Process for preparing a cheese having the organoleptic and textural characteristics of a cheese of the natural cheese type, according to which: -the starting cheese material is ground so as to obtain a finely divided starting material, -the finely divided starting material is subjected to a kneading/cooking treatment at a temperature below 80.degree. C., with holding for between 20 s and 5 min and a rate of rotation of less than 1000 rpm, in order to obtain a homogeneous paste, -the paste is subjected to a heat treatment at a temperature of between 80.degree. and 140.degree. for 10 seconds to 5 minutes, -the paste is cooled and, optionally, it is shaped and packaged in a wrapping.