Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsHenlopen City Oyster HouseTomme De Brebis Recipe

Tomme De Brebis Recipe

Time3h
Serves8

sheep, semi-firm, creamy, nutty, earthy

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Cheese Ingredients

Molding and Aging Ingredients

Method

Cheese Preparation

  1. 1

    Heat the Milk

    In a large pot, heat 2 liters of sheep's milk to 32°C (90°F) over low heat, stirring gently to prevent scorching.

  2. 2

    Add Cultures

    Once the milk reaches 32°C, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of mesophilic starter culture over the surface of the milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to rehydrate, then stir gently to incorporate.

  3. 3

    Add Calcium Chloride

    Dissolve 1 teaspoon of calcium chloride in a small amount of cool, distilled water and add it to the milk mixture. Stir gently for about 1 minute.

  4. 4

    Add Rennet

    Dissolve 1 teaspoon of rennet in a small amount of cool, distilled water and add it to the milk mixture. Stir gently for 1 minute, then stop stirring and allow the milk to sit undisturbed for 60 minutes.

  5. 5

    Cut the Curd

    After 60 minutes, check for a clean break in the curd. If ready, cut the curd into 1-inch cubes using a long knife. Let the curds rest for 5 minutes.

  6. 6

    Stir the Curd

    Gently stir the curds for 10 minutes, gradually increasing the temperature to 38°C (100°F).

  7. 7

    Drain the Curds

    Line the cheese molds with cheesecloth and ladle the curds into them, filling to the top. Allow the whey to drain for 30 minutes.

  8. 8

    Press the Cheese

    Fold the cheesecloth over the curds and place a weight on top. Press for 4-6 hours, flipping the cheese halfway through.

  9. 9

    Salting

    Remove the cheese from the mold, unwrap it, and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of salt evenly over the cheese surface. Let it rest for 24 hours at room temperature.

Aging Process

  1. 10

    Wrap and Store

    Wrap the cheese in wax paper and place it in a cool, humid environment (ideally around 10-12°C or 50-54°F) to age for at least 60 days.

  2. 11

    Flip Regularly

    Flip the cheese every week to ensure even aging and prevent mold formation.

  3. 12

    Taste and Enjoy

    After 60 days, your Tomme de Brebis will be ready to taste. Enjoy the creamy, nutty, and earthy flavors!

More from Henlopen City Oyster House