Everyone loves the taste of smooth, creamy ricotta cheese. Whether it’s layered into a lasagna, piped into a cannoli, or eaten straight out of the tub with a spoon, this tangy, tasty Italian cheese is a favorite of people all over the globe.
You’ve probably wondered about how to make ricotta cheese at home before. The stuff from the store is great, but there’s just something about mixing together the milk and vinegar (or lemon juice) and bringing it all together from scratch that just can’t be replicated with a trip to the grocery.
If this sounds like the situation you’ve found yourself in, then do we have the perfect recipe guide for you. We’re going to teach you how to make real fresh ricotta cheese at home, no fancy equipment or culinary training necessary. With so many great applications for this savory treat, let’s not waste anymore time talking about it and just get down to business.
Step #1. Prepare Ingredients
- 1 liter whole fresh milk
- 1-2 lemons (or 2 tablespoons white vinegar)
- 1 tsp. salt
- Cheese cloth or sterilized fabric
- Instant-read thermometer
- Skimmer/strainer
- Clothes pins or clips, optional
Step #2. Bring Milk to Boil
Bring the milk to a boil gradually (medium heat). Use a cooking thermometer to keep track of the temperature. Remove it from heat when it reaches 200ºF. If it starts to foam up the pot and boil hard, remove from heat.
Step #3. Add Lemon Juice & Salt
Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the pot and add the salt. Mix.
Step #4. Let the Mixture Rest
Cover and let it rest for 15 minutes – the milk should separate in clumps during this time. If this doesn’t happen, don’t worry, heat it again to 200ºF and squeeze the second lemon in.
Step #5. Remove Ricotta Clumps to Cheese Cloth
Scoop the clumps up with a strainer and place them over a cheese cloth (you can also use a soft sterilized fabric).
COOKING TIP: Place the cheese cloth over a deep bowl, securing it with clips or clothes pins, so the whey can drain.
Step #6. Let the Ricotta Rest & Spoon into Jars
Let the ricotta cheese rest for 1 hour – or until it reaches the consistency you want (the longer you wait, the drier it will be). Spoon into containers.
COOKING TIP: If you feel it is too dry, you can add back some of the whey that was left in the pot.
Step #7. Serve & Enjoy
Now you’ve got everything you need for making authentic ricotta cheese in your home kitchen. Like in any cheese making endeavor, it’s well worth it to keep that whey byproduct as there are plenty of creative culinary applications for the stuff.
The nutrition facts for it aren’t half bad, either. One of our favorites is definitely for making fresh pasta, imparting some of that cheesy flavor directly into the noodles themselves.
With your cheese now ready to eat, there’s no limit to what you can do with it. Whatever you end up using this delicious ricotta for, though, it’s sure to turn out great.
Recipes you can use this ingredient in:
How to Make Ricotta Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole fresh milk
- 1-2 lemons - (or 2 tablespoons white vinegar)
- 1 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Bring the milk to a boil gradually (medium heat). Use a cooking thermometer to keep track of the temperature. Remove it from heat when it reaches 200ºF. If it starts to foam up the pot and boil hard, remove from heat.
- Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the pot and add the salt. Mix.
- Cover and let it rest for 15 minutes – the milk should separate in clumps during this time. If this doesn’t happen, don’t worry, heat it again to 200ºF and squeeze the second lemon in.
- Scoop the clumps up with a strainer and place them over a cheese cloth (you can also use a soft sterilized fabric).
- Let it rest for 1 hour – or until it reaches the consistency you want (the longer you wait, the drier it will be). Spoon into containers. Tip: if you feel it is too dry, you can add back some of the whey that was left in the pot.
- Serve & enjoy!
Equipment
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
Looking to further enhance your cooking skills? Check out…How to Make Cake Pops With a Cake Pop Maker