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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Ingredients
- 4 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons White vinegar or lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
Directions
Step 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and salt. Stir gently to ensure the salt dissolves evenly.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
Line a fine-mesh strainer or colander with a few layers of cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl to catch the whey.
Step 5
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.
Step 6
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
| Serving size | 1264 grams (1264.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1404 |
| Total Fat 111.20g | 143% |
| Saturated Fat 66.20g | 331% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.10g | |
| Cholesterol 357mg | 119% |
| Sodium 1632mg | 71% |
| Total Carbohydrate 45.20g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber 0.00g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 47.00g | |
| Protein 31.90g | 64% |
| Vitamin D 429IU | 2147% |
| Calcium 1203mg | 93% |
| Iron 0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1468mg | 31% |
Source of Calories