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Home » How to » Homemade Ricotta Cheese: Only 3 Ingredients!

Homemade Ricotta Cheese: Only 3 Ingredients!

February 8, 2019 , Updated May 4, 2020 Maria 151 Comments

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Fresh homemade ricotta cheese made with just 3 ingredients, milk, lemon juice and salt.

How many of you have always wanted to try to make your very own Creamy Homemade Ricotta Cheese? Well, today is the day! Are you excited? I sure am! I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!

A spoonful of fresh homemade ricotta cheese placed on a cheese basket surrounded by lemons.
Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Who doesn’t like ricotta?

Its creamy texture lends itself perfectly to sweet foods like cannoli, cheesecake or this Rice Ricotta Easter Pie.

The taste and texture are equally appreciated in savory dishes, whether making Ricotta Cavatelli, used in Italian Stuffed Shells, or in a Tomato Ricotta Sauce.

It is also great when making Italian appetizers. One of my favorite “quick” appetizer recipes to make with fresh ricotta is these Ricotta Stuffed Medjool Dates.

An overhead shot of crostini topped with ricotta cheese and honey.

In just under one hour, and with only 3 ingredients, you can be spreading some creamy ricotta on a toasted baguette with a drizzle of honey. It’s easy, economical and tastes great!

Life doesn’t get any better than this, my friends!

So…are you ready to begin?

What do I need to make Homemade Ricotta Cheese?

  • Whole milk. Yes, full fat 3.25% milk.
  • Salt. Adjust to your own personal taste.
  • Lemon Juice. The acidity of the lemons will create those wonderful curds.

As far as accessories are concerned, you need a heavy bottom saucepan with a lid, a wooden spoon, a slotted ladle, a bowl, and a strainer.

You also need a cheesecloth and a ricotta basket. The objective is not to lose any of the curds when you drain your freshly made ricotta. I reuse the plastic containers from the times that I purchase store-bought ricotta.

How to Make Ricotta Cheese:

Begin by lining a large 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. Set it aside while we begin to make the ricotta cheese from scratch.

Whole milk being poured in a large pot in order to make ricotta cheese.

You are now ready to combine two of the ingredients (milk and salt) in a large heavy-based saucepan.

Please note you CANNOT make ricotta with ultra-pasteurized milk.

Over medium heat, heat the milk to 185°F (85°C), making sure to give the mixture an occasional stir with a wooden spoon.

A thermometer reads 185 degrees, the perfect temperature to add the lemon juice to make our fresh ricotta cheese.

If you do not have a thermometer, heat the milk until it reaches a stage where there is a lot of steam, where little bubbles are forming close to the edge of the pot, and a slight film appears over the milk. It takes about 20 minutes to get to this stage at medium heat.

Whole milk is in the process of being heated before the other 2 ingredients are added to make ricotta cheese.

Making ricotta requires a source of acidity in order for the curds to form. I usually use lemon juice or white vinegar.

The results with lemon juice can vary since it depends on the acidity of the lemon. Don’t hesitate to add an additional tablespoon or two of lemon juice if your milk does not curdle immediately.

Do not use Meyer lemons as these are sweeter and do not have the same acidity as regular lemons.

Lemon juice is definitely my preference when making sweet recipes using ricotta cheese. Here are some examples: Easy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Italian Sweet Ricotta Easter Pie, or even this Rice Ricotta Easter Pie. Can you tell I just love ricotta!

I use white vinegar to make ricotta for savory dishes like a pizza, lasagna, pastas, or these Spinach Calzones.

Once the lemon juice added to the milk, the ricotta curds are slowly beginning to form.

Reduce the heat to low and add your source of acid (I used lemon juice). You will notice that the mixture will immediately begin to curdle…continue to gently stir the mixture about for 2 minutes.

Isn’t it amazing that in just a few minutes, you will begin to notice the formation of curds?

An overhead shot of a ladle of ricotta cheese.

You are well on your way!

Carefully remove your soon-to-be creamy homemade fresh ricotta cheese from the heat. Let it stand, covered for about 20 minutes.

The ricotta cheese is place in a cheese cloth lined colander to drain.

Carefully ladle your ricotta into the cheesecloth-lined colander or your basket. Your bowl will be filled with a liquid, which, as you know, is the whey.

Since we are talking about whey, I would like to clarify that true ricotta is made from the leftover whey of cheese production. Hence the name “ricotta”, which literally means “recooked”.

A close up shot of creamy ricotta cheese in a cheese basket.

At this point, you have a decision to make. The consistency of the final product will depend on the amount of time you leave the mixture to drain.

If using the ricotta cheese to make a cheesecake or stuffed pasta, you need a firmer consistency – therefore allow to drain for at least 20 minutes. If you are using it as a spread (for example on a baguette), 3-5 minutes is more than enough time to obtain that creamy consistency.

As a personal preference, you can replace 1-2 cups of full-fat milk with cream. This creates even creamier ricotta.

What will you make with this homemade ricotta recipe?

Tips

  • Replace the lemon juice with an equal amount of white vinegar.
  • Reduce the draining time for a creamier consistency.
  • Homemade ricotta cannot be made with ultra-pasteurized milk…so, check your labels. 
  • Use fresh ricotta immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Can I use Meyer lemons to make homemade ricotta? No, since this variety of lemons does not have the same level as acidity as regular lemons.

What is whey? Whey is the liquid that is formed following the addition of the lemon juice and after straining the curds.

What can I make with whey? The leftover whey is great to use when making bread, pizza, pasta or even in soups.

Can you freeze ricotta? Yes.

Ricotta cheese recipes we love

Asparagus Ricotta Tart 

Ricotta Parfait Recipe

Ricotta Chocolate Tart

Homemade Cheese Blintzes

A close up shot of the creamy texture of Homemade Ricotta Cheese.

Recipe origins

During my youth, most Italian families made their own wine, their own sausages, cheese, prosciutto, tomato sauce, pickled vegetables, jams, jellies, pasta, bread…I could go on, but you get my point.

Imagine my surprise when I realized not everyone had homemade soppressata hanging in their cold room!

I realize now what a privilege it was to have been exposed to so much passion when it came to food. When I think back to my grandparents and my parents (and to a whole generation of immigrants), I am always impressed by how food helped preserve their identity.

The philosophy is easy -enjoy and share food with family and friends.

I hope you enjoy this ricotta in your favorite meals with your loved ones.

THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

Ciao for now,

Maria 

★★★★★ If you have made this Homemade Ricotta Cheese recipe, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

Fresh homemade ricotta cheese made with just 3 ingredients, milk, lemon juice and salt.

Homemade Ricotta Cheese

With just 3 ingredients, you can make this creamy homemade fresh ricotta cheese. It's easy, economical and tastes great!
5 from 41 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 300kcal
Author: Maria Vannelli RD

Ingredients

  • 8 cups whole milk 2 liters
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons  lemon juice or white vinegar freshly squeezed
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Instructions

  • 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.
Scroll UP for the STEP by STEP PhotosDon't miss the process shots and videos included in most posts. Simply scroll up the post to find them. Those were created especially for you so that you can make the recipe perfectly every single time you try it.

Video

Notes

  • Replace the lemon juice with an equal amount of white vinegar.
  • Reduce the draining time for a creamier consistency.
  • Homemade ricotta cannot be made with ultra-pasteurized milk...so, read your labels.
  • Use fresh ricotta immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Can I use organic milk? In theory, yes. As long as it is not ultra-pasteurized. PLEASE NOTE that when I was testing this recipe, I attempted to make ricotta with organic milk and on 3 different occasions, it did not work for me. 
Can I use Meyer lemons to make homemade ricotta? No, since this variety of lemons does not have the same level as acidity as regular lemons.
What is whey? Whey is the liquid that is formed following the addition of the lemon juice and after straining the curds.
What can I make with whey? The leftover whey is great to use when making bread, pizza, pasta or even in soups.
Can you freeze ricotta? Yes.
Yield is about 2 cups or 200 grams.
Inactive time: 20 minutes
1 serving = 1/2 cup
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 500mg | Potassium: 655mg | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 790IU | Vitamin C: 4.4mg | Calcium: 551mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @shelovesbiscotti or tag #shelovesbiscotti!

This post was originally published on February 21, 2016 and republished on February 8, 2019 with updated content, photos and a video. Thanks for watching and sharing.

The links on this blog are affiliate links,which means I’ll earn a small commission if you use those links and make a purchase within a certain time frame. The commission is paid by the third-party, there’s no extra charge to you. She Loves Biscotti is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Amazon Associates is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.


 

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About Maria

Maria Vannelli is a registered dietitian who lives in a suburb just outside Montreal, Canada. She's the founder of the food blog She Loves Biscotti. Maria hopes to inspire you and bring you and your loved ones closer together at meal times enabling you to create some memorable moments.

Comments

  1. Ellie says

    February 18, 2021 at 09:49

    Hi Maria! First, I was THRILLED to come across your site this morning! I love making Italian foods because it brings back the happy times I shared with my mom; the aromas and tastes. I’m dying to take the plunge and try your ricotta recipe. Will the consistency be good for cannoli filling? I find commercial brands too wet no matter how long I drain them.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      February 20, 2021 at 19:22

      Welcome Ellie! So nice to virtually meet you! The wonderful thing about making your own ricotta is that you can make it with as little moisture as you want by simply leaving it to drain longer on the cheesecloth. Hope that helps. Enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Debbie says

    January 25, 2021 at 03:01

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for this recipe. I had some milk which was about to go over it’s use by date, and I hate wasting food. I also didn’t have any lemons so I used vinegar. Thanks so much for that tip. I will be having it in my salad with tomato, olives and spinach. And I love the idea of using the whey in a soup. Thank you again x

    Reply
    • Maria says

      January 25, 2021 at 20:03

      My pleasure Debbie, enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Debra Kroll says

    January 21, 2021 at 17:39

    5 stars
    So Yummy! I made this with raw milk. It worked out beautifully. Now I think I will make broccoli cheddar soup with the whey.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      January 21, 2021 at 22:20

      I am so thrilled to read this! What a terrific idea! Thanks for sharing Debra!

      Reply
  4. Robin says

    January 3, 2021 at 20:58

    5 stars
    Fabulous recipe! I made ricotta from another recipe & could not get it to form curds! I tried non-organic milk like you had commented & it came out perfect!

    Reply
    • Maria says

      January 3, 2021 at 21:21

      Fantastic Robin! So thrilled to read this, thanks for sharing.

      Reply
  5. Sara Woodward says

    December 30, 2020 at 17:07

    I just made a huge batch with all the leftover cream, half & half, and milk from the holidays. It is a non- homogenized brand and it worked perfectly. It’s so soft and pillowy.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      December 31, 2020 at 18:32

      WOW! That’s amazing Sara, enjoy!

      Reply
  6. kat says

    December 22, 2020 at 15:26

    5 stars
    WOW this was easy!

    I used fresh lemon juice + lactose-free milk (https://www.natrel.ca/en/products/lactose-free/natrel-lactose-free-325) in hopes that I could make an easier-to-digest lasagna and this recipe worked like a charm. I am shocked it worked on the first try considering my luck in the kitchen.

    I think I got a bit more than two cups out of it (still draining a little more), but that’s not a problem in my books. 🙂

    Reply
    • Maria says

      December 23, 2020 at 07:34

      Amazing Kat! Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
  7. Magida says

    December 18, 2020 at 18:51

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for the detailed instructions! This is the first time I manage to make ricotta directly from a recipe.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      December 18, 2020 at 19:00

      How wonderful Magida! Enjoy!

      Reply
  8. Weeza says

    December 15, 2020 at 15:35

    5 stars
    This is so good. I have made with UHT when I lived on an island with no fresh milk. It worked and it was good.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      December 15, 2020 at 22:18

      How wonderful Weeza! Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
  9. Kerry says

    December 8, 2020 at 08:17

    I’ve been looking at recipes for making homemade ricotta some recipes use all buttermilk or part whole milk and part buttermilk. I was curious if you have ever tried either method and what the taste difference is. I am planning to make homemade ricotta for my Christmas lasagna.
    Thanks,
    Kerry

    Reply
    • Maria says

      January 5, 2021 at 09:51

      Thanks for your interest Kerry. Sorry for the late response. unfortunately, I have never tried it.

      Reply
  10. Sarah says

    November 28, 2020 at 03:43

    5 stars
    Just made this and omg I’m in heaven! I actually trippled the recipe and it worked fine. Had it on some homemade sourdough with broad bean and mint dip, and Will be using the rest up in some cheesecake tomorrow! Thanks Maria 🙂 x

    Reply
    • Maria says

      November 28, 2020 at 08:20

      I am so thrilled to read this! Thanks Sarah, enjoy!

      Reply
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Hello and Welcome to She Loves Biscotti!
I'm Maria: dietitian and full time content creator. Join me as I share traditional Italian recipes from my youth, to modern twists on classics using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

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