Amsterdam: Make your cheese next to De Hallen

Getting a true taste of Amsterdam often means exploring its iconic cheeses, from Gouda to Edam. But what if you could go beyond just tasting and actually learn how to make your own cheese? That’s exactly what this workshop offers — a hands-on experience that combines tradition, creativity, and a little bit of culinary magic. Set in the lively neighborhood near De Hallen, this three-hour session takes you through the basics of cheesemaking, culminating in a tasting that’s as satisfying as it is educational.

One of the best parts? You’ll leave with two fresh cheeses you’ve made yourself, plus the confidence and recipes to try more complex varieties at home. Whether you’re a foodie, a curious traveler, or someone eager to pick up a new skill, this activity offers genuine insight into a craft that’s been part of Dutch culture for centuries. A slight consideration: this experience is best suited to those comfortable with a hands-on activity and not suitable for children under 16 or those with lactose intolerance.

If you love the idea of creating something delicious with your own hands, and you’re curious about the art of cheese, this workshop is likely to be a highlight of your time in Amsterdam. It’s a perfect blend of practical skill-building, tasty rewards, and cultural discovery.

Key Points

• Hands-on learning: You’ll actively participate in making two types of cheese using supermarket milk.
• Expert guidance: The instructor is knowledgeable, guiding you through each step with clarity.
• Authentic experience: Making both acid- and rennet-coagulated cheeses offers a real taste of traditional cheesemaking.
• Tasty rewards: Enjoy a homemade cheese tasting of fresh and pressed cheeses.
• Take-home goodies: You leave with your two cheeses, cheese cloth, rennet, calcium, and recipes.
• Accessible and intimate: Small group size (limited to 10) ensures personalized attention.

What to Expect from Your Cheesemaking Workshop

The journey begins at De Kaasserie, a cozy spot where your introduction sets the tone for an engaging and informative experience. The workshop is designed to be practical and approachable, making it ideal whether you’re a complete novice or have some familiarity with kitchen crafts.

Introduction and Overview

Once gathered, your host starts with a brief presentation about De Kaasserie and the craft of cheesemaking. This includes insights into the history and significance of Dutch cheeses, plus a quick primer on the basic principles involved. This foundation helps you appreciate what you’ll be doing and why it matters.

Learning the Coagulation Techniques

The core of the workshop focuses on two fundamental types of milk coagulation. You’ll use one liter of supermarket milk for each cheese, which allows you to experiment without the need for fancy ingredients.

First, you’ll make an acid-coagulated cheese, which is similar to fresh cheeses like ricotta or paneer. This involves adding acid to the milk to curdle it, a straightforward process that produces a soft, delicious cheese. You’ll see how simple ingredients can create something surprisingly sophisticated.

Next, you’ll transform the second liter into a rennet-coagulated cheese. This is the method used in aging cheeses like Gouda or Edam. The process involves adding rennet and calcium, which causes the milk to set into a firmer curd. Once you’ve mastered this, you’ll understand the basics of building more complex cheeses.

Experimenting with Flavors

A fun aspect of the workshop is adding spices and herbs to your cheeses. This not only personalizes your creations but also sparks creativity. You might try adding pepper, herbs, or even sun-dried tomatoes — the possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to learn about flavor balancing.

Tasting and Reflection

As your cheeses set and are pressed, you’ll get to taste the fresh results alongside some homemade accompaniments. The tasting includes both the fresh soft cheese and a pressed cheese, showing how aging and pressing influence flavor and texture.

Take-Home and Next Steps

Once your cheeses are ready, you’ll take home your two creations, along with the cheese cloth, rennet, calcium, and detailed recipes sent via email. The workshop encourages experimentation at home, empowering you to continue the craft beyond the session.

The Value of the Experience

This isn’t just about making cheese — it’s about understanding a traditional craft. As one reviewer noted, “It was a great experience,” highlighting how engaging and rewarding the process is. The instructor, whose name isn’t specified but is described as knowledgeable, ensures you feel confident to replicate what you’ve learned.

Price and Value

At $131 per person, this workshop offers good value for the depth of hands-on experience, personalized guidance, and the takeaway cheeses. Considering the cost of similar culinary activities, it’s a reasonably priced way to deepen your appreciation of Dutch culture and learn a practical skill. Plus, you get to bring home two cheeses you’ve made yourself, which is a tangible souvenir that lasts beyond the trip.

Accessibility and Practical Details

• Duration: 3 hours, a perfect afternoon activity.
• Languages: Conducted in English, Spanish, French, and Dutch, accommodating diverse travelers.
• Small group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring plenty of individual attention.
• Meeting Point: Starts at De Kaasserie, with the activity ending back at the same spot.
• Booking Flexibility: You can reserve now and pay later, with full cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

A couple of considerations: this activity isn’t suitable for children under 16, those over 95, or anyone with lactose intolerance. It’s a hands-on experience, so expect to get a bit creative and messy in the kitchen!

Why This Experience Works

This workshop provides a rare opportunity to dive into the craft of cheesemaking in an authentic, approachable way. Unlike just tasting cheese at a market or a restaurant, you actively participate in creating the food. This kind of experience deepens your appreciation, making the final tasting more meaningful.

The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, and the instructor’s friendly guidance helps demystify the process. We loved the way the class balanced technical instruction with playful experimentation — especially when adding herbs and spices to our cheeses.

What truly elevates this experience is the empowerment it offers. Not only do you walk away with cheeses you made yourself, but you also gain the confidence to try cheesemaking at home. The recipes and materials provided make that an achievable next step, turning a fun afternoon into a new hobby.

Who Will Love This?

This activity appeals to foodies, curious travelers, and DIY enthusiasts. If you enjoy culinary experiences that are interactive and hands-on, you’ll find this workshop rewarding. It’s especially great for those who appreciate authenticity and want to learn a craft that’s deeply rooted in Dutch culture.

However, it’s less suitable for children under 16 or anyone sensitive to dairy. If you’re after a relaxed, purely tasting experience, other tours might be better. But if you’re eager to get your hands dirty and learn a new skill, this workshop delivers both fun and practical knowledge.

FAQs

Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The session is designed to be approachable, even if you’ve never made cheese before. The instructor guides you step-by-step, making it easy to follow along.

What do I need to bring?
All necessary materials, including cheese cloth, rennet, calcium, and recipes, are provided. You just need to bring yourself and a willingness to experiment.

Are there any dietary restrictions?
This activity isn’t suitable for those with lactose intolerance, as cheese is dairy-based. It’s also not appropriate for children under 16.

How long does the workshop last?
It generally lasts about 3 hours, offering a relaxed pace that allows plenty of hands-on time and tasting.

What’s included in the price?
You get to make two kinds of cheese, enjoy a homemade tasting, and take home your cheeses along with the cheese-making tools and recipes.

Can I book last minute?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with the option to pay later. Just check availability first, as groups are limited to 10.

Is the experience conducted in English?
Yes, the workshop is offered in English, with additional languages like Spanish, French, and Dutch, depending on the instructor.

Where does the activity start and end?
It begins at De Kaasserie and concludes back at the same location, making it easy to combine with other nearby activities or meals.

What if I want to do more cheesemaking at home?
The workshop encourages this, providing recipes and all necessary ingredients, so you can continue exploring the craft in your own kitchen.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an experience that combines learning, tasting, and creating, this cheesemaking workshop near De Hallen offers genuine value. It’s a chance to engage with Dutch culinary traditions in a fun, approachable setting, guided by knowledgeable instructors. The ability to make and take home your own cheeses makes it especially memorable and rewarding.

Ideal for food lovers, curious explorers, and those wanting a hands-on activity, this experience transforms cheese from a simple snack into a craft you can replicate at home. It’s a wonderful way to connect with local culture, learn a new skill, and enjoy some delicious bites along the way.

Whether you’re visiting Amsterdam for a few days or looking to enrich your culinary skills, this workshop is a tasty, practical choice that won’t disappoint. Prepare to get a little cheesy in the best possible way.