Making your own cream cheese is a great way to enjoy a delicious, creamy treat without having to worry about all the preservatives, artificial ingredients, and high sugar content found in store-bought cream cheese. The good news is that it is actually very easy to make your own cream cheese at home. All you need is some whole milk, heavy cream, and a few simple ingredients. With just a few minutes of your time, you will have a delicious cream cheese that is perfect for spreading on toast, bagels, or adding to your favorite recipes.
Ingredients Needed
To make your own cream cheese at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 quart of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
Once you have all your ingredients ready, making your own cream cheese is easy. Here is what you need to do:
- Pour the whole milk and heavy cream into a large saucepan and set it over medium-high heat.
- Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice and salt. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully strain the mixture into a cheesecloth-lined sieve set over a bowl.
- Allow the mixture to drain for about 8 hours, or overnight.
- Discard the liquid that has drained from the cheesecloth, and transfer the cream cheese to a bowl.
- Stir in any desired flavorings, such as garlic, chives, or herbs.
- Transfer the cream cheese to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips and Tricks
When making your own cream cheese, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you get the best results. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- For a thicker cream cheese, strain it for a longer period of time.
- If you want a sweeter cream cheese, add 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar to the mixture before you strain it.
- If you want a creamier cream cheese, add an additional 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the mixture.
- If you want a richer flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture before you strain it.
- If you want a more savory cream cheese, add 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the mixture before you strain it.
Serving Suggestions
Once you have made your own cream cheese, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy it. Here are a few ideas:
- Spread it on toast or bagels.
- Mix it with herbs, garlic, and chives for a delicious dip.
- Stir it into scrambled eggs or omelets.
- Use it as a topping for baked potatoes.
- Spread it on crackers or tortilla chips.
- Mix it into mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower.
- Use it as a base for a creamy salad dressing.
Conclusion
Making your own cream cheese at home is a great way to enjoy a delicious, creamy treat without all the added preservatives and artificial ingredients found in store-bought cream cheese. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can have a delicious, homemade cream cheese that is perfect for spreading on toast, bagels, or adding to your favorite recipes.
