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Homemade Ricotta Cheese
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5 from 2 votes

Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Make your own homemade ricotta cheese that's ultra creamy and fresh. This easy-to-make homemade ricotta recipe has a fresh, light, and slightly tangy flavor that's perfect for summer salads, pastas, and light breakfasts, and it comes together effortlessly.
Prep Time20 minutes
Resting Time5 hours
Total Time5 hours 20 minutes
Keyword: ricotta cheese
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 gallon whole milk
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice or white vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  • Heat milk and lemon juice or vinegar over very low heat in large heavy pot. Heat to 180°F, the temperature just before boiling. You will see tiny bubbles around the edge of the pan and you’ll notice curds beginning to form.
  • Turn off the heat and cover the pan. Adjust your oven racks to make room for the pot and then heat your oven to 200°F for a few minutes. Turn the oven off, place the covered pot inside, and leave undisturbed for 5-6 hours.
  • Line a colander with 4 layers of cheesecloth and set it over a bowl. Using a finely slotted spoon or skimmer, scoop curds from pan and transfer to cheesecloth-lined colander. Season with the salt. Mix and taste the cheese. Add additional salt to taste, if necessary.
  • You can let this drain for a few minutes for a very soft cheese, or allow it to drain for several hours or overnight for a much firmer, dry cheese.