Homemade Ricotta Cheese Recipe

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Homemade ricotta cheese is easier to make than you may think. You only need three simple ingredients and you can have your own fresh cheese to enjoy at home. 

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Homemade Ricotta Recipe Ingredients 

You only need three basic ingredients to make your own ricotta cheese. There are a few variations out there but this is how we make our easy ricotta recipe. You will need:

• 1/2 gallon whole milk
• 5 1/2 Tbsp plain white vinegar
• 3/4 Tbsp salt

You will also need a large pot, a slotted spoon, and a fine mesh strainer. We love our Caraway nonstick cookware pots and pans. You can find them online here: Caraway

How to Make Your Own Cheese

First, pour the milk into a large enameled pot. (half a gallon or 8 cups of milk) We suggest using whole ultra-pasteurized milk to make this homemade cheese. 

Over medium heat, slowly bring the milk to a full boil.

Then slowly add the vinegar to the pot by gently drizzling it down the sides of the pot a little bit at a time. Move around the inside of the pot to distribute the vinegar evenly. 

Next, sprinkle the salt into the milk mixture. 

​Turn the heat off immediately and use a slotted wooden spoon to gently stir. You will see the small curds form as the milk proteins separate. 

Use the slotted spoon to gently spoon the creamy ricotta from the pot. 

Spoon the warm homemade ricotta cheese into a separate large bowl. 

Then use a fine mesh strainer to drain the leftover whey from the last of the homemade ricotta cheese. 

Pour the scooped ricotta from the bowl through the strainer as well to separate any last liquid whey from the creamy cheese. Allow a minute or so for the liquid to drain leaving you with only homemade real ricotta cheese. 

Homemade Fresh Ricotta Cheese Recipe 

Ricotta has to be one of the easiest cheeses to make. It has a creamy texture and an appearance that resembles cottage cheese. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. 

How to Eat Ricotta Cheese

There are so many ways to enjoy authentic ricotta cheese. You can use it in both savory recipes and sweet recipes. Our favorite way is to eat it on a piece of homemade artisan bread with cracked black pepper and fresh herbs. 

You can incorporate homemade ricotta cheese into a pizza recipe with tomato sauce, or on a white pizza. Sweeten it up with a drizzle of honey if you’d like. 

Need more ricotta recipe ideas? Check out these 25+ Creamy Ricotta Pasta Recipes!

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