Easy Authentic Ricotta Cheese Recipe

Imagine sinking your spoon into a cloud of pillowy-soft, impossibly fresh ricotta cheese. Not the grainy, store-bought kind, but a luxuriously smooth creation you made yourself, with just three basic ingredients and a bit of patience. This authentic ricotta cheese recipe is perfect for both sweet and savory dishes and can literally be made in under an hour! 

Making ricotta at home is easier than you think

The only equipment you need is:

• Heavy bottomed pot

• Candy thermometer - (optional, but extremely helpful) It's good to keep an eye on the temperature so that the milk doesn't burn.

• Large bowl

• Slotted spoon- to separate the cheese curds from the leftover whey once they're finished cooking.

• Colander and cheese cloth- to drain your ricotta cheese.

Let's gather up the ingredients

This homemade ricotta recipe only requires 3 simple ingredients- 3 ingredients and you have homemade cheese! Who knew?

• Whole milk- the fresher, the better! Look for fresh, high-quality milk for optimal results.

• Lemon juice or white vinegar- I prefer the flavor of fresh lemon juice, but either will work to curdle the milk.

• Salt- to enhance the natural flavors.

Now Let's get Cooking

Line a colander or a fine-mesh sieve with a large piece of lightly dampened cheesecloth that has been folded over itself a few times. Place the colander over a large bowl. 

Add the milk and salt to a large heavy-bottomed pot.

Gently heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent the milk from scorching on the bottom of the pan.

If you have a thermometer, we are aiming for a temperature between 180°F and 200°F. If you don't have a thermometer, look for little bubbles close to the edge of the pot, and the formation of a slight film.

The milk will become foamy, but should never hit a rolling boil. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes. (Milk can boil over and scorch faster than you think, so watch it closely.) 

Lower the heat to low. Now, slowly add the lemon juice (or vinegar).

Gently agitate the mixture for a minute or so. You will notice the ricotta curds separating from the whey (the yellowish leftover liquid). We want curds to form, so be delicate and try not to break them up too much.

Remove from the heat. Cover the pot and let it stand for about 20 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the curds into the cheesecloth, allowing the whey to drain. Let it drain for 10-30 minutes, depending on your desired ricotta consistency.

For a creamy consistency, don't let it drain too long. The longer it sits, the drier and thicker it will be.

Experiment with it. That's part of the joy of cooking! Take some out at the 10-minute point, some at 20, and let the rest drain for 45 minutes to an hour to see which way you prefer it. 

Transfer the homemade ricotta cheese to a bowl, season with salt to taste, and stir gently. Your fresh ricotta is ready to enjoy!

Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Tips for success

Frequently asked questions

How to eat ricotta cheese?

The possibilities are endless! 

• Make Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with a dollop of homemade Lemon Curd. 

• Mix it into fresh pasta.

• Spread it on toasted bread with a drizzle of olive oil, Roasted Garlic, and fresh herbs.

• Mix it into creamy dips.

•  Bake it into a decadent Italian Ricotta Cake with Chocolate Chips. 

• It's also an amazing addition to savory recipes like lasagna and stuffed shells, or even homemade ravioli.

How to freeze ricotta cheese?

Use airtight freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Labeling the containers with the date is also helpful. Place the containers or bags in the coldest part of your freezer for quick freezing. This helps maintain the texture and prevents large ice crystals from forming.

Just keep in mind that freezing will change the taste and texture, so I don't recommend it.

Why is my homemade ricotta rubbery?

There are a few reasons why your homemade ricotta might be rubbery. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Overheating the milk: Ricotta curds should form gently, not with a boil. If the milk gets too hot, the curds will toughen and become rubbery. Aim for a gentle simmer around 180°F

2. Adding acid too quickly: The acid (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.) curdles the milk, forming the ricotta. Adding it too fast can shock the proteins, resulting in larger, rubbery curds. Gradually drizzle it in and gently stir until the curds separate from the whey.

3. Over-stirring: Stirring too much, especially after adding the acid, can tighten the curds and make them rubbery. Be gentle and avoid overworking the mixture.

4. Not enough acid: If you don't use enough acid, the curds won't separate properly, leaving you with a rubbery texture. Adjust the amount of acid according to your recipe and the acidity of your milk.

5. Using the wrong milk: Ultra-pasteurized milk doesn't curdle as well as regular pasteurized milk. Opt for whole milk with good quality and fat content for best results.

Additional tips:

• Let the curds rest for 15-20 minutes after adding the acid before straining. This allows the curds to firm up properly.

• Don't press the curds too hard while straining, as this can squeeze out excess moisture and leave you with dry, rubbery ricotta.

• Use your ricotta fresh within a few days for the best texture and flavor.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't just right. Embrace the experience and enjoy the satisfaction of creating delicious creamy ricotta from scratch.

Once you've mastered this basic recipe, you can experiment with different milks, herbs, and spices to create unique ricotta variations.

We are empty nesters living in our RV full-time. If you are like us and cooking for two, this recipe can easily be cut in half.

It's seriously so easy to make your own ricotta. You may never purchase it from the grocery store again!