Homemade Ricotta Recipe
This homemade ricotta recipe yields a creamy, fresh ricotta cheese using simple ingredients like whole milk, heavy cream, and lemon juice. The process involves gently heating the dairy, curdling it with lemon juice, and straining the curds through cheesecloth, resulting in a soft, smooth cheese perfect for spreading, cooking, or baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1.5 cups of ricotta 1x
- Category: Cheese Making
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Ricotta Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat the Dairy: In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and a pinch of kosher salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, until it reaches a bare simmer at 200°F as measured with an instant-read thermometer.
- Add Lemon Juice: Turn off the burner but keep the pot in place. Slowly stir in the fresh lemon juice using a figure-8 stirring motion. This action helps curdle the dairy. Let the mixture rest undisturbed for 10-15 minutes to allow the curds to form.
- Strain the Curds: Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth and set it over a bowl. Using a slotted spoon, gently scoop the formed curds into the cheesecloth, allowing whey to drain through.
- Drain and Store: Let the ricotta strain for about 15 minutes to reach desired thickness. After draining, transfer the ricotta to a container and refrigerate it until ready to use.
Notes
- For creamier ricotta, you can increase the proportion of heavy cream slightly.
- If you prefer a drier ricotta, allow it to strain longer or gently squeeze the cheesecloth.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best curdling results; bottled lemon juice can work but may vary in acidity.
- Ricotta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Save the leftover whey to use in smoothies, baking, or as a cooking liquid for grains.
Keywords: homemade ricotta, ricotta cheese, fresh ricotta, cheese making, Italian cheese, dairy recipe
Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/homemade-ricotta-recipe/
