Not many of us know how to make real ricotta cheese. It is easily found in grocery stores. Yet there is something beautifully domestic about using an authentic ricotta cheese recipe to make it homemade. The cheese can be paired with different things to be savory—think lasagna—or sweet—think cannolis—so try your hand at using a traditional ricotta recipe to impress your spouse.

My Experience with Easy Ricotta Recipes

When it comes to making things from scratch, I will have to admit that sometimes I am just plain intimidated! Brownie, corn muffin, (hey, a 49 cent box of Jiffy really is hard to beat!) and cake mixes have followed me throughout my life.

Yes, I have tried to make each and every one of them from scratch, yet the ease of having something on hand makes things simpler. Well, the thought (yes, even the mere thought) of making something like my own ricotta cheese has never even crossed my radar screen.

That is until I went on a trip to Pittsfield, Vermont to experience a lovely weekend of adventure, touring, and mingling. One of the activities during our stay was learning how to make real ricotta cheese, and I dare say that I was truly excited about learning.

Homemade ricotta with buttermilk or goat’s milk can be used in delicious, savory dishes.

The process of making a traditional ricotta recipe at home is easier than I thought. And it is truly delicious. The fact that ricotta cheese blends with so many flavors are definitely a plus. Enjoy this recipe!

Authentic Ricotta Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 quarts whole milk (they used raw milk from their goats)
• 1 cup heavy cream (again, from their goats)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice

Method

• To ready your area, line a large sieve with a layer of heavy-duty (fine-mesh) cheesecloth, and place it over a large bowl.
• Slowly bring milk, cream, and salt to a rolling boil in a 6-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring constantly to avoid scorching.
• Add lemon juice, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring constantly, until the mixture curdles (about 2 minutes).
• Pour the mixture into the lined sieve, and let it drain one hour.
• After discarding the liquid, chill the ricotta cheese, covered.

How long does homemade ricotta last?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will keep for up to a week if stored properly. There are lots of ways to enjoy your homemade ricotta cheese, such as this collection of sweet and savory ricotta dishes.

Easy ricotta recipes can be adapted to use in sweet desserts, such as cannolis.

Trying to make more things at home? Learning how can be a fun process for you to do to surprise your spouse or do together. We have a few apple pie recipes that would be perfect for an at-home date night!

Photos by Karolina Grabowska, Calum Lewis, and Angelo Xwu