Homemade Cream Cheese: A Simple and Delicious Recipe
Making your own homemade cream cheese is not only incredibly satisfying but also easy to do with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re spreading it on bagels or using it in your favorite recipes, homemade cream cheese offers a fresh and creamy taste that’s hard to beat. Follow this simple recipe to create your own batch of rich, smooth cream cheese from scratch!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Boil the Milk
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the whole milk to a soft boil over medium heat. - Add Lemon Juice
Once the milk starts boiling, slowly add the lemon juice while gently stirring with a slotted spoon. The curds will begin to separate from the whey almost immediately. - Strain the Curds
Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully strain the curds using a cheesecloth-lined strainer. Let the liquid (whey) drain out. - Process the Curds
Squeeze out the excess liquid from the curds, then transfer them to a food processor. Add the salt and process for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. - Chill Before Serving
Transfer the cream cheese to a container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your fresh, homemade cream cheese!
Additional Tips:
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can add a bit more lemon juice to taste.
- For a flavored variation, mix in herbs, garlic, or even fruit preserves after processing for a delicious twist.
Recipe Summary:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 320 kcal (per 100g)
- Servings: 8 servings
Why Make Homemade Cream Cheese?
Store-bought cream cheese often contains additives and preservatives. By making it at home, you get a fresh, natural product with a richer flavor and creamier texture. Plus, it’s a great way to customize the taste to your preference! Whether you want a simple spread or a base for dips and cheesecakes, this homemade version is a versatile ingredient that will elevate your dishes.
Homemade Cream Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Making your own cream cheese is a surprisingly simple and satisfying process that yields a rich, creamy result. With just whole milk, fresh lemon juice, and salt, you can create a smooth, tangy cream cheese perfect for spreading on bagels, crackers, or incorporating into your favorite recipes.
Ingredients
4 cups whole milk
3–4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the milk to a soft boil.
Once boiling, add the lemon juice while stirring gently with a slotted spoon. The curds will begin to separate from the whey almost immediately. Remove from the heat.
Strain the curds using a cheesecloth-lined strainer.
Squeeze out excess liquid, then transfer the curds to a food processor. Add salt and process for 3 minutes, until smooth and creamy.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320