Homemade Cream Cheese

Imagine spreading smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy homemade cream cheese onto a warm bagel or using it to whip up your favorite cheesecake. The best part? You get to control exactly what goes into it! Homemade cream cheese is so simple to make, and the results are infinitely more satisfying than anything you can buy at the store. It’s velvety, rich, and absolutely delicious—plus, you’ll never go back to store-bought once you try it. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Cream Cheese

Fresh & Customizable

Homemade cream cheese is a world apart from store-bought options. It’s fresh, flavorful, and can be adjusted to your taste. Want a sweeter version? Add a touch of honey. Prefer a tangier kick? A little more lemon juice will do the trick. You have total control over the flavor profile!

Simple Ingredients

Making your own cream cheese doesn’t require a long list of ingredients. In fact, you probably already have most of them in your kitchen right now! It’s amazing how something so simple can be so incredibly satisfying.

Perfect Texture

Homemade cream cheese has the perfect balance of smooth, creamy, and slightly firm texture. Whether you’re using it on bagels, in baking, or in savory dishes, it spreads beautifully and can elevate any recipe.

Free from Additives

One of the biggest perks of making your own cream cheese is that you avoid the artificial additives and preservatives often found in store-bought versions. What you get is pure, wholesome cream cheese—just the way it should be!

Versatile Use

It’s not just for bagels! Use it in dips, spread it on crackers, make your own creamy frostings, or add it to sauces for a luxurious texture. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own creamy, dreamy homemade cream cheese. (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Whole Milk

The base of this cream cheese. Using whole milk gives the cream cheese a rich texture that you’ll love.

Heavy Cream

To make the cream cheese extra rich and velvety, we’ll use heavy cream. It gives it the perfect creamy consistency.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice helps to acidify the milk and cream, which is essential for turning the mixture into cream cheese. It also gives the cheese a little tang, adding to its flavor.

Salt

A small amount of salt will bring out the natural flavor of the cream cheese and balance the richness.

Buttermilk or Yogurt

Buttermilk or plain yogurt contains the live cultures that are essential for the fermentation process, which helps thicken the cream cheese and develop its characteristic flavor.

Instructions

Making homemade cream cheese is easy and requires just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Heat the Milk and Cream

In a large saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches about 190°F (88°C). You’ll see tiny bubbles form around the edges, but don’t let it boil.

Step 2: Add the Lemon Juice

Once the milk and cream are heated, add the lemon juice. Stir gently, and you should begin to see the mixture curdle. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the curds and whey can separate.

Step 3: Add the Buttermilk or Yogurt

Stir in the buttermilk or yogurt. This introduces the live cultures necessary for thickening and creating that distinct cream cheese flavor. Stir well and let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 12-24 hours. During this time, the mixture will ferment and thicken.

Step 4: Strain the Mixture

Once your cream cheese has set and thickened, it’s time to strain it. Line a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth with a clean kitchen towel. Place the sieve over a bowl and pour the cream cheese mixture into it. Let it drain for several hours (or overnight) until it reaches the desired consistency. The longer it drains, the thicker it will be.

Step 5: Season and Mix

Once drained, transfer the thickened cream cheese into a mixing bowl. Add salt to taste and stir until smooth. You can adjust the seasoning based on your preference, adding more salt or even a touch of sweetener if you prefer a sweeter cream cheese.

Step 6: Store and Enjoy

Transfer your homemade cream cheese into a clean jar or airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. It’s now ready to spread on bagels, use in recipes, or eat with crackers!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 115
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 100mg
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Fermentation Time: 12-24 hours
• Draining Time: 2-4 hours
• Total Time: Approximately 14-28 hours (including fermentation and draining)

How to Serve Homemade Cream Cheese

Homemade cream cheese can be used in so many ways! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

On Bagels

The classic! Spread a generous layer of homemade cream cheese on a warm bagel for a breakfast that will make you never want to go back to store-bought again.

In Baking

Use your homemade cream cheese in baking recipes like cheesecakes, frostings, or in savory pastries like cream cheese-filled croissants.

As a Dip

Mix it with herbs and spices to make a savory dip for crackers or fresh vegetables. You can also add some garlic, chives, or dill for extra flavor.

With Fresh Fruit

Spread on slices of apple or pears for a simple, wholesome snack. The creaminess pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the fruit.

On Crackers

For a quick snack, spread a little homemade cream cheese on your favorite crackers. Top with smoked salmon, cucumber, or even a drizzle of honey!

Additional Tips

Adjust Thickness

If your cream cheese turns out too thick after draining, you can mix in a bit of heavy cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Add Flavors

Want to take your cream cheese to the next level? Try adding a few flavorings like garlic, fresh herbs, or honey for a sweet variation.

Make Ahead

This cream cheese stores well in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. Make a batch ahead of time and always have fresh, homemade cream cheese on hand!

Use Whole Milk for Best Results

For the richest, creamiest texture, always use whole milk. Skim or low-fat milk may not provide the same consistency.

Use a Cheesecloth for Straining

If you don’t have a fine mesh sieve, a cheesecloth works great for straining. Just be sure to secure it over a bowl to avoid a mess!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a non-dairy milk for this recipe?

A1: Yes, you can use non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary. You’ll need to use coconut cream or another thickening agent to achieve a similar richness.

Q2: How long does homemade cream cheese last?

A2: It will last up to 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Q3: Can I use a store-bought yogurt for the cultures?

A3: Yes, plain, unsweetened yogurt with live cultures works perfectly. Just make sure it’s not flavored or sweetened.

Q4: What if my cream cheese didn’t thicken properly?

A4: If it hasn’t thickened enough, you can let it sit longer at room temperature or strain it for a longer time. If you need to speed up the process, gently heat it again and add a bit more lemon juice to help with the curdling.

Q5: Can I add herbs or garlic to the cream cheese for flavor?

A5: Absolutely! Once the cream cheese has been made, you can mix in fresh herbs, garlic, or any seasonings you prefer to give it a unique flavor.

Q6: How can I make this cream cheese sweeter?

A6: To make a sweeter cream cheese, simply add a sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or even a bit of powdered stevia or monk fruit.

Q7: Can I freeze homemade cream cheese?

A7: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze homemade cream cheese. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly once thawed, so it’s best to use it in cooking or baking after freezing.

Q8: Can I use this cream cheese for baking?

A8: Yes! You can use it for cheesecake, frosting, or even savory pastries. It’s versatile and adds a fresh, homemade touch to any recipe.

Q9: What do I do if the cream cheese is too runny?

A9: If your cream cheese is too runny, let it drain for a little longer to thicken it up. You can also add more yogurt or buttermilk to help it set.

Q10: Can I make cream cheese with just milk and vinegar?

A10: You can use vinegar as an acid, but lemon juice creates a more balanced flavor. If you prefer vinegar, you can substitute it for the lemon juice, but the taste will be slightly different.

Conclusion

Homemade cream cheese is a simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious treat that’s easy to make and so much better than anything you can buy at the store. It’s perfect for spreads, dips, baking, or just enjoying with your favorite foods. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up fresh, creamy cream cheese at home and have it ready to enjoy in a variety of ways. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the first bite!

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