What Is Cream Cheese — And How Do You Make It at Home? (2024)

Ever wondered what makes cream cheese so rich, creamy, and exceptionally versatile? You've come to the right place. Here's what you need to know about the tangy refrigerator staple:

What Is Cream Cheese?

Cream cheese is a soft, neutral-tasting cheese made from cow's milk and cream. Its subtle sweetness, mild tanginess, and silky smooth texture make it extremely versatile: Spread it on a bagel, mix it into cookie dough or cake batter, or use it as a base for your next creamy frosting.

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, standard cream cheese must contain 33 percent milkfat and its moisture content cannot exceed 55 percent.

Inexpensive and easily accessible, you can find blocks or tubs of cream cheese in the refrigerated dairy aisle of most U.S. grocery stores.

How Is Cream Cheese Made?

Lactic acid is added to pasteurized milk and cream, which lowers the mixture's pH and causes it to form curds. When the curds are heated and stabilizers are added, it becomes cream cheese.

Can You Make Cream Cheese at Home?

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Making cream cheese at home is way easier than you probably think. You just have to add salt and an acid (such as lemon juice) to cream and/or milk. When the mixture coagulates, strain it so you're left with just curds. Run the curds through a food processor until they're smooth and creamy.

Chef John's cream cheese recipe starts with yogurt, so there's no need for any additional acids. The result is "more flavorful and tangier than regular cream cheese," according to Chef John.

Can You Freeze Cream Cheese?

Yes! You can (and should!) freeze cream cheese if you think it will go bad before you're able to use it up. However, you should know that freezing and thawing changes the cheese on a chemical level — what was once creamy and smooth will turn grainy. It's totally fine to use frozen cream cheese in baking, but you probably won't want to spread it on your bagel or mix it into your frosting.

To freeze unopened cream cheese, just throw the block directly into the freezer. The foil wrapping and cardboard packaging work together to protect against freezer burn. Transfer opened cream cheese to an airtight container before freezing. Thaw frozen cream cheese by letting it sit in the fridge overnight, or for at least a few hours.

Cream Cheese Substitute

No cream cheese? No problem. Your best bet is Neufchatel, which is basically a low-fat version of cream cheese. This works especially well in decadent desserts like cheesecake.

Other good options include mascarpone cheese, sour cream, and Greek yogurt, which can all be substituted using a 1:1 ratio (if your recipe calls for 1 cup of cream cheese, use 1 cup of your substitute).

How to Soften Cream Cheese

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The best way to soften cream cheese is to allow it to come to room temperature on the counter. This will take an hour or two, so make sure to plan your day accordingly. You can also soften cream cheese by beating it with a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer for about a minute.

In a pinch, use your microwave to soften cream cheese. Heat it in 10-second intervals to make sure it doesn't cook.

How to Soften Cream Cheese

How to Store Cream Cheese

Unopened cream cheese can go straight into the fridge. If you've already used some of the product, place it in an airtight container before returning it to the refrigerator and use it within 10 days. Never leave cream cheese at room temperature for more than three hours, as it can spoil and make you seriously sick.

Cream Cheese Recipes

What Is Cream Cheese — And How Do You Make It at Home? (5)

Put your leftover cream cheese to good use with one of our favorite rich, creamy recipes that highlight the ingredient:

More Cream Cheese Recipes