Homemade Ricotta Cheese
Homemade Ricotta Cheese
Fresh and Delicious Homemade Ricotta Cheese
Learn how to make delicious, creamy ricotta cheese at home with this incredibly simple recipe! Perfect for salads, sandwiches, and more, this homemade cheese is a delightful addition to any meal. Let’s get started!
Ricotta Cheese Ingredients- 1.5L Milk (fresh, whole milk recommended)
- 5 Tbsp White Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Pour 1.5 liters of fresh milk into a pot. Using fresh milk with a good expiration date is best for optimal results.
Step 2
Heat the milk over medium heat. Just before it comes to a boil, when you see small bubbles forming around the edges of the pot, slowly drizzle in 5 tablespoons of vinegar.
Step 3
After adding the vinegar, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cooking on too high a heat can result in a burnt or bitter taste, so a gentle simmer is key.
Step 4
After a short while, you’ll notice the milk beginning to curdle and separate, resembling soft tofu. Try not to stir too vigorously at this stage; the formation of soft curds is the beginning of your ricotta.
Step 5
Observe as the milk clearly separates into curds (the soft, white masses) and whey (the clear liquid). Once this separation is evident, turn off the heat.
Step 6
The tofu-like curds you see are the beginnings of your ricotta cheese. Prepare to strain these curds to collect them.
Step 7
Ideally, you would line a sieve with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel and pour the milk mixture over it. However, if you don’t have cheesecloth, you can pour the mixture directly into a fine-mesh sieve. The whey will drain through, leaving the curds behind.
Step 8
Once the curds are in the sieve, gently cover them with paper towels. Then, place a light plate or bowl on top to press out excess moisture. Avoid using anything too heavy, as it can make the cheese dense.
Step 9
Transfer the pressed curds into a piece of plastic wrap or shape them with cling film. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow them to firm up.
Step 10
Once removed from the refrigerator, your fresh, homemade ricotta cheese will be beautifully set and ready to enjoy! Its creamy texture and mild, delicious flavor are truly wonderful.
