Best Homemade Ricotta Cheese Recipes

EASY AND DELICIOUS HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• Pour milk into a saucepan set over medium heat. Heat milk until it registers 194 degrees F (90 degrees C) on an instant-read thermometer, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Stir lemon juice and salt slowly into warmed milk. Let stand until milk curdles, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Pour milk mixture carefully into the lined strainer. Let stand until most of the liquid has drained off the ricotta, about 15 minutes. Discard drained liquid.

HOMEMADE RAVIOLI WITH RICOTTA CHEESE FILLING

Steps:

• In an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, add eggs, 1 at a time, and mix. Continue mixing and add all the flour and water; continue mixing until it forms a ball. Sprinkle some flour on work surface, and knead the dough until elastic and smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
• Cut the ball of dough in half, cover and reserve the dough you are not immediately using to prevent it from drying out. Dust the counter and dough with flour. Form the dough into a rectangle and roll it through the pasta machine, 2 or 3 times, at its widest setting. Guide the sheet of dough with the palm of your hand as it emerges from the rollers. Reduce the setting and crank the dough through again, 2 or 3 times. Continue until the machine is at its narrowest setting. The dough should be paper-thin, about 1/8-inch thick.
• Dust the counter and dough with flour, and lay out the long sheet of pasta. Brush the top surface of dough with egg wash. Drop 1 tablespoon of cooled filling about 2 inches apart on half the sheet of pasta. Fold the unfilled half over the filling. With an espresso cup or finger, gently press out air pockets around each mound of filling and form a seal. Use a crimper to cut each pillow into squares. Check to make sure the crimped edges are well sealed before cooking. If making ravioli in advance, dust with cornmeal to prevent them from sticking.
• Cook the ravioli in plenty of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Ravioli will float to the top when cooked so be careful not to overcrowd the pot. Lift the ravioli from water with a large strainer or slotted spoon. Plate the pasta, top with your favorite pasta sauce and grated cheese before serving.
• In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all ingredients. Chill in the refrigerator a few minutes to firm up the filling.

CHEF JOHN'S HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• Line a mesh strainer with cheesecloth and set over a deep bowl or pot.
• Combine milk, cream, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally in a "figure eight" motion, until it reaches a temperature of 195 degrees F (90 degrees C). If you don't have a thermometer, this will be right before it starts to simmer. You'll see steam rising from the surface, and tiny bubbles forming around the edges of the pan.
• Turn off the heat, pour in the vinegar, and stir slowly in a "figure eight" motion for 3 or 4 seconds.
• Let the mixture sit, untouched, for 6 minutes.
• Carefully ladle into the cheesecloth-lined mesh strainer so that the dripping whey drains into the pot or bowl. Let the ricotta drain into the pot for between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on how soft or firm you want your cheese. The longer it drains, the firmer the texture will be once chilled.
• Grab the ends of the cheesecloth and lift the drained ricotta out of the strainer and place in a bowl. Let cool on the counter to room temperature, then wrap and chill thoroughly.
• Remove cheesecloth and serve. Ricotta usually needs an additional pinch of salt when serving.

SICILIAN HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• Line a large colander or sieve with 4 layers of cheesecloth. Set aside.
• Heat milk, buttermilk, heavy cream, and salt in a large, heavy, nonreactive saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally for the first 10 minutes. Continue heating, without stirring, until the temperature reaches 190 degrees F. Remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour. The mixture will be separated into white curds and clear whey.
• Using a slotted spoon, ladle approximately 1/4 of the curds into the cheesecloth-lined colander. Gather up the corners of the top cheesecloth and secure closed with a zip tie. Repeat with the rest of the curds, cheesecloth, and zip ties. Use the last zip tie to thread all of the cheeses together. Suspend the cheeses over a large wooden spoon over a large bowl, and let drain for 2 hours.
• Place the four cheeses, still in cloth, in a bowl in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, cut zip ties, and transfer cheese to an airtight container.

FRESH HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• Line a colander with moistened cheese-cloth and set it over a large bowl.
• In a large saucepan, bring the milk to a gentle boil. Add 3 tablespoons of the lemon juice and cook over low heat; stirring gently, until curds form and rise to the surface, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 5 minutes; the curds will firm up slightly.
• Using a slotted spoon with small holes, gently scoop the curds into the colander; discard the liquid. Let the ricotta drain for 15 minutes, then gently lift the cheesecloth to flip the curd and let drain for 15 minutes longer. Transfer the ricotta to a bowl and season with salt.
• Ricotta can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Serving suggestion: Spread ricotta on toasted baguette slices, top with radish slices and chopped arugula.

HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• Line a large colander with 2 layers of cheesecloth and place over a large bowl.
• In a 5 to 6 quart pot over medium heat, heat milk, cream, and salt, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching, until mixture foams and comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add lemon juice. Simmer, stirring, until mixture curdles, 2 minutes for small curds. If you'd like a larger, dryer curd, continue to simmer an additional 2 minutes.
• Pour mixture into cheesecloth lined colander and drain 10 to 15 minutes or until desired texture is achieved. Empty liquid from bowl if necessary to ensure proper draining. Reserved whey can be used in smoothies or soup. Chill ricotta until ready to use.
• Serve spread onto crostini with a drizzle of olive oil, dollop over pasta or pizza, or stir into scrambled eggs. Ricotta will keep in the fridge for 1 week.

HOMEMADE FRESH RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• 1. Set a large sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 layers of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with the cheesecloth.
• 2. Pour the milk and cream into a stainless-steel or enameled pot such as Le Creuset. Stir in the salt. Bring to a full boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for 1 minute until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).
• 3. Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 to 25 minutes, occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. The longer you let the mixture drain, the thicker the ricotta. (I tend to like mine on the thicker side, but some prefer it moister.) Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining whey. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep refrigerated for 4 to 5 days.

HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE FROM WHEY

Steps:

• This recipe is so simple that it was difficult to get it published here as there is a requirement of a minimum of 3 ingredients.
• There is no requirement for the chives or even the salt, but I was required to have 3 ingredients. All you really need is how ever much whey you have left over from your cheesemaking session.
• In a stainless steel pot, heat the whey until it reaches 200 degrees. Do not stir. You'll notice a film that will start forming on the top of the whey. This is your ricotta starting to form.
• When your whey reaches 200 degrees, take it off the heat. You'll know when you have reached this temperature as bubbles will have formed around the edges. Using a slotted spoon or ladle, scoop the layer of thickened ricotta that formed on top of the whey into a cheesecloth-lined colander over a bowl. Continue scooping the ricotta until all that's left is the clear whey.
• Grab all 4 corners of the cheesecloth and tie into a ball. Place a string around the top of the cheesecloth/ricotta bundle and hang to drain over a bowl.
• For moist ricotta, hang for 2 hours.
• For more dry ricotta, hang for 8 hours.
• Remove ricotta from cheesecloth and store in a mason jar or plastic tub. It's now ready to be used in recipes or add salt & herbs and it becomes a wonderful cheese spread.
• Enjoy!

HOMEMADE FRESH RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• Line a large strainer or colander with 4 layers of cheesecloth. Place lined strainer in a large bowl and set aside.
• In a heavy bottom 4 quart saucepan, heat milk and 1 teaspoons salt to boiling on medium high, stirring occasionally to prevent milk from scorching.
• Stir in lemon juice; cover and remove from heat.
• Let stand 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, gently transfer curds from the pan to the lined strainer. Drain 3 minutes. Discard whey in bowl.
• If not using right away, transfer ricotta to a clean bowl, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Reduced Fat Ricotta:.
• Substitute 4 cups reduced fat milk(2%) for 4 cups of the whole milk, and follow recipe as above.
• Makes about 2 cups.

HOMEMADE RICH FRESH RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• In a large pan, combine the milk, yoghurt and cream and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
• Boil for 2 minutes, or until the milk is very curdled.
• Line a large mesh strainer with a damp kitchen towel or several layers of damp cheesecloth, making sure the cloth extends well over the sides of the strainer.
• Place the strainer over a deep bowl and pour the milk through the strainer.
• Drain 30 minutes, making sure the strainer does not rest in the liquid.
• Gather up the loose ends of the cloth and twist gently to extract more liquid.
• Transfer the curds to a bowl and stir in the salt and nutmeg.
• Discard the liquid (whey).
• The cheese will keep, refrigerated, for 3 days.

ZUCCHINI CARPACCIO WITH HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• Using knife or V-slicer, cut zucchini into paper-thin rounds. Arrange rounds, slightly overlapping, on large platter. Sprinkle lightly with coarse salt and pepper, then green onions. Whisk lemon juice and oil in small bowl. Drizzle dressing evenly over zucchini. Drop small spoonfuls of cheese all over zucchini. Sprinkle with basil and serve.

HOMEMADE WHOLE MILK RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• Run a double layer of cheesecloth under warm water to dampen, then gently squeeze to remove any excess water. Line a colander with the cheesecloth and set in the sink.
• Combine the vinegar and lemon juice in a small bowl.
• Bring the milk and cream to 190 degrees F, over medium-low heat, in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, stirring frequently to keep the milk mixture from scorching on the bottom. Add half of the vinegar mixture and 1 tablespoon salt and stir for 10 seconds (you'll see the milk mixture begin to slightly curdle). Remove from the heat, cover the saucepan with a lid and let sit for 20 minutes.
• Remove the lid and you'll see that the milk mixture has separated into small curds. Now stir in the remaining vinegar mixture and the milk mixture will continue to curdle. Stir for a few minutes. Pour this entire mixture into the prepared colander in the sink.
• Let drain until the desired texture, about 15 minutes for soft ricotta, 20 minutes for firm and creamy and 30 minutes for firm and slightly dry. For soft ricotta, serve warm or chilled in a small decorative bowl. For firm ricottas, gather the excess cheesecloth and shape the ricotta into a ball or disc and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.
• Serve the ricotta with your favorite things, like a drizzle of honey and cracked black pepper, fresh or dried fruit, fruit preserves, crackers or fresh bread.

BASIC HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• Place milk, cream, and vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil; simmer until curds form, about 2 minutes. Stir in salt and pour mixture through a cheesecloth over a bowl. Let it sit between 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how thick you want your ricotta to be.

HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• Stack 4 large squares of cheesecloth in colander, leaving overhang. Combine milk and buttermilk in heavy large pot. Attach deep-fry or candy thermometer to side of pot. Place pot over high heat. Stir almost constantly as mixture heats and curds (small clumps) begin to form. When thermometer registers 175°F to 180°F, curds will separate from whey (liquid) and float to top. Turn off heat.
• Using large slotted spoon or skimmer, transfer curds to prepared colander. Gather cheesecloth around ricotta. Press gently, releasing some liquid (don't press out too much liquid or cheese may be dry). Return ball of cheese to colander and let rest 20 minutes. Transfer ricotta to medium bowl. Sprinkle lightly with salt; mix gently. Cover; chill until cold, about 2 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.

CREAMY RICOTTA CHEESE (HOMEMADE)

Steps:

• Combine the milk and cream in a pot over medium high heat. Using an instant-read thermometer, warm the milk until it reaches 185 degrees (the surface will become foamy).
• DO NOT LET THE MILK BOIL.
• Remove the pot from the heat and add the vinegar. Stir gently for 30 seconds (the mixture will curdle almost immediately).
• Add salt and stir another 30 seconds. Cover the pot with a towel and let stand at room temp for about 2 hours.
• Line a large colander with a few layers of cheesecloth (allow for some overhang). Set the colander over a large bowl or over the sink.
• Transfer the curds to the colander with a slotted spoon.
• Gather up the corners of the cheesecloth and secure with twine or a rubber band.
• Let the ricotta stand for about 30 minutes, occasionally gently pressing and squeezing the whey out of the cheesecloth.
• Transfer the ricotta to a bowl or use immediately.

HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE (CROCK POT)

Steps:

• Combine the milk and acid (white vinegar, lemon juice, Champagne vinegar, or white wine vinegar) in the crockpot and heat on low until temperature reaches 180 degrees F. (At 7,000 feet or above, bring it to 172 degrees F.) If heating on a stove top use a heavy pan and very low heat. It takes about 30 minutes. (Do not try to hurry this process; the milk might scorch on the bottom of the pan and you'll have brown specs in the cheese.).
• Once the temperature has reached 180 degrees, remove from heat, cover and seet aside in a warm place (80 - 100 degrees F) for about six hours. The cheese is ready to strain when a solid curd has formed.
• Strain through several layers of dampened cheese cloth or a fine metal strainer; discaring the whey (the watery residue).

INA GARTEN'S HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• Set a large sieve over a deep bowl.
• Dampen 2 layers of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with the cheesecloth.
• Pour the milk and cream into a stainless steel or enameled pot such as Le Creuset. Stir in the salt.
• Bring to a full boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar.
• Allow the mixture to stand for 1 minute until it curdles.
• It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).
• Pour the mixture into a cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 to 25 minutes, occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl.
• The longer you let the mixture drain, the thicker the ricotta. (I tend to like mine on the thicker side but some prefer it moister.)
• Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining whey.
• Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
• The ricotta will keep refrigerated for 4 to 5 days.

HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• In a large pot, bring the milk, yogurt, heavy cream (if using), vinegar, and salt to a boil. Very gently boil for one to two minutes, until the milk is curdled.
• Meanwhile, line a strainer with a few layers of cheesecloth and set it over a deep bowl.
• Pour the milk mixture into the strainer and let drain for 15 minutes. Gather the cheesecloth around the curds and squeeze gently to extract any excess liquid.
• Storage: Homemade ricotta is best served slightly warm, although it can be refrigerated for up to three days, if desired. Makes 2 cups.

HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• Line a colander with 4 layers of cheesecloth, and secure it with 3 or 4 clothespins. Set the colander inside a bowl.
• In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, with a thermometer handy, combine the whole milk and buttermilk and heat, stirring nearly constantly, until the temperature reaches 180 degrees F. When you reach 170 to 175 degrees F, you'll start to see fine, little curds separating from the whey. At 180 degrees F, turn off the heat, and skim the curds from the whey using a finely slotted spoon, dropping the curds into the cheesecloth-lined colander. (Save the whey for another use, such as breadmaking.) Gather the cheesecloth around the curds and tie it with a 2-foot length of string. Gently squeeze to remove more, but not all, liquid from the cheese, and then hang over the sink or a bowl for 20 to 30 minutes to drain it a bit more. (I use the string to tie the bag to my faucet.)
• Remove the ricotta from the cheesecloth, spoon it into a container, and stir in the salt. Serve ASAP, preferably without refrigerating.

HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• Put the milk over low heat, and bring to scald point (150 degrees).
• Remove from heat.
• Stir in lemon juice, and the milk will curdle.
• Let the mixture sit without refrigeration for 2-12 hours. This is the mellowing process, and it seems that the more patient you are, the mellower the cheese.
• Place 2 thickenesses of cheesecloth in a strainer.
• Place the strainer over a bowl.
• Pour the mixture into the strainer, and allow the whey to drain several hours until the curd is dry.
• Flavor as you choose. Mix with blue cheese, roquefort, peanut butter, honey, nuts, spices or eat plain.