Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Discover the magic of making your own homemade ricotta cheese with just four simple ingredients and a little patience! This easy recipe combines whole milk, heavy cream, a touch of salt, and your choice of white vinegar or lemon juice to create a luscious, creamy cheese that’s perfect for spreading, dolloping, or incorporating into your favorite dishes. Ready in under 30 minutes, this DIY delight lets you control the texture—choose a soft, creamy consistency for spreading on crusty bread or drain it longer for a firmer ricotta ideal for cooking. Elevate your culinary creations with this fresh, flavorful, and preservative-free ricotta cheese recipe that's as satisfying to make as it is to enjoy!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons White vinegar or lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt

Directions

Step 1

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, until it reaches a temperature of 190°F (88°C). This will take around 10–15 minutes.

Step 2

Once the milk mixture reaches 190°F, remove the pot from the heat and slowly stir in the vinegar or lemon juice. You will notice curds beginning to form almost immediately.

Step 3

Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5–10 minutes. This resting period allows the curds to fully separate from the whey.

Step 4

Set a large colander over a bowl or sink and line it with several layers of cheesecloth or a fine kitchen towel. Carefully pour the curds and whey into the colander to drain.

Step 5

For a creamier ricotta, allow the curds to drain for 5–10 minutes. For a firmer texture, drain for 15–20 minutes. Avoid pressing or squeezing the curds, as this can make the cheese too dry.

Step 6

Once the ricotta has reached your desired consistency, transfer it to a clean bowl. Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.

Step 7

Serve the homemade ricotta with crusty bread, drizzle it with olive oil, or use it in your favorite recipes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1264g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1403.5

Total Fat 111.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 66.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g
Cholesterol 357.1mg	0%
Sodium 1632.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 45.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Total Sugars 47.0g
Protein 31.9g	0%

Vitamin D 429.4IU	0%
Calcium 1203.2mg	0%
Iron 0.0mg	0%
Potassium 1467.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 76.4%

Protein: 9.7%

Carbs: 13.8%