Homemade Ricotta Cheese
Learn how to make homemade ricotta cheese with only 3 ingredients and a few simple steps. It’s fresh, creamy and easy to make.
Servings: 0.5 cup
Calories: 1250kcal
Ingredients
- 4.2 cups whole/heavy milk 1 litre
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (or white vinegar or combination)
- ½-¾ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Line a colander with cheesecloth or if you have a ricotta basket you can use that.
- In a medium saucepan heat the milk and salt until it reaches a temperature of 85C, remove the pot from the heat and add the lemon juice, stir to combine, then cover and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
- With a slotted spoon carefully transfer the curds (ricotta) into the prepared colander or basket, place over a bowl to catch any liquid. The consistency of the ricotta will depend on the amount of time you leave the ricotta to drain. I let mine sit for a couple of hours and it was creamy and perfect for us. You may want to go less time for a wetter ricotta. Use immediately or store in the fridge for later use. Enjoy!
Notes
Storing Fresh Homemade Ricotta Cheese
Your homemade ricotta can be stored covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. After 5 days, you will need to drain, stir and possibly add some additional salt. If your fresh, creamy cheese develops a sour smell or yellow-orange color it has gone bad.Can I Freeze Ricotta Cheese Freeze?
While you can, I think more importantly the question is should you? That answer it probably not! The texture will drastically change upon thawing as ice crystals form in the milk and milk proteins change. If you would like to try to freeze it, plan to use it only in cooked or baked dishes.How Can I Use the Leftover Whey?
While you can use it in smoothies for a protein boost, I prefer to use it in place of water when making sourdough bread or pizza dough.Nutrition
Calories: 1250kcal | Carbohydrates: 102g | Protein: 68g | Fat: 66g | Saturated Fat: 38g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 246mg | Sodium: 3105mg | Potassium: 3168mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 101g | Vitamin A: 3326IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 2528mg | Iron: 0.1mg