Homemade Fresh Ricotta Cheese
Discover the joy of making your own **Homemade Fresh Ricotta Cheese** with this simple, satisfying recipe that yields creamy, fluffy perfection in just 20 minutes. Combining basic ingredients like whole milk, heavy cream, and a touch of white vinegar or lemon juice, this recipe transforms your kitchen into an artisanal cheese shop. Using minimal effort and no fancy equipment—just a kitchen thermometer and cheesecloth—you’ll create a versatile ricotta perfect for spreading on toasted bread, folding into pasta dishes, or elevating desserts. With its rich texture, customizable consistency, and fresh-from-scratch flavor, this recipe is a game-changer for cheese lovers and home cooks alike. Get ready to savor the silky taste of homemade ricotta in every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons White vinegar or lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and salt. Stir gently to ensure the salt dissolves evenly.
Place the pot over medium heat and warm the mixture, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, until it reaches 190°F (88°C). This should take about 8-10 minutes. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Once the mixture reaches 190°F, remove the pot from the heat and slowly stir in the vinegar or lemon juice. Stir gently for about 30 seconds, then let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes. During this time, the mixture will curdle, and the curds will separate from the whey.
Line a fine-mesh strainer or colander with a few layers of cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl to catch the whey.
Carefully pour the curdled mixture into the cheesecloth-lined strainer. Allow the ricotta to drain for 10-20 minutes, depending on how creamy or firm you want the cheese.
Once drained to your desired consistency, transfer the fresh ricotta to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can be used immediately or kept for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
234 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.7 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.4 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 56 mg | 19% | |
| Sodium | 245 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.0 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.0 g | ||
| Protein | 5.3 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 184 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 215 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
