Instant Pot Ricotta Cheese is a simple way to make fresh, creamy homemade ricotta with just three ingredients. Using whole milk, lemon juice, and salt, you can make soft, delicious ricotta right in your pressure cooker.
I never realized how easy homemade ricotta cheese could be until I started making it in my Instant Pot. It’s one of those recipes that sounds complicated but really isn’t, and the fresh flavor makes it worth the little bit of effort.
Why I Love This Recipe 🩵
About the Ingredients ⭐
- Whole Milk: Creates a rich, creamy homemade ricotta cheese.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice helps separate the milk into curds and whey.
- Salt: Adds flavor to the ricotta.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How to Make Instant Pot Ricotta Cheese 🧀
Heat the Milk: Pour the whole milk directly into the Instant Pot. Select the Yogurt function and press Adjust until “Boil” appears. Place the lid on with the valve in the venting position.
Check the Temperature: Allow the boil cycle to finish, about 30–40 minutes. Check that the milk has reached 180°F.
Add the Lemon and Salt: Remove the inner pot and place it on the counter. Stir in the salt, then squeeze the juice from both lemon halves into the milk.
Let the Curds Form: Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 15–20 minutes until the curds separate from the whey.
Strain the Ricotta: Place a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and pour in the mixture. Let it drain for about 20 minutes. You can also use a regular strainer lined with cheesecloth or coffee filters.
Refrigerate: Transfer the ricotta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Tips I Found Helpful 🩵
- Use whole milk for the richest, creamiest ricotta.
- Check that the milk reaches 180°F before adding the lemon juice.
- Let the mixture sit undisturbed so the curds can form.
- Drain for about 20 minutes, or a little longer if you prefer thicker ricotta.
How to Store Homemade Ricotta Cheese 🩵
Store homemade Instant Pot Ricotta Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
I don’t recommend freezing homemade ricotta because it can become grainy and watery when thawed.
Recipes with Ricotta Cheese
Instant Pot Ricotta Cheese
Instant Pot Ricotta Cheese is fresh, creamy, and easy to make at home with just three simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- ½ gallon whole milk
- 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Pour the whole milk directly into the Instant Pot.
- Select the Yogurt function and press Adjust until "Boil" appears. Place the lid on with the valve in the venting position.
- Allow the boil cycle to finish, about 30–40 minutes. Check that the milk has reached 180°F.
- Remove the inner pot and place it on the counter. Stir in the salt.
- Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice from both halves into the milk.
- Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 15–20 minutes until the curds separate from the whey.
- Place a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and pour in the mixture. Allow it to drain for about 20 minutes.
- Transfer the ricotta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
For thicker ricotta, let it drain a little longer. If you don't have a fine-mesh strainer, use a regular strainer lined with cheesecloth or coffee filters.
Stovetop Method: Heat the milk over medium heat until it reaches 180°F, then follow the remaining directions.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1/4 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 13Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 299mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 1g
Hello,
Thank you for this ultra easy ricotta recipe for the IP.
Am I correct to assume that 1.9 L (1/2 US gallon) of milk would yield ±475 mL (±2 US cups) of ricotta?
Cheers,
Andreid
I just tried your recipe for Instant Pot Ricotta Cheese.
I’m pretty sure I followed your recipe to a “T” but a 1/2 gallon of whole milk only yielded barely a cup of ricotta. What did I do wrong?
Could it have been not enough lemon?
I make homemade ricotta using vinegar, I wait to try it lemon!
I’d love to try this recipe but I have a pressure cooker not an instant pot. What setting would I use?
I’d like to try this recipe, but would like to know if it hast to be whole milk? I was thinking of trying 2%…do you know if that would work.
Can we use this ricotta cheese for lasagna
Yes!! Whenever I have extra milk, it’s an excuse to make this ricotta. And whenever I make ricotta, it’s an excuse to make lasagna!!
How much does this recipe yield? I am so excited to try it. Wondering if I could halve it. Thanks for the clever and VERY useful recipe!!
I realize that everyone loves doing everything in the Instant Pot but I make fresh ricotta on the stove in far less than 40 minutes!mae
My Instant Pot doesn’t have the yogurt setting. What do I do?
How much does it yield?
I cannot wait to try this!