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Fresh Ricotta Cheese

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

Making your own fresh ricotta cheese is a simple yet rewarding kitchen project that produces a texture far superior to anything found in the supermarket. By gently heating whole milk with a touch of salt and curdling it with fresh lemon juice, you can create soft, creamy curds in less than twenty minutes. The result is a delicate, milky flavour that provides a beautiful base for both savoury dishes and sweet treats.

This versatile vegetarian staple is an excellent addition to your cooking repertoire, working perfectly when dolloped over sourdough toast with honey or folded into a classic spinach and ricotta lasagne. Once chilled, the cheese firms up beautifully while retaining its signature light consistency. You can even prepare this a few days in advance for easy entertaining or mid-week meals.

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Ingredients for Fresh Ricotta Cheese

  • 1925ml whole milk

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 45ml fresh lemon juice

How to make Fresh Ricotta Cheese

Line colander with 4 layers of cheesecloth; set in sink. Bring milk and salt to simmer in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in lemon juice. Let simmer until curds form, 1 to 2 minutes.

Using finely slotted spoon or skimmer, scoop curds from pan and transfer to cheesecloth-lined colander. Let drain 1 minute (curds will still be a little wet). Transfer curds to medium bowl. Cover and chill until cold, about 3 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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