The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of thermally-dried immobilized kefir on casein as
a starter culture for protein-enriched dried whey cheese. For comparison reasons, dried whey cheese
with thermally-dried free kefir culture and with no starter culture were also produced. The effect of the
nature of the culture, the ripening temperature and the ripening process on quality characteristics of the
whey cheese was studied. The association of microbial groups during cheese maturation suggested
repression of spoilage and protection from pathogens due to the thermally-dried kefir, as counts of
coliforms, enterobacteria and staphylococci were significantly reduced in cheeses produced using thermally-dried
kefir starter cultures. The effect of the starter culture on production of volatile compounds
responsible for cheese flavor was also studied using the SPME GC/MS technique. Thermally-dried
immobilized kefir starter culture resulted in an improved profile of aroma-related compounds. The
preliminary sensory evaluation ascertained the soft, fine taste and the overall improved quality of cheese
produced with the thermally-dried immobilized kefir. The potential of protein-based thermally-dried
starter cultures in dairy products is finally highlighted and assessed