking. - 8
Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C / 400°F).
💡 Tip: Broiling can also be used for browning. - 9
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns lightly golden. For an authentic browned top, finish under the grill (broiler) for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
⏱️ 25 minutes💡 Tip: Rotate the dish if needed for even browning. - 10
Remove the cheese from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, topped with cloudberry jam.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The 'squeaky' texture comes from the cheese's structure, which is formed by careful curd handling and pressing.
- ✓Leipäjuusto can be enjoyed in various ways: dipped in coffee, cubed in salads, or as a dessert with jam.
- ✓If cloudberry jam is unavailable, lingonberry jam is a good alternative.
🔄 Variations
- Serve with a drizzle of honey instead of jam.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar before serving for a sweeter treat.