Description
This homemade ricotta recipe delivers a fresh, creamy, and soft cheese that is surprisingly simple to make with just a few basic ingredients. By gently heating whole milk and cream with a touch of salt and fresh lemon juice, delicate curds form and are strained to create a versatile ricotta perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
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. Place over medium heat and stir frequently to prevent scorching. Heat the mixture until it reaches a bare simmer at 200°F, using an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
- Add Lemon Juice: Turn off the heat, but do not move the pot. Slowly pour in the fresh lemon juice while stirring gently in a figure-8 motion. This action helps the curds form. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 10 to 15 minutes to let the curds fully develop.
- Strain the Curds: Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the curds into the lined strainer. This separates the whey from the curds.
- Drain and Store: Let the ricotta drain in the cheesecloth for about 15 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Once drained, transfer the ricotta to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality whole milk and cream for the best flavor and texture.
- The lemon juice can be substituted with white vinegar, but lemon juice provides a cleaner taste.
- Do not stir the milk mixture once the lemon juice is added, to allow proper curd formation.
- Adjust draining time depending on whether you prefer wetter or firmer ricotta.
- Ricotta is best used within 3-5 days of preparation for freshness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dairy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: homemade ricotta, fresh ricotta, ricotta cheese recipe, simple ricotta, DIY cheese, Italian cheese making
