Homemade Ricotta Cheese

With just 3 ingredients, you can make this creamy homemade fresh ricotta cheese. It's easy, economical and tastes great!

Prep time: PT10M

Cook time: PT25M

Total time: PT35M

Rating

5 stars (101 reviews)

How to make ricotta cheese, making fresh ricotta

Line a colander with a large piece of lightly dampened cheesecloth that has been folded over itself at least 3-4 times. Place the colander over a bowl. Make sure to use non-reactive materials. (Alternatively, you can use a recycled ricotta basket placed on a bowl).
In a large heavy based saucepan, over medium heat, heat the milk.
Add the salt and stir occasionally with a wooden spoon. Make sure the milk does not scorch.
If you have a thermometer, heat to 185 F. If you do not have a thermometer, you need to reach a stage where there is a lot of steam, little bubbles close to the edge of the pot and the formation of a slight film. It should take about 20 minutes to get to this stage.
Lower the heat to low.
Add the lemon juice (or vinegar).
Slowly agitate the mixture for 2 minutes. You will notice the curds (the ricotta) separating from the whey (yellowish liquid).
Remove from heat.
Cover pot and let stand for about 20 minutes.
Carefully “ladle” your ricotta into the cheesecloth lined colander or your basket. The consistency of the final product will depend on the amount of time you leave the ricotta to drain. For a creamy ricotta, let it sit for 3-5 minutes; for a dryer ricotta, it can sit up to 20 minutes.
Use immediately. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.

Joseph on 2025-07-27 (5 stars):
Atsa Gewwwed , Thank You for all your recipes snd comments !!
Loxy on 2025-07-26 (5 stars):
Have made this many times now, absolutely delicious, so much better than store bought.
Roszarie on 2025-04-19 (5 stars):
I just made this recipe using only half the ingredients because I wasn't sure if our "normal" homogenised & pasteurised milk would curdle. It did! I plan to blend it later with frozen strawberry slices and a tsp of honey for a quick "cheat" icecream. Your recipe is brilliant, Maria; quick, simple and cheap. Tick, tick, tick. Extra big tick for your detailed yet easy to understand instructions. Thank you SO much for sharing. 😘🤌
Loxy on 2025-04-12 (5 stars):
Made this heaps of times now, turns out great, much tastier than store bought, love it! Thanks.1
Luigi on 2025-03-16 (5 stars):
Excellent and easy!!
Bianca on 2024-12-29 (5 stars):
This recipe is easy ... and perfect ! Thank you !
Kathy Colley on 2024-12-26 (5 stars):
I have made this recipe several times and it always comes out great. I have even used it to replace the usual soft European cheese (Quark) I used to use to make cheesecake. Thank you for a consistent recipe to rely on.
Margaret Bennett on 2024-12-24 (5 stars):
This tastes wonderful and is so easy to make. Thank you. We'll never buy ricotta again.