Updated: Oct. 19, 2022
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.
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 cheesecakeuses 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.
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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
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Taste of Home
Chocolate Bavarian TorteWhenever I take this eye-catching torte to a potluck, I get so many requests for the recipe. —Edith Holmstrom, Madison, Wisconsin
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Lemon-Garlic Cream Fettuccine Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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.
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Taste of Home
Jalapeno PoppersThese creamy stuffed jalapeno poppers have some bite. They may be the most popular treats I make! My husband is always hinting that I should make a batch. —Lisa Byington, Johnson City, New York
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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
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Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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
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Grape Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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.
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Luscious Almond Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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
Taste of Home
Baked Simple Meatball StroganoffIf you like meatball subs, you'll love this tangy casserole that has all the rich flavor of the popular sandwiches with none of the mess. Italian bread is spread with a cream cheese mixture, then topped with meatballs, spaghetti sauce and cheese. Bravo! —Gina Harris, Seneca, South Carolina
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Appetizer Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe photo by Taste of Home
PinwheelsTortilla pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing, classic party food. Plus, the recipe is endlessly versatile!
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Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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!
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Strawberries and Champagne CheesecakeI bake from scratch because I believe that love—and sweetened condensed milk—are the best ingredients. —Kathryn Work, Louisville, Kentucky
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Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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.
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My 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
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Taste of Home
Pumpkin Mousse TrifleYou can speed up this recipe by using a store-bought pound cake or baking and freezing one ahead of time. The sugared pecans can also be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container.—Becky McClaflin, Blanchard, Oklahoma
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Herbed Beef Vegetable Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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
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Taste of Home
The Ultimate Grilled CheeseThese gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
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Cheesecake with Berry SauceThis creamy cheesecake is a family tradition; I've even shipped it to my daughter as a special treat. Using frozen seasonal berries, it's an excellent dessert any time of year. —Jeanette Volker, Walton, Nebraska
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Taste of Home
Blueberry Gelatin SaladI find myself making this blueberry jello salad often. People request this layered treat for potlucks all the time. This dish can be served as either a salad or a dessert. And preparing it a day ahead makes it taste even better! —Mildred Livingston, Phoenix, Arizona
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Taste of Home
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
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Championship Bean Dip Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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.
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Pumpkin Swirl BreadThis combination of pumpkin, nuts and dates makes a delicious, golden pumpkin cream cheese bread. The surprise inside—a rich creamy swirl—is like a luscious layer of cheesecake in each slice. —Cindy May, Troy, Michigan
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Potato Chowder Recipe photo by Alejandro Monfort for Taste of Home
Potato ChowderOne of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It's easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana
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Taste of Home
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
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Slow-Cooked Blueberry French Toast Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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
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Taste of Home
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
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Coconut Italian Cream Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Coconut Italian Cream CakeI’d never tasted an Italian cream cake before moving to Colorado. Now I bake for people in the area, and this beauty is one of the most requested. —Ann Bush, Colorado City, Colorado
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Veggie-Packed Strata Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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
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Taste of Home
Bittersweet Chocolate CheesecakeI'm a great-grandmother, and my whole family enjoys this dessert. I received this recipe from my niece. It's very chocolaty. —Amelia Gregory, Omemee, Ontario
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Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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
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Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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).
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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
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Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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
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Taste of Home
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
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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
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Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese FrostingCinnamon, nutmeg, carrots and a creamy, tangy frosting make this classic carrot cake a winner.
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Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Chocolate Chip Cheese BallYour guests are in for a sweet surprise when they try this chocolate chip cheese ball—it tastes just like cookie dough! Rolled in chopped pecans, this chip-studded spread is wonderful on regular or chocolate graham crackers. I especially like it because it can be assembled in a wink. —Kelly Glasco*ck, Syracuse, Missouri
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