Amsterdam: Make your cheese next to De Hallen

If you’re visiting Amsterdam and looking for a genuinely engaging activity that goes beyond just sightseeing, a cheesemaking workshop at De Kaasserie might be just what you need. This experience promises to teach you how to make your own fresh cheeses using simple ingredients, and it’s designed for anyone curious about culinary arts, especially cheese lovers. It’s a small-group setting, making it intimate and personalized, with knowledgeable guides guiding you through each step.

What really catches our eye about this tour is the chance to learn a skill that lasts a lifetime — making cheese isn’t just about the tasting, but about understanding the craft. Plus, the opportunity to sample your own creations right after rolling up your sleeves is pretty rewarding. The other aspect that appeals is the encouragement to experiment—adding herbs and spices to your cheeses, which really invites you to get creative in your kitchen at home.

On the flip side, it’s worth noting that this experience is quite short, only about three hours, so it’s more of a starter workshop rather than an in-depth course on cheesemaking. Also, if you’re lactose intolerant or traveling with children under 16, this isn’t the right fit. That said, for adults interested in food crafts and wanting a fun, educational activity without huge commitments, this tour fits well.

This cheese-making workshop is ideal for curious travelers, foodies eager to learn, and anyone interested in Dutch culinary traditions. It’s a simple, enjoyable way to connect with local culture and take home a new skill — plus some tasty cheese.

Key Points

• Hands-on Experience: You’ll craft two kinds of cheese using your own ingredients.
• Educational: Learn about milk coagulation and cheesemaking techniques.
• Tasting: Enjoy a sampling of fresh and pressed homemade cheeses.
• Take Home Goods: Leave with two cheeses, recipes, and some cheese-making essentials.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants for a more personalized experience.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for children under 16 or those with lactose intolerance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from Your Cheesemaking Adventure

Starting Point at De Kaasserie

Your journey begins at De Kaasserie, a cozy spot next to De Hallen, a popular cultural hub in North Holland. Once everyone gathers, an introduction sets the tone—your guide explains what’s coming, giving you a bit of context about the craft and what you’ll be making. This warm welcome makes it clear that this isn’t just a workshop, but a chance to connect with Dutch culinary traditions.

The Science of Coagulation

The heart of the experience is understanding how milk turns into cheese, which involves two basic types of milk coagulation: acid and rennet. You’ll learn how these processes are fundamental to different kinds of cheese — from the fresh, soft varieties to the aged, pressed types. Your guide keeps it straightforward, explaining the science without overwhelming, which makes the process accessible to everyone.

Making Your Own Cheese

You’ll be using just one liter of supermarket milk for each cheese, so in total, you’ll produce two small cheeses: one acid-coagulated and one rennet-coagulated. The process is simple but satisfying—adding herbs and spices to customize your cheeses, which adds a fun element of experimentation. Watching the curds form and then shaping your cheese with your hands is genuinely rewarding, especially for first-timers.

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The Magic of Herbs and Spices

You’re encouraged to get creative, adding herbs or spices to your cheeses. This step is pretty flexible—you might choose classic herbs like thyme or rosemary, or go a bit wild with chili or garlic if you like. The guide offers tips on flavoring, but the main goal is to have fun and make the cheese your own.

The Tasting Experience

Once the cheeses are pressed and ready, it’s time for a tasting. You’ll enjoy fresh, homemade cheeses—both the soft, spreadable type and a pressed, firmer version. The tasting isn’t just a snack; it’s a celebration of your work, allowing you to savor the flavors you’ve helped create.

Taking Home Your Creations

After the workshop, you’ll leave with two cheeses—a fresh one and a pressed cheese. Plus, you’ll get cheesecloth, rennet, calcium, and detailed recipes emailed to you afterward. This means you can try cheesemaking at home, recreating the process and experimenting further without needing to buy all the ingredients again.

The Value of This Experience

Price and Value

At around $131 per person, this workshop offers a lot of value for those interested in food crafts. You’re not just paying for a tasting—you’re gaining a new skill, taking home cheeses, and getting recipes that open the door to more complex cheesemaking. You get a memorable, tactile experience that’s worth the price, especially considering that you’re learning something that you can practice again at home.

The Group Dynamic

With a limit of 10 people, the group remains intimate enough for personalized attention. This setup makes it easy to ask questions and get guidance tailored to your pace and curiosity. It’s a friendly environment where everyone is encouraged to participate, making it ideal for those who enjoy hands-on activities.

Language and Accessibility

The workshop is offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Dutch, broadening accessibility. While it’s not suitable for children under 16 or those with lactose intolerance, adults of most ages will find it enjoyable and educational.

The Downside

While the workshop covers the basics thoroughly, it’s necessarily a quick introduction. If you’re looking to dive deep into cheese aging, fermentation, or complex recipes, you might want to explore additional classes later. Also, no food or alcoholic beverages are included beyond the cheese tasting, so if you’re after drinks, you’ll need to plan separately.

Why This Tour Works Well

If you’re someone who loves hands-on food experiences, this workshop offers an excellent way to gain a practical skill and enjoy some delicious cheese. It’s especially good for curious travelers who appreciate learning about local craft traditions without the fuss of larger tours or overly commercialized activities.

The small group size fosters a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can participate actively. Plus, the opportunity to experiment with flavors makes this a creative, engaging activity rather than just a demonstration. And, of course, taking home your own cheeses makes the experience feel even more rewarding.

Who Is This Best For?

This cheesemaking workshop is well-suited for foodies, curious travelers, or anyone interested in trying a craft that’s both fun and useful. It’s perfect if you want an activity that combines learning, tasting, and taking home something tangible. However, it’s less suitable for children under 16, lactose-intolerant individuals, or those seeking a lengthy, in-depth course.

In terms of practicality, this experience fits best into a flexible itinerary—an afternoon activity that offers a break from sightseeing but still immerses you in Dutch culture. If you enjoy culinary adventures or want a memorable story to share, this workshop is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, it’s designed for participants 16 years and older, so children under that age aren’t eligible to join.

How long does the workshop last?
It runs for about 3 hours, including the introduction, hands-on cheese making, and tasting.

What languages are offered?
The workshop is available in English, Spanish, French, and Dutch, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.

Will I learn how to make more complex cheeses?
This workshop covers basic types—acid and rennet coagulated fresh cheeses. While it’s a great foundation, more complex and aged cheese recipes are beyond the scope of this session.

What do I take home?
You leave with two cheeses you’ve made, a cheesecloth, rennet, calcium, and recipes emailed afterward so you can try making cheese at home.

Are beverages included?
No, only tea and the cheese tasting are included. If you want coffee or alcohol, you’ll need to bring or buy it separately.

Is this experience suitable for lactose intolerant individuals?
No, it’s not suitable for those with lactose intolerance, as cheese is a dairy product.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans shift.

How many people are in each group?
The group is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.

Do I need prior experience in cooking or cheese making?
Not at all. The workshop is designed for beginners and doesn’t require any prior knowledge.

Final thoughts

This cheese-making experience offers a genuine chance to get your hands dirty in a cozy setting near De Hallen in Amsterdam. It’s perfect for those wanting to learn a craft that’s straightforward yet satisfying, with the bonus of tasting and taking home what you create. You’ll leave with a few new skills, some delicious cheese, and a deeper appreciation for this beloved Dutch tradition.

If you’re into food, enjoy trying new things, or want a memorable activity that’s different from the usual sightseeing, this workshop is worth considering. It might not be a deep-dive into cheesemaking, but it’s a fun, approachable introduction that’ll leave you inspired to experiment further at home.

You can check availability for your dates here: