Why We Love This Homemade Ricotta Recipe
Milk is one of the most versatile ingredients available and can be used in many dishes, from decadent desserts to balanced snacks. And with nine essential nutrients, including eight grams of high-quality protein in each 8-ounce glass, milk makes a nutritious and delicious treat that can be enjoyed both in recipes and on its own. We love to make homemade ice cream, pudding pops, and all sorts of dazzling dairy treats in the summertime. Yet, there’s something else I love to make just as much and serve with fresh summer berries… My homemade Ricotta Cheese Recipe! Most people would never attempt to make their own cheese at home. But you… You are not most people. You are adventurous. Daring. An appreciator of fine things. An ambassador of flavor. Plus, you know a little secret about cheese making that others don’t. Or at least you are about to. With only 4 simple ingredients and our step-by-step-guide, you can make the most amazingly decadent ricotta cheese recipe that will put the store-bought versions to shame. It’s silky, spreadable, and completely irresistible served on crackers, bread, or as a dip with veggies.
Ingredients You Need
Milk – I prefer whole milk, but see the note below Heavy cream – for the creamiest, richest and most flavorful cheese Lemon juice – fresh squeezed is best Salt – sea salt balances the naturally tangy taste of the ricotta
Note: This ricotta cheese recipe is ultra-rich and luxurious because of the creamy whole milk and heavy cream. You can, however, substitute 6 cups of whole milk, and skip the heavy cream. Or even use low-fat milk!
How To Make Ricotta Cheese From Scratch
It takes time to reach the right consistency… About an hour for really loose ricotta cheese, and two or more hours for something a little more spreadable. Yet it’s worth the wait.
Ways to Use Homemade Ricotta Cheese
Homemade ricotta cheese is something special. A cheese you can easily add to dishes like pasta, rice, or even over a salad to offer a little creamy goodness with nutrients you need like calcium and protein. Here are a few of our favorite recipes to make with ricotta:
Whipped Ricotta (Sweet and Savory Versions) Lemon Ricotta Pasta (One-Pot!) Ricotta Stuffed Shells Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce Lemon Ricotta Crepe Cake with Strawberry Sauce Cantaloupe and Sweet Ricotta Pizza One-Pot Spinach Ricotta Pasta Mini Spinach Ricotta Calzone Recipe Cheese Manicotti with Meat Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta from Jo Cooks
I also like to keep a container of our freshly made ricotta cheese recipe in the fridge at all times, to serve as a quick snack or a garnish that elevates any dish to the next level! Serve with crackers, chips, or fresh chopped veggies or fruit – plus fruit spreads, a drizzle of honey or olive oil, or fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor.
Looking for More Easy “How To” Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
How to Make Buttermilk Homemade Cheese Spread How to Make Pizza Dough from Scratch Irish Pub Cheese Spread How to Make Italian Seasoning
To find more amazing dairy recipes, visit MilkLife.com. You can also learn about all the health benefits of milk on Milk Life’s Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The National Milk Life Campaign. All opinions are my own. Share This Recipe With Friends!
