Homemade ricotta with 3 ingredients in 30 minutes!
Homemade ricotta with 3 ingredients in 30 minutes! is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Alessandra Ciuffo on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $4.05 total, $1.01 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 gallon Whole Milk (preferably 3.5% fat, not ultra‑pasteurized)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt or kosher salt)
- 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
Instructions
Prepare Equipment and Ingredients
Set a fine‑mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over a large bowl. Measure out the salt and lemon juice, then have the thermometer ready.
Time: PT3M
Heat the Milk
Pour the whole milk into the pot, add the pinch of salt, and place over medium‑high heat. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent scorching.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 200°F
Add Lemon Juice
When the milk reaches 200°F, remove the pot from heat and slowly stir in the lemon juice. Stir just twice to distribute evenly.
Time: PT1M
Let the Curds Form
Cover the pot and let it sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. During this time the curds will separate from the whey.
Time: PT10M
Strain the Ricotta
Pour the curdled milk slowly into the cheesecloth‑lined strainer. Allow it to drain for about 10 minutes for a soft ricotta, or longer if you prefer a firmer texture.
Time: PT10M
Finish and Serve
Transfer the ricotta to a serving bowl. Use immediately on toast, salads, or store as described below.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 80
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 3 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Dairy
Last updated: April 18, 2026






