Cheese Making for Beginners
Cheese Making Course with Olly Goolden: Learn from an Expert Cheese Maker
Cheese Making Course with Olly Goolden: Learn from an Expert Cheese Maker
Join us at River Cottage HQ for an exciting introduction to cheese-making, where you’ll learn to create Cheddar and three other delicious varieties with expert guidance from Olly Goolden, an award-winning cheese maker with nearly a decade of experience.
Olly will guide you through the process of making three types of cheese—Paneer, Tomme, and Mozzarella—sharing expert tips and techniques along the way. You’ll also discover how to use common kitchen tools in place of specialist equipment, making it easy to recreate your cheeses at home.
Throughout the day, you’ll dive deep into the fascinating world of cheese-making and gain the confidence to craft your own dairy delights. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Olly’s hands-on approach and contagious passion for cheese will ensure you leave with valuable knowledge.
Scroll down to see the full day overview and learn more about what you’ll create and experience during this hands-on course!
Highlights
- Make three different styles of cheese: Paneer, Tomme, and Mozzarella, and master the art of cheese-making.
- Learn how to apply a wax coat to cheese, a traditional technique that enhances preservation.
- Discover how to make cheese at home using simple kitchen equipment and household items you may already have.
- Get expert tips on how to recreate your cheeses at home with ease and confidence.
- Experience hands-on tuition with Olly Goolden, an award-winning cheese maker, in a relaxed, inspiring environment.
Your day
10:00 - 17:00
Arrive at River Cottage
You’ll begin your River Cottage experience with a 10-15 minute walk through the pathways down to the farm, enabling you to really soak up the views of the valley.
Make yourself at home
You will meet your host and start the day with tea, coffee and a cheesy treat fresh from the kitchen.
SESSION ONE
There won't be any waiting around! You'll dive right into making your first cheese: Tomme, a semi-hard alpine-style cheese known for its mild tang.
SESSION TWO
Olly will show you how to create a wax coating for your cheese, an excellent method for preserving its freshness.
LUNCH
Tuck into a delicious lunch, prepared by our chefs and themed, naturally, around cheese.
SESSION THREE
Next, you’ll begin crafting your second cheese: Mozzarella, a classic Southern Italian delight that's perfect for pizzas and salads.
SESSION FOUR
Your third cheese is Paneer, often found in Indian style dishes, it has a delicious texture and carries strong flavours well.
SESSION FIVE
You’ll finish making your cheeses and can proudly say you’ve made three different cheeses in one day!
DEPARTURE
At 5 PM, head to the car park with your three cheeses in hand.
Further Information
Directions
This course is run from River Cottage HQ on the Dorset/Devon borders. Full address details of HQ will be provided once you have booked.
Licensed Venue
We are a licensed venue. We have a wide selection of the finest organic wines available to purchase.
Accommodation
Stay in our famous Farmhouse, click here. For other local accommodation click here.
Suitability
We would advise that this course is only really suitable for 12 years of age and upwards. Under 16s must be accompanied by a paying adult. We put these guidelines in place for the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all our guests.
Allergy Advice
Sorry, we’re afraid this course is not suitable for those with allergies or specific dietary requirements. However we do run courses that are gluten free, vegetarian and vegan friendly. Please get in touch if you have any questions or need further details.
