Join us at River Cottage HQ for a delightful introduction to cheese-making, where you’ll learn how to make cheddar cheese and three other delicious varieties. With expert guidance from our talented Cheese Tutor, Olly Goolden, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to create your own cheeses at home.
Olly has been crafting exceptional cheeses at his farm in Dorset for nearly a decade, supplying River Cottage with his creations. Now, he’s here to share his extensive knowledge and passion for cheese-making with you.
During this hands-on cheese-making experience, you’ll discover how cheese is produced while making three types of cheese: Paneer, Tomme, and Mozzarella. Olly will also share tips for using common kitchen items instead of expensive specialist equipment.
Cheese-making consists of moments of high activity and times when you must wait as the milk transforms. During one of these moments, Olly will discuss the differences between waxed and unwaxed cheeses, providing insights you can try at home. You’ll be well-fed throughout the day, with plenty of cheese to taste!
At the end of the day, you’ll leave with your handmade cheeses and detailed instructions on how to store, mature, and recreate them. Just remember to bring some Tupperware and a cool box to safely transport your cheesy creations!
10:00 - 17:00
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.
You will meet your host and start the day with tea, coffee and a cheesy treat fresh from the kitchen.
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.
Olly will show you how to create a wax coating for your cheese, an excellent method for preserving its freshness.
Tuck into a delicious lunch, prepared by our chefs and themed, naturally, around cheese.
Next, you’ll begin crafting your second cheese: Mozzarella, a classic Southern Italian delight that's perfect for pizzas and salads.
Your third cheese is Paneer, often found in Indian style dishes, it has a delicious texture and carries strong flavours well.
You’ll finish making your cheeses and can proudly say you’ve made three different cheeses in one day!
At 5 PM, head to the car park with your three cheeses in hand.
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.
We are a licensed venue. We have a wide selection of the finest organic wines available to purchase.
Stay in our famous Farmhouse, click here. For other local accommodation click here.
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.
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.