Ina Garten Homemade Ricotta Recipe

Homemade ricotta feels soft, creamy and very fresh. This Ina Garten Homemade Ricotta Recipe is simple and tastes amazing.

You only need a few basic ingredients to make this cheese at home. The texture feels rich, but the steps are very easy. You can use this ricotta for pasta, toast, desserts or snacks.

Many people love the mild and smooth taste. If you want to learn how to make Homemade Ricotta, this guide will help you.

I will share ingredients, steps, helpful tips and mistakes to avoid. By the end, you will know all the ingredients for Homemade Ricotta and how to make it like Ina Garten.

This recipe is great for beginners. It needs no special tools and takes little time. You will enjoy the fresh taste and soft feel in every spoonful.

My Experience With This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels calm and simple. The milk warms slowly and fills the kitchen with a soft smell. When the curds form, it feels like magic.

The ricotta tastes warm, creamy and lighter than store-bought cheese. I enjoy spreading it on toast with honey. My family loves it with pasta and herbs.

Every time I make it, the bowl gets empty fast. It is one of the easiest homemade recipes I know. It feels fresh, clean and comforting.

Recipe Card Info

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Homemade Ricotta
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Course: Cheese / Side
• Cuisine: American / Italian
• Calories: 185 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large pot
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Heatproof bowl
• Fine strainer
• Cheesecloth
• Ladle

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Homemade Ricotta Recipe

• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Heat the Milk

Warm milk and cream in a large pot. Stir gently to avoid burning the bottom of the pot.

2. Add the Salt

Add salt to the warm milk mix. Stir well so the salt spreads through all the liquid.

3. Bring to a Simmer

Heat until small bubbles form on the edge. Do not boil the milk because it may burn fast.

4. Add the Lemon Juice

Pour in the lemon juice slowly. Stir gently and watch the curds form right away.

5. Let the Mixture Rest

Turn off the heat and rest the pot. Let the curds form fully for around five minutes.

6. Prepare the Strainer

Place cheesecloth in a fine strainer. Put the strainer over a large bowl to collect liquid.

7. Ladle the Curds

Scoop the curds gently into the cheesecloth. Let the whey drain into the bowl below.

8. Drain the Ricotta

Let the ricotta drain for around ten minutes. For thicker cheese, drain longer.

9. Check the Texture

Touch the ricotta with clean fingers. If soft and creamy, it is ready to use.

10. Serve or Store

Place ricotta in a bowl or container. Use fresh or put in the fridge for later.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Homemade Ricotta Recipe

• Use whole milk for creamy texture
• Do not boil the milk
• Use fresh lemon juice
• Drain longer for thick cheese
• Do not stir too much after curds form
• Keep cheesecloth clean and dry
• Use warm ricotta for soft texture

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using skim milk
• Boiling the milk too hard
• Using bottled lemon juice
• Stirring too fast after curds form
• Draining for too long
• Not heating the milk enough
• Using dirty cheesecloth

Serving Suggestions

You can enjoy this ricotta in many ways. Spread it on warm toast with honey for a sweet breakfast. Add herbs, olive oil and salt for a savory snack. Use it in lasagna, pasta or stuffed shells.

You can also mix it with fruit for dessert. It tastes great in dips, sauces or on top of roasted vegetables. This fresh cheese works well for brunch, dinner or simple snacks.

Variations You Can Try

• Add fresh herbs
• Add black pepper
• Mix in honey
• Add roasted garlic
• Add chili flakes
• Mix with basil pesto
• Add lemon zest for brightness
• Add whipped cream for fluffy texture

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store in an airtight container
• Keep in the fridge for three days
• Do not freeze ricotta
• Do not reheat ricotta
• Drain extra whey before serving
• Stir gently before using
• Add herbs only before serving

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	185
Protein	10g
Fat	15g
Carbs	3g

Health Benefits

Homemade ricotta is rich in protein and healthy fats. It helps keep you full and gives your body energy. The fresh milk offers calcium, which supports strong bones.

Lemon juice adds natural freshness without extra chemicals. This recipe uses simple ingredients, so the cheese feels clean and wholesome. It is good for people who want fresh food with less processing.

FAQs about Ina Garten Homemade Ricotta Recipe

1. Can I use vinegar instead of lemon juice?

Yes, you can use vinegar if you do not have lemon juice. The flavor becomes slightly sharper, but the curds still form well. Make sure to use only a small amount, or the taste may be too strong.

2. Why did my ricotta not form curds?

This happens when the milk is not hot enough or the lemon juice is not fresh. Heating the milk gently until it simmers helps create curds. Fresh lemon juice works best because it has strong acid.

3. How long should I drain the ricotta?

Drain for ten minutes for soft ricotta. Drain for twenty minutes for thick ricotta. The longer it drains, the firmer the texture becomes. You can check the feel with your fingers for your favorite style.

4. Can I make ricotta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Add herbs only before serving so the ricotta stays bright and clean in flavor.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double it without problems. Just use a larger pot and follow the same steps. Make sure the milk heats evenly so the curds form properly.

Final Thoughts

The Ina Garten Homemade Ricotta Recipe is simple, fresh and very easy to make. It needs only a few ingredients but brings great flavor. You can use this ricotta in many dishes, from sweet to savory.

If you want soft and creamy cheese at home, this recipe is perfect. Try it once, and you may never buy store ricotta again. Enjoy making fresh cheese with little effort and big taste.