Joanna's Easy Homemade Ricotta

Creamy, rich, and surprisingly simple, Joanna's Easy Homemade Ricotta is your go-to recipe for fresh, versatile cheese made with just four everyday ingredients. Using whole milk, heavy cream, a touch of salt, and your choice of white vinegar or lemon juice, this foolproof method only takes 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The recipe employs a straightforward technique that separates curds and whey with gentle heat, delivering a customizable texture—whether you prefer it luscious and creamy or slightly firm. Perfect for spreading on crusty bread, incorporating into pasta dishes, or even as a dessert component, this homemade ricotta is fresher, tastier, and more economical than store-bought alternatives. Try it today and elevate your cooking with a personal touch!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 6

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. Stir gently to blend the liquid ingredients together.

Step 2

Set the pot over medium heat. Slowly warm the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches about 190°F (just before it begins to simmer). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.

Step 3

Once the temperature is reached, remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the vinegar or lemon juice. Gently stir for about 30 seconds. You will notice the milk mixture begin to curdle—this is normal and expected.

Step 4

Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes to allow the curds and whey to fully separate.

Step 5

Line a fine-mesh strainer or colander with a double layer of cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl to catch the whey.

Step 6

Carefully pour the curdled milk mixture into the lined strainer. Allow it to drain for 10-20 minutes, depending on how creamy or firm you'd like the ricotta. For creamier ricotta, drain for less time; for a firmer texture, let it drain longer.

Step 7

Once the ricotta has reached your desired consistency, transfer it to a bowl and use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

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%