Homemade Ricotta Cheese
When you tell someone that you made your ricotta from scratch, chances are they are going to think that you are some master chef that can cook just about anything. However, what most people don’t realize is that ricotta cheese is ridiculously easy to make. It only takes four ingredients that you most likely have in your fridge already too. In less than two hours, you can make a ricotta cheese masterpiece with this recipe.
Ingredients:
Milk: Whole milk is the best choice for this recipe. Do not get ultra-pasteurized milk, it will not produce the curds that you need to get the perfect end result.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream helps you get a creamy, yet firmer ricotta.
Salt: Kosher salt works best, but you can substitute with 3/4 teaspoons of table salt.
White Vinegar: I just use store brand white distilled vinegar. I’ve heard that you can substitute this with equal parts lemon juice if needed.
Supplies:
Cheesecloth: Most grocery stores have it available with all their utensils, but Amazon has about a million options too
Fine Mesh Strainer: This will help your ricotta drain, until it gets to your desired texture.
Food Thermometer: A key piece of making ricotta is getting those temps just right, having a food thermometer will help eliminate the need for guessing.
Homemade Ricotta Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
Instructions
- Start by setting up a mesh strainer, lining it with cheesecloth, and placing it over a deep bowl or pot.
- In a sturdy saucepan over medium-high heat, mix together milk, cream, and salt. Stir the concoction in a smooth "figure eight" pattern until it reaches 195 degrees F (90 degrees C) or just before simmering if a thermometer isn't handy. Look for that telltale steam and tiny bubbles around the pan's edges.
- Switch off the heat, introduce the vinegar, and stir gently in a "figure eight" motion for a brief 3 or 4 seconds.
- Let the mix rest without stirring for a patient 6 minutes.
- With care, ladle the mixture into the cheesecloth-covered mesh strainer, allowing the whey to drip into the pot or bowl. Let the ricotta drain for 20 to 45 minutes, tailoring the time to achieve your preferred texture.
- Using the cheesecloth, lift the drained ricotta from the strainer, placing it in a bowl. Allow it to cool to room temperature on the counter, then wrap it up and chill thoroughly.
- Before serving, unveil the ricotta by removing the cheesecloth, and consider a sprinkle of extra salt for that perfect flavor boost. Delight in the creamy goodness of your very own homemade ricotta!
Not sure what to do with this recipe, other than just eat spoonful’s of it? Here are some eclectic recipes that feature the versatile ricotta, turning ordinary dishes into chaotic masterpieces:
Sweets:
Ricotta Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes with a twist, thanks to the addition of ricotta. Top with a wild mix of berries and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Whimsical Ricotta Wonderland Cheesecake: Shake up the cheesecake game with a ricotta-infused delight. Play with flavors and toppings for a true dessert experience.
Lemon Ricotta Whirlwind Cookies: Soft and citrus-infused cookies that bring a burst of sweetness to your taste buds.
Ricotta & Honey Toast: Spread ricotta on toasted bread and let your imagination run wild with toppings. Drizzle honey for an extra layer of goodness.
Savories:
Spinach and Ricotta Cyclone Shells: Jumbo pasta shells filled with a blend of ricotta, spinach, and herbs, all baked in a tempest of marinara sauce.
Ricotta and Tomato Storm Bruschetta: Create your bruschetta with a riot of ricotta, fresh tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic glaze swirl.
Ricotta Pizza: Turn pizza night into an adventure with a ricotta base, topped with a whirlwind of sautéed spinach, garlic, and Parmesan.
Herbal Tempest Dip: Ricotta & Herb Fusion: Blend ricotta with an assortment of herbs for a flavorful dip that will keep your taste buds guessing.
Pastas:
Lemon Ricotta Pasta: Toss into your pasta routine with a sauce of ricotta, lemon zest, garlic, and a wild mix of fresh herbs.
Ricotta Gnocchi: Craft pillowy ricotta gnocchi and let them swim in a sea of your favorite pasta sauce.
Spinach and Ricotta Cyclone Shells: Jumbo pasta shells, once again, filled with a blend of ricotta, spinach, and mozzarella, all baked in a marinara tempest.
Breakfast:
Ricotta and Berry Parfait: Layer ricotta with fresh berries and granola for a breakfast parfait that defies the ordinary.
Ricotta and Herb Omelette: Infuse your morning routine with a ricotta-filled omelette, featuring a blend of herbs for an unpredictable flavor burst.
