You probably have a brick or tub of cream cheese in your refrigerator right now, but you might not have any idea what makes it so creamy or why it's even considered cheese. Here's everything you need to know about cream cheese.
What Exactly Is Cream Cheese?
Updated on Oct. 19, 2022
You think you know cheese: cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan. But what about cream cheese? It’s called cheese but it doesn’t quite seem to compare with these others. Let’s get to the bottom of this and find out: What is cream cheese?
So What Is Cream Cheese?
Despite not having a particularly savory reputation like Colby, Swiss or Gouda, cream cheese is cheese. It’s a fresh cheese, which is defined by the FDA as containing at least 33% fat with a moisture content of 55% or less. Cream cheese is soft, smooth and mild, and comparable in flavor and texture to mascarpone cheese. (This decadent mascarpone cheesecake uses both!)
According to the Philadelphia cream cheese brand, the company invented cream cheese in New York in 1872. Not too long after, in 1880, the company introduced its familiar foil wrapping along with the brand name “Philadelphia.” Why Philadelphia? The city had a reputation for producing high-quality food.
How Is Cream Cheese Made?
The recipe for cream cheese is fairly simple: Lactic acid bacteria are added to cream (or sometimes a combination of milk and cream), and this causes the pH of the cream to decrease, which in turn makes it coagulate. To put it simply, it separates into curds and whey. Then the whey is drained off, the curds are heated, stabilizers are added, and cream cheese is formed.
Can You Make Cream Cheese at Home?
Yes! It’s actually quite simple to make a good replica of cream cheese at home. Some cream cheese recipes require a starter culture, but the only ingredients you really need are cream, milk, an acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) and salt. The acid makes the dairy curdle, then the curds are strained from the whey and processed in a food processor until creamy. Not only is the method easy, but it also lends itself to customization. You can add herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables and more to cream cheese.
What Can You Substitute for Cream Cheese?
You already preheated your oven to bake a lovely swirled breakfast loaf (like this pumpkin swirl bread) and you realize you have no cream cheese. Luckily, there are quite a few substitutes for cream cheese you can swap in when baking. Some popular ones are Greek yogurt, sour cream and mascarpone cheese because they can be used as 1:1 substitutes.
Neufchatel cheese, a soft French cheese, is very similar to American-style cream cheese. It has a bit more moisture than cream cheese, so if you use it in baked or cooked foods, you may notice a different texture. A good way to use Neufchatel is in dips and spreads where the texture difference won’t be as noticeable.
How Do You Store Cream Cheese?
Like other soft cheeses, cream cheese has to be refrigerated. If it’s left out for too long and reaches temperatures between 40° and 140°F, it should be thrown away since bacteria likely began to grow. That being said, cream cheese is made from pasteurized milk, so there’s a lower risk of getting a foodborne illness compared to cheeses made from unpasteurized milk (like Brie or Camembert).
Homemade cream cheese can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator, while most of your store-bought packs should be used within 10 days of opening. If it’s been more than 10 days and you can see mold growing on the surface or the texture is slimy, toss your cream cheese in the trash.
Although it is safe to freeze cream cheese, Philadelphia brand doesn’t recommend freezing it because it can affect the quality. Don’t worry about wasting leftover cream cheese though—we have plenty of ideas for desserts that use a package of cream cheese.
How Do You Use Cream Cheese?
Of course, cream cheese is used to top bagels and make cheesecake. Here are some easy cheesecake recipes to get you started. But you can also use cream cheese to create all kinds of sweet and savory cream cheese dips, spreads and cheeseballs. It also helps smooth out sauces and other dishes.
Whether you make your own or stick to the best cream cheese brands at the store, it’s a good idea to keep some cream cheese on hand at all times. You never know when an urge for that tangy, smooth dairy delight will strike.
Try These Recipes with Cream Cheese
Chocolate Bavarian TorteWhenever I take this eye-catching torte to a potluck, I get so many requests for the recipe. —Edith Holmstrom, Madison, Wisconsin
Creamy Lemon PastaSilky strands of fettuccine tangle in a lemon-garlic sauce in this creamy lemon pasta. Pops of fresh tomato, garlic and parsley add flavor, and a finishing sprinkle of lemon zest shines through the richness of the sauce.
Jalapeno PoppersThis jalapeno popper recipe is just what you need when there's a game on or company coming. They're quick and easy to assemble, and make a delicious complement to your other party-food favorites.
Cherry Almond Mousse PieTreat your loved ones to a luscious pie with chocolate, cherries and nuts in a creamy vanilla mousse. It's a sweet yet refreshing dessert. —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Chocolate Truffle CheesecakeIf you delight in the taste of chocolate, then this is the cheesecake for you. Every creamy bite melts in your mouth. It's so impressive yet not difficult to prepare-I whip up this dessert each time I want a yummy treat for my family, friends or co-workers. —Mary Jones, Cumberland, Maine
Grape SaladThis grape salad has it all: juicy grapes, creamy dressing, crunchy pecans and a sweet brown sugar topping. It’s kid-friendly and perfect for potlucks.
Luscious Almond CheesecakeI received this recipe along with a set of springform pans from a cousin at my wedding shower 11 years ago. It makes a heavenly cheesecake. My son Tommy has already told me he wants it again for his birthday cake this year. —Brenda Clifford, Overland Park, Kansas
Meatball StroganoffA quick and delicious twist on the classic, our meatball stroganoff uses frozen meatballs to get dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.
PinwheelsTortilla pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing, classic party food. Plus, the recipe is endlessly versatile!
Peanut Butter Cream PieThis no-bake peanut butter pie is rich, decadent and packed with as much peanut butter flavor as possible. The hardest part of the recipe is waiting for it to chill overnight!
Strawberries and Champagne CheesecakeI bake from scratch because I believe that love—and sweetened condensed milk—are the best ingredients. —Kathryn Work, Louisville, Kentucky
Easy Chicken EnchiladasWith a few staple ingredients, these easy chicken enchiladas are so quick to make, dinner will be on the table before you know it.
Jalapeno Popper & Sausage DipMy workplace had an appetizer contest, and I won it with my jalapeno and cheese dip. Every time I take it anywhere, folks empty the slow cooker. —Bev Slabik, Dilworth, Minnesota
Pumpkin TrifleTransform leftover cake into a delightful pumpkin trifle layered with creamy butterscotch pumpkin, spiced cake crumbs and fluffy whipped cream. This easy dessert is perfect for any fall gathering.
Creamy Italian ChickenItalian salad dressing mix is like a secret weapon for adding flavor to this creamy chicken dish. Served over rice or pasta, this Italian dressing chicken is rich, delicious and special enough for company. —Maura McGee, Tallahassee, Florida
The Ultimate Grilled CheeseThis grilled cheese with cream cheese makes for a simple, satisfying twist on the traditional recipe.
CheesecakeWant to learn how to make the best ever cheesecake recipe? Our Test Kitchen offers all the tips you'll need.
Creamy Blueberry Gelatin SaladPlump blueberries and a fluffy topping star in this pretty, refreshing salad that was my mother's recipe. It was served at every holiday and celebration, and now my grandchildren look forward to sampling it at holidays. —Sharon Hoefert, Greendale, Wisconsin
Nutty Cheesecake SquaresI grew up on a farm and have had a lot of good recipes handed down to me. This is one of my favorite desserts to serve when guests come over or at family gatherings and church suppers. —Ruth Simon, Buffalo, New York
Refried Bean DipThis five-star refried bean dip is one of our most popular appetizer recipes. After one dreamy bite, you'll understand why. It's spicy, a little creamy and extremely cheesy.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese BreadTender, plush and generously fall-spiced, our pumpkin cream cheese bread is an elevated fall bake thanks to its cheesecake-like filling, fun mix-ins and sweet vanilla icing.
Potato ChowderThere's no topping a savory potato chowder on a chilly day, especially if it's garnished with crispy bacon bits and chopped chives. This slow-cooker recipe is easy to assemble and so comforting to come home to.
Cherry Tomato BitesCherry tomatoes may be small, but these are full of amazing flavor. Plus, they add color to any table. —Rev. David Bostedt, Zephyrhills, Florida
Slow-Cooked Blueberry French ToastYour slow cooker can be your best friend on a busy morning. Just get this recipe going, run some errands and come back to the smell of French toast ready to eat. —Elizabeth Lorenz, Peru, Indiana
Sesame Chicken DipI can't tell you how many times I'm asked to bring this easy dip to holidays, birthday parties or girls' weekend getaways. It's fresh and light, and it has the Asian flavors that make it stand out. The rice crackers are a must! —Dawn Schutte, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Italian Cream CakeThis sweet and tangy Italian cream cake features three decadent layers of moist, coconut-scented cake held together by a thick layer of homemade cream cheese frosting, made crunchier thanks to a handful of chopped pecans.
Veggie-Packed StrataThis is a wonderful, colorful casserole that everyone enjoys. I'm sure you'll be hooked on it after one bite, too. —Jennifer Unsell, Vance, Alabama
Chocolate CheesecakeWhat's better than buying a chocolate cheesecake? Making a homemade chocolate cheesecake yourself! This cheesecake is chocolate throughout, and it has a crushed chocolate cookie crust.
Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed PotatoesWith five different dairy products, you know this make-ahead mashed potato casserole is going to be super rich and, of course, delicious. It gets even better topped with onions and bacon! —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
Black Forest CheesecakeThis no-bake black forest cheesecake combines creamy layers of vanilla and chocolate with a luscious cherry pie topping for a decadent dessert that's ready in just a few hours (chill time included).
Fruit TartIt's well worth the effort to whip up this creamy fruit tart bursting with juicy berries. A friend gave me the recipe, and it always receives rave reviews at gatherings. —Susan Terzakis, Andover, Massachusetts
Bacon-Stuffed MushroomsI first tried these bubbly treats at my sister-in-law's house. The tender mushroom caps and creamy filling were so fabulous that I had to get the recipe. It's hard to believe how simple, fast and easy they are. —Angela Coffman, Kansas City, Missouri
Chocolate Peanut PieI entered this pie in our county fair, and it was selected grand champion. Who can resist a tempting chocolate crumb crust and a creamy filling with big peanut butter taste? Be prepared to take an empty pan home when you serve this pie at your next potluck. —Doris Doherty, Albany, Oregon
Banana Bars with Cream Cheese FrostingI make these banana bars with cream cheese frosting whenever I have ripe bananas on hand, then store them in the freezer to share later. With creamy frosting and big banana flavor, this treat is a real crowd-pleaser. —Debbie Knight, Marion, Iowa
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese FrostingCinnamon, nutmeg, carrots and a creamy, tangy frosting make this classic carrot cake a winner.
Chocolate Chip Cheese BallSurprise your taste buds (and your guests!) with a chocolate chip cheese ball. Made to be covered in chopped pecans and smoothed over a graham cracker, it's a true treat that's easy to make and fun to serve.
