Sharing is caring!

Are you ready to make homemade ricotta cheese that tastes a million times better than what you buy at the store? If so, you’re in luck. This step-by-step recipe breaks down the process of making homemade ricotta cheese into simple and easy steps. The result? Creamy and delicious ricotta cheese that will take your meals, snacks, and desserts to the next level. You’ll never go back to store-bought ricotta cheese ever again! You’ll learn the basics behind making ricotta cheese, the ingredients you’ll need, and our best tips for mastering this cheesy delight. So, get ready to have some fun and whip up a batch of ricotta cheese that you’ll proudly call your own.

Homemade Ricotta Cheese

There is nothing better than homemade ricotta cheese! I use it when I make spaghetti pie, lasagna, and every other time I get the chance! It is so easy to make and full of way more flavor than ricotta that you find at the grocery store. 

While it may seem intimidating to make, it is actually quite easy and well worth it! The key to great ricotta is using high quality ingredients! 

What do I need to make ricotta cheese?

• Whole milk – not UHT – Ultra High Temp  make sure to check the label
• Heavy cream 
• Salt 
• Lemon juice
• Cheesecloth

How to Make Ricotta Cheese

• Place the milk and heavy cream in a large pan and heat till it just starts to boil.  Stir occasionally and do not let it scorch.

• Remove the pan from the heat and add salt and lemon juice. Stir well, place the lid on the pan, then let sit without disturbing for 30 minutes.
• Double or triple the cheesecloth and place it in a colander.  Pour the cheese into the cheesecloth and allow it to drain.  

• Once drained, remove from the cheesecloth and refrigerate until ready to use.

Tips Tricks and FAQs

• If you want a thicker ricotta cheese, let it drain for a longer period of time. 
• A tea towel works great for draining your cheese. Pull up the ends of the towel and twist to squeeze out the extra whey.  
• Be sure that you are not using ultra-pasteurized milk. You cannot make ricotta with it. 

Freezer

I do not recommend freezing your homemade ricotta cheese. If you opt to freeze it the texture will change and it will become crumbly as it thaws. 

• Spaghetti Pie
• Turkey Cheese Ball
• Blue Cheese Dressing
• How To Freeze Milk
• Smoked Cream Cheese

Continue to Content

Ricotta Cheese Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

This homemade Ricotta Cheese Recipe is creamy and full of flavor and so easy to make! Once you make homemade ricotta cheese you won’t go back to buying ricotta cheese at the store. 

Print

Ingredients

• 1/2 gallon whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• Cheesecloth

Instructions

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

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 502Total Fat: 37gSaturated Fat: 23gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 116mgSodium: 1023mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 0gSugar: 27gProtein: 17g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Sharing is caring!