Homemade Ricotta Cheese Recipe

User Reviews

5.0

3 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    5 mins

  • Additional Time

    1 hr

  • Total Time

    1 hr 45 mins

  • Servings

    16

  • Calories

    123 kcal

  • Course

    Dessert

  • Cuisine

    American

Homemade Ricotta Cheese Recipe

This homemade ricotta cheese is the perfect combination of smooth and sweet. Pair it with an assortment of fresh fruits for the ultimate, luxurious dessert, or use it in all kinds of recipes.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • ½ gallon whole milk not UHT (ultra-high temperature)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • cup lemon juice (from 2-3 lemons)
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Instructions

  1. Place the milk and heavy cream in a large pot set over medium-high heat until it just starts to boil. Stir occasionally and do not let it scorch.
  2. Remove the pot from the heat and add the salt and lemon juice. Stir well, place the lid on the pot, then let sit without disturbing for 30 minutes.
  3. Double or triple the cheesecloth and place in a colander. Pour the cheese into the cheesecloth and allow to drain for 60-90 minutes.
  4. Once drained, remove from the cheesecloth and refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

  • Storage: Store homemade ricotta cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • You can make ricotta cheese with milk only. Simply substitute whole milk for the heavy cream. If you choose to make ricotta with milk only, you will need to keep the temperature of the pot around 175°F-185°F during the 30-minute rest.
  • Do not use UHT (ultra-high temperature) / UP (ultra-pasteurized) milk. These types of milks are heated to the point where their proteins are destabilized, and this can make it difficult for the milk to form curds.
  • You can use white vinegar in place of the lemon juice. I recommend using white vinegar only if you plan to use the cheese in a savory application, as it does have a stronger flavor than ricotta made with lemon juice.
  • Do not use meyer lemon juice in place of regular lemon juice, as meyer lemons are not acidic enough to produce curds.
  • If your cheese does not curdle immediately after adding the lemon juice, don't be afraid to add another tablespoon or two of lemon juice.
  • For a creamier consistency, reduce the draining time of the cheese.
  • Save the whey (the liquid that drains off) and add it to baked goods, starches, or smoothies!

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 2tablespoons Calories 123kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 6g (2%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Cholesterol 31mg (10%) Sodium 267mg (11%) Potassium 197mg (6%) Fiber 0.01g (0%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 411IU (8%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 156mg (16%) Iron 0.02mg (0%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 123 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 2tablespoons
Calories 123kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 31mg 10%
Sodium 267mg 11%
Potassium 197mg 4%
Fiber 0.01g 0%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 411IU 8%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 156mg 16%
Iron 0.02mg 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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