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A wooden bowl filled with creamy homemade ricotta cheese, surrounded by lemons and salt.
Allison Dennison

Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Create creamy, fresh ricotta cheese at home with just four simple ingredients: milk, cream, salt, and lemon juice or vinegar. This quick and easy recipe yields rich, velvety ricotta perfect for lasagna, desserts, or spreading on toast. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a deliciously simple addition to your homemade dishes!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Drain Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups Whole milk
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • 3 tbsp Lemon juice or white vinegar

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot – For heating the milk and cream.
  • 1 Candy or Instant-Read Thermometer – To monitor the temperature of the milk.
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – For gentle stirring.
  • 1 Fine-Mesh Strainer or Colander – To separate the curds from the whey.
  • 1 Cheesecloth or Thin Kitchen Towel – For lining the strainer and capturing the curds.
  • 1 Ladle or Large Spoon – To transfer the curds into the strainer.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.
  • 1 Mixing Bowl – To collect the drained ricotta cheese.
  • 1 Timer (Optional) – To keep track of draining time.
  • 1 Airtight Container – For storing the finished ricotta in the refrigerator.

Method
 

  1. Heat milk, cream, and salt in a large pot over medium heat until it reaches 185°F (just below boiling). Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until curds form.
  3. Line a colander with cheesecloth and pour the mixture through to separate the curds from the whey. Let drain for 10–20 minutes, depending on your desired consistency.
  4. Transfer ricotta to a container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Make Ahead and Storage for Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Make Ahead Tips

Homemade ricotta cheese is an excellent option to prepare ahead of time. It stays fresh and versatile for various recipes:
  1. Refrigeration: Once made, allow the ricotta to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  2. Freezing: For longer storage, portion the ricotta into airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use and stir well to restore its creamy texture.

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures your homemade ricotta remains fresh and ready to use:
  1. Moisture Control: Keep the ricotta well-drained by using a clean, dry container. Excess liquid can affect its texture over time.
  2. Freezing Tips: If freezing, use smaller portions to make thawing more convenient for recipes like lasagna or spreads.
  3. Texture Maintenance: After thawing, if the texture feels grainy, whisk the ricotta gently to restore its smooth consistency.
By making your ricotta cheese ahead of time and storing it properly, you’ll always have this fresh, creamy ingredient on hand for your favorite dishes!