Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Ingredients

• 8 cups Whole Milk (fresh, preferably from a local farm)
• 1.5 cups Heavy Cream (cold, for richer texture)
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt (pinch for flavor, plus extra for seasoning)
• 1.5 lemons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed, about 3‑4 tbsp)
• 0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg (freshly grated, optional)
• 1 tablespoon Honey (optional drizzle for serving)
• 1 tablespoon Cacao Nibs (optional garnish, adds crunch)

Instructions

1. Gather Ingredients and Equipment

   Measure 8 cups milk, 1.5 cups heavy cream, pinch of salt, and have 1.5 lemons ready. Set out pot, thermometer, cheesecloth, strainer, bowl, and spoon.

   Time: PT5M

2. Combine Milk, Cream, and Salt

   Pour the milk and heavy cream into the large pot and add the pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine.

   Time: PT2M

3. Heat to 195°F

   Place the pot over medium heat. Using the thermometer, heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches exactly 195°F (90°C).

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 195°F

4. Add Lemon Juice

   Remove the pot from heat and immediately pour the juice of 1.5 lemons into the hot milk. Stir gently for about 30 seconds.

   Time: PT1M

5. Let the Curds Form

   Allow the pot to sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. You should see the mixture separate into curds and whey.

   Time: PT5M

6. Prepare Draining Setup

   Line the fine mesh strainer with a double layer of cheesecloth and set it over a large bowl to catch the whey.

   Time: PT3M

7. Transfer Curds to Cheesecloth

   Carefully pour the curdled mixture into the cheesecloth‑lined strainer.

   Time: PT2M

8. Drain the Ricotta

   Let the curds drain for 30 minutes. For a drier ricotta, let it sit longer.

   Time: PT30M

9. Season the Cheese

   Transfer the drained curds to a bowl. Stir in a pinch of additional salt and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.

   Time: PT2M

10. Finish and Serve

    Optional: drizzle honey over the ricotta and sprinkle cacao nibs. Serve immediately or store.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

150

Protein

10 g

Carbohydrates

6 g

Fat

10 g

Fiber

0 g