Forget about restaurant cheese plates! This homemade ricotta cheese is so creamy, rich, and fresh that it puts store-bought versions to shame. Paired with crispy sourdough bread, a drizzle of olive oil, and a spoonful of luscious fig jam, this dish is simple yet irresistibly delicious.
The best part? You don’t need a cheese factory at home. This ricotta cheese takes only 40 minutes to make—quicker than braising a pot of meat!
Let’s dive into how you can make restaurant-quality ricotta at home with just a few ingredients and minimal effort. 
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Ricotta Cheese
✅ Ultra-Creamy & Fresh – Better than anything you’d buy at the store.
✅ Quick & Easy – Just 40 minutes, and no special equipment needed!
✅ Perfect Pairing – Enjoy with homemade fig jam and crispy bread for a gourmet experience.
✅ Highly Versatile – Use it on toast, in pasta, or as a dip.
What is Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta cheese originates from Italy and means “recooked” in Italian. Unlike hard cheeses, ricotta is made from whey, the liquid left after making other cheeses. The whey is reheated and combined with an acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) to separate the milk proteins, forming the soft, fluffy texture we love.
Since fresh ricotta doesn’t last long, it’s not always available in supermarkets, especially outside Italy. But don’t worry—you can make your own at home using a simple trick: substitute whey with a mix of fresh milk and cream for an equally rich and creamy texture!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Homemade Ricotta Cheese
- 1000g fresh milk
- 500g heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 15g lemon juice
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Fig Jam
- 300g fresh figs
- 20g honey
- 3g sugar
- 1g cinnamon powder (optional)
Crispy Sourdough Bread
- 1 loaf of sourdough bread (can substitute with baguette or toast)
- Olive oil for brushing
Measurement Guide:
1 tablespoon = 15ml
1 teaspoon = 5ml
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Make the Ricotta Cheese
1️⃣ Heat the Milk & Cream
- Pour milk and heavy cream into a saucepan.
- Heat over low heat until small bubbles appear around the edges (do not boil).
- Stir gently to prevent burning.
2️⃣ Add Lemon Juice & Salt
- Once the mixture reaches a slight simmer, add salt and lemon juice.
- Stir gently and heat again until tiny bubbles form at the edges. Turn off the heat.
3️⃣ Let it Set
- Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for 30 minutes. The milk proteins will separate and form curds.
4️⃣ Strain the Curds
- Using a fine-mesh strainer, gently separate the curds from the liquid whey. What remains is your fresh ricotta cheese!
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator (2-4°C) for up to one week.
Step 2: Prepare the Fig Jam
1️⃣ Chop the Figs
- Cut figs into small pieces.
2️⃣ Cook with Honey & Sugar
- Add figs, honey, and sugar into a saucepan.
- Simmer over low heat until the mixture becomes thick and jam-like.
3️⃣ Add Cinnamon (Optional)
- Sprinkle cinnamon powder for extra warmth and depth.
⏳ Let the jam cool before serving.
Step 3: Make Crispy Sourdough Bread
1️⃣ Slice the Bread
- Cut sourdough bread into slices.
2️⃣ Brush with Olive Oil
- Evenly coat each slice with olive oil.
3️⃣ Bake Until Crispy
- Place in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 8 minutes until golden and crunchy.
- Once cooled, cut into strips for easy dipping.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve!
1️⃣ Spread a generous layer of ricotta cheese on a plate.
2️⃣ Spoon fig jam over the ricotta.
3️⃣ Sprinkle with black pepper and drizzle with olive oil.
4️⃣ Arrange the crispy breadsticks on the side and serve immediately.
Take one bite, and you’ll understand why fresh, homemade ricotta is a game-changer. Creamy, velvety, and rich—like eating a cloud of milk!
How to Enjoy Ricotta Cheese
Aside from pairing it with jam and bread, ricotta cheese is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ideas:
Spread it on Toast – Top with honey and nuts for a perfect breakfast.
Mix into Pasta – Add to your favorite pasta dish for a creamy, cheesy touch.
Use as a Dip – Enjoy with crackers, veggies, or pita bread.
Fun Fact: Mozzarella and ricotta are often used together in Italian dishes like lasagna!
