Home made ricotta
Home made ricotta is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Andy Cooks on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 14 min | Total: 1 hr 24 min
Cost: $2.35 total, $0.59 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 liters Whole Milk (high‑fat, preferably 3.5% or higher for richer ricotta)
- 0.5 tablespoon Salt (fine sea salt)
- 0.25 cup Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
Instructions
Heat the Milk
Place the pot on medium heat, add the 2 L of whole milk, and stir gently. Heat until the temperature reaches 85 °C (185 °F).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 85°C
Add Salt
Turn off the heat at about 83 °C (to avoid overshoot), sprinkle in ½ Tbsp of salt, and stir for 1‑2 minutes until fully dissolved.
Time: PT2M
Introduce the Acid
Pour in ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice, give a quick stir, then immediately cover the pot with the lid.
Time: PT2M
Let the Curds Rest
Leave the covered pot undisturbed for 20 minutes to allow full curd formation.
Time: PT20M
Prepare the Strainer
Line a colander with a double layer of cheesecloth and set it over a large bowl to catch the whey.
Time: PT5M
Transfer Curds
Using a ladle, gently scoop the curds into the cheesecloth‑lined colander.
Time: PT5M
Drain the Ricotta
Allow the curds to hang and drain for about 20 minutes, or longer for a drier texture.
Time: PT20M
Finish and Serve
Transfer the ricotta to a serving bowl, taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for a firmer texture.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 80
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 3 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Milk
Last updated: April 18, 2026






