What is cream cheese, and how can you prepare it at home?

Ever wondered what gives cream cheese its rich, creamy texture and versatility? You're in the right place. Here's everything you need to know about this tangy fridge staple:

What is cream cheese all about?

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Cream cheese is a soft cheese made from a blend of cow's milk and cream. Its mild sweetness, slight tang, and smooth texture make it perfect for many uses: Spread it on bagels, mix it into cookie dough or cake batter, or use it as a base for creamy frostings.

As per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, standard cream cheese must contain at least 33% milkfat, and its moisture content cannot exceed 55%.

Affordable and easy to find, blocks or tubs of cream cheese are available in the dairy section of most grocery stores across the United States.

How is cream cheese made?

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

Cream cheese doesn't require aging and should be used relatively soon after making or purchasing.

Is it possible to make cream cheese at home?

Ian Talbot

Making cream cheese at home is simpler than you might think. Just add salt and an acid like lemon juice to cream or milk. Once the mixture thickens, strain it to remove the whey, leaving just the curds. Then, process the curds in a food processor until smooth and creamy.

Chef John's cream cheese recipe begins with yogurt, eliminating the need for additional acids. The outcome is said to be "richer and more tangy than regular cream cheese," according to Chef John.

Is it possible to freeze cream cheese?

Yes! If you're worried about cream cheese going bad before you can use it, freezing is a great option. However, be aware that freezing and thawing alters the cheese's texture — what was once smooth and creamy will become grainy. While frozen cream cheese is fine for baking, it may not be ideal for spreading on a bagel or mixing into frosting.

To freeze unopened cream cheese, simply place the block directly in the freezer. The foil and cardboard packaging help protect it from freezer burn. For opened cream cheese, transfer it to an airtight container before freezing. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight or let it sit for several hours.

Read more: How to freeze cream cheese

Block of cream cheese wrapped in aluminum foil with a spoon beside it

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Cream cheese alternatives

Out of cream cheese? No worries! Neufchatel is your best alternative — it's a lower-fat version of cream cheese. It's particularly great for rich desserts like cheesecake.

Other great substitutes include mascarpone cheese, sour cream, and Greek yogurt. All of these can be swapped in a 1:1 ratio (for example, if your recipe calls for 1 cup of cream cheese, you can use 1 cup of any of these alternatives).

How to soften cream cheese

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The most effective way to soften cream cheese is to let it sit at room temperature for an hour or two. Be sure to plan ahead for this. Alternatively, you can use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese for about a minute to soften it faster.

If you're short on time, the microwave can do the trick. Heat the cream cheese in 10-second intervals to avoid cooking it.

How to store cream cheese

Unopened cream cheese should be stored directly in the fridge. Once opened, transfer it to an airtight container before refrigerating, and consume it within 10 days. Never leave cream cheese out at room temperature for more than three hours, as it can spoil quickly and cause foodborne illness.