Super Easy Homemade Cream Cheese

4.91 from 268 votes
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How to make delicious, soft homemade cream cheese using a super-simple method and 3 ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Super Easy soft cream cheese

If I’d know how simple it was to make DIY cream cheese, I would have been making it months (if not years!) ago. Somehow I’ve managed to go through DIY’s for DIY Homemade Ricotta Cheese and DIY: Homemade Herb Butter (Compound butter) without trying this simple cream cheese method, which is actually a bit of in-between method of both of them.

In fact, I’m still being surprised at just how many ingredients you can make/get from a single dairy product. Cream cheese, cheese, butter, buttermilk, whey and more.

Smooth and creamy soft cheese only requires three ingredients, that you probably already have; Whole Milk, Lemon Juice and Salt. It can also be customised in any way you’d like – with herbs, pepper, sweet chilli, etc or used for a variety of sweet or savoury purposes.

Super Easy soft cream cheese

You are able to experiment with the milk used as well: Combining milk and cream in equal parts instead of just using milk, or even using heavy cream alone. Obviously the more cream you use, the richer and ‘creamier’ your final product. However, it would also up the fat levels.

I thought I’d keep things super simple for the first time trying homemade cream cheese and I loved it so much that I didn’t feel the need to complicate or change the recipe in any way.

I have seen recipes for cream cheese using liquid rennet, a cheese culture/starter and more potentially confusing and unobtainable ingredients and that is definitely not ‘my jam’. This is a recipe anyone can do and then can go crazy experimenting with, if desired.

Super Easy soft cream cheese

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Why make your own cream cheese?

I know that’s probably a question that some of you are asking, and I actually have the perfect answer. Because homemade cream cheese is SO much better – and I’m not just saying that.

I’m not just talking about taste and texture either. Now, obviously I haven’t tried EVERY cream cheese out there – but last time I was at the store I decided to have a look at the ingredients list of some of the biggest brands of cream cheese here in the UK.

What I found was ‘E’ ingredients, gums and thickeners including the controversial carrageenan! Homemade cream cheese simply uses lemon juice, milk and salt and is still wonderfully smooth and creamy.

As I said above, the method for making cream cheese is actually very similar to making ricotta; Heat your milk, add a coagulant, leave to curdle, drain and blend!

Okay, there’s a little more to it than that, but you get the gist.

The ingredients

Milk and lemon
  • full-fat milk – it’s important to use full-fat milk because of its fat content.
  • lemon
  • salt
  • optional add-ons – dried herbs, garlic powder, dried chillies

Note* You could alternatively use half whole milk and half heavy cream OR completely use whole cream for soft cheese that is richer/creamier (but with a higher fat content)

You will also need a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve

Cheese cloth and sieve

How to make cream cheese

Begin by pouring the milk in a saucepan. Heat the milk and bring it to boil over medium-high heat.

warming up milk

As soon as it boils, add the lemon juice and then turn off the heat.

Cream Cheese Steps

Set aside for a few minutes while the milk curdles. You’ll notice curds forming and a yellow-ish liquid being left behind.

Curdled milk

Within a few minutes, all of your curds should have formed. Pour the curdled milk through a cheesecloth and a sieve to strain all the liquid whey.

Making cream cheese

Alternatively, you can use a slotted spoon to scoop out all the curdles, while leaving the liquid whey in the pot.

Note* This leftover whey can then be used in a variety of ways. I’ve talked about this more in my DIY How To Make Paneer At Home post.

Whey

Rinse the curdled milk with cold water by pouring the water over the sieve. This will help to get rid of any extra whey, clinging to the curds.

Since curdled milk with water

Squeeze the curdled milk as much as possible to drain any last drop of the liquid whey.

Squeeze curdled milk

Put the strained milk into a food processor/blender and add the salt.

Homemade cheese and blender

Within 1-2 minutes (this may vary, depending on how powerful your machine is) you’ll have a light and fluffy cream cheese.

If you want to add any additional herbs/flavourings, then do that now too. Be warned though as certain additional ingredients will affect the shelf-life of the cheese. I like dried herbs and garlic powder as natural flavourings that don’t affect the shelf life too much.

Store the cream cheese in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. You can freeze cream cheese, but the texture upon thawing is more crumbly and is best used when you’re cooking it into something like a dip or sauce.

Super Easy soft cream cheese

How to eat it?

Once your cheese is ready, then it can be used the same way you would with the store-bought version:

  • Spread over a bagel, toast or sandwich
  • Added to pasta and other sauces for a delicious creamy twist.
  • Blended into a delicious cream cheese frosting (like for this gluten-free banana bread or a carrot cake) or for a cheesecake
  • It’s delicious when added to soups and dips, too – like this Moutabal Aubergine Dip
  • Spread in pastries, like this Ricotta & Spinach pie 
  • As a filling or topping for french toast and pancakes (served along with a berry compote)

And a bazillion (the technical term, of course) other ways.

Other DIY recipes You May Be Interested In:

If it’s DIY’s you’re looking for, then it’s DIY’s you’ve found. I’ve practically got them coming out of my ears. Here is a list of other dairy-based DIYs you may like though.

Vegan Options:

If you’re dairy-free or vegan (or just curious), then you might like these DIYs instead.

Super Easy Homemade Cream Cheese (With Video)

4.91 from 268 votes
By: Samira
Learn how to make cream cheese at home using a super-simple method and two ingredients. This cream cheese is delicious and soft, perfect for platters, snacks, and desserts.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8

Equipment

Ingredients 
 

  • 8 cups whole milk (full-bat) best raw or pasteurized, not UHT
  • 5 Tbsp lemon juice or 1 large lemon, or white vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp salt or more to taste (optional)

This yield about 1 cup of cream cheese.

Instructions 

  • Pour the milk into a saucepan. Heat and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes. Don't let the milk come to a full boil.
  • Add the lemon juice. Stir with a wooden spoon to incorporate, and then turn off the heat.
  • Set aside for a few minutes while the milk curdles. Curds will form, and the whey (a yellowish liquid) will separate.
  • Pour the curdled milk through cheesecloth and a sieve to strain out all the liquid whey. Or use a slotted spoon to scoop out all the curdles while leaving the liquid whey in the pot.
  • Rinse the curds with cold water.
  • Squeeze the curdled milk as much as possible to drain any last drop of the liquid whey (you can reserve the liquid – see the Notes below).
  • Place the strained curdles into a food processor or blender and add the salt. Blend until light and fluffy.
    If you want it to be more creamy, gradually add 1-2 Tbsp of whey blend until it reaches your desired consistency.
    Add any optional add-ins now and blend or stir to incorporate them.
  • The homemade cream cheese is now ready to enjoy, or you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Video

Notes

Lactose-free milk: You can use it if needed, as it also contains the necessary proteins essential for curdling.
Optional add-ins: You can flavor the cream cheese with dried herbs, garlic powder, dried chilies, etc. Note that certain additional ingredients will affect the shelf life.
Leftover whey: Add it to soups, stews, marinades, breads, pancakes, muffins, etc. You can also use it in smoothies or shakes as a protein boost.
Check the blog post for more tips!
Course: DIYs
Cuisine: European
Freezer friendly: 2 Months
Shelf life: 1 Week

Nutrition

Serving: 2 Tbsp, Calories: 103kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 29mg, Sodium: 90mg, Potassium: 48mg, Fiber: 0.03g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 387IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 28mg, Iron: 0.04mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

4.91 from 268 votes (230 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




296 Comments

  1. Kristina says:

    Hi – I attempted to make this with heavy cream and vinegar and it won’t curdle. Any suggestions??

    1. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

      Hi Kristina.
      Did you bring it to a simmer, not a boil? Did you also reduce the heat to medium before adding the vinegar?

  2. Addison Phoenix says:

    If I am using pasteurized milk is the 7 day shelf life more of a “best if used by”? Can I eat it after? Is there a way to preserve it longer?

    1. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

      Hi Addison,
      You could eat it after if you think it’s still good. If it doesn’t smell or look off, it should be OK. Alternatively, you could freeze it but the texture would change upon thawing.

  3. Dilshad says:

    Hi. I would really like to give this a try as where I live, cream cheese is very expensive. Just wanted to know if I can use this to make cream cheese frosting for red velvet?

    1. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

      Hi Dilshad,
      Yes, you can!

  4. Terry Trumpets says:

    5 stars
    if you add some food-grade sodium benzoate (about 1 part in 200) that will enormously extend the shelf life without spoiling the taste – it costs about twopence ha’penny, and you can easily get it off Amazon or ebay

    1. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

      Thanks for the tip, Terry. I will have to do some more research myself and then give it a try too!

  5. Lily says:

    Can I use coconut or macadamia milk instead I am allergic to cows milk

  6. Rania Haber says:

    Hello! I was wondering if goat’s milk can be used instead of cow’s?
    Thanks

    1. Neha says:

      Can we use this cream cheese for cheesecakes ? How many grams cream cheese you get with 2 litre milk?

      1. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

        Hi Neha,
        2 liters of milk will yield about 180 g of cream cheese. You can use this homemade cream cheese to make cheesecakes.

      2. Valerie says:

        That was my question. Thanks for asking so i already have my answer!!!

      3. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

        I hope you enjoy making this recipe, Valerie!

    2. Nikki says:

      Can I use lactose free or plant based milk .if I can I am definitely using this recipe

      1. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

        Hi Nikki,
        You should be able to use lactose-free milk for the recipe. I hope you give it a try. Let me know how it goes!

  7. Jen nazir says:

    Hi can I used boxed milk for this?

    1. AlphaFoodie Support says:

      I’ve never tried but I would imagine that it should work.

    2. Gul says:

      If it’s uht milk it won’t work well.

      1. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

        Thank you for your comment, Gul. Indeed, UHT milk does not work as well as regular pasteurized milk.

      2. Samantha says:

        5 stars
        I love this recipe but I always get loads of liquid left over and not much cheese am I doing something wrong?

      3. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

        Hi Samantha,
        Are you following the steps exactly – first simmering the milk, then lowering the temperature before adding the vinegar/lemon juice? Are you straining it with a fine mesh?
        In any case, you can use the leftover liquid to add to soups and stews (instead of some of the water or stock), you could also add it to smoothies or shakes as a protein boost. You can also substitute some of the water or milk in baking recipes. I hope this helps!

      4. CC says:

        What can you do with the whey?

      5. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

        Hi,
        You can add it to soups and stews (instead of some of the water or stock), you could also add it to smoothies or shakes as a protein boost. You can also substitute some of the water or milk in baking recipes. I hope this helps!

  8. Mylene says:

    5 stars
    Love it. I wonder just a little detail: I miss the sour/tart aspect of the philly, any suggestion?

    1. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

      Hi Mylene,
      You could try using vinegar for a sharper sour flavor.

    2. Linus says:

      Hey, tried to make it, sounds just perfect. But my milk mix, 1st try 1:1 milk and cream 2nd try only milk. Neither worked and did not clot. What do I wrong?
      Oh and I use fresh milk… Like not store bought, straight from the cow..

      1. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

        Hi Linus,
        Fresh milk should be OK. Please make sure to only simmer (not boil) the milk. Also, did you lower the heat before adding vinegar/lemon juice?

  9. Jo says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is my go to cream cheese recipe, and I wanted to give kudos to you Samira for such an easy, yummy way to make home made cream cheese! We have the luxery of obtaining milk daily from a milk cow and we are always looking for ways to use the products. The only issue I have found, and maybe you have a suggestion to counteract this issue, is that everytime I try to bring my milk/cream to a boil, it wants to scorch on the bottom of the pan and I am using a non stick pan. I end up with specks of brown that need to be picked out before I can finish the project. Other than that, it turns out so creamy and yummy! Thanks again for posting this recipe!!!

    1. Samira @ Alphafoodie says:

      Thank you so much for your comment, Jo.
      Maybe the temperature is too high and the milk starts burning at the bottom of the pan? I recommend heating it up at a lower temperature. I hope this helps.

      1. Adriana Gutierrez says:

        4 stars
        Does the cheese solidify after it cools down?

      2. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

        Hi Adriana,
        What do you mean by solidify? It should become spreadable.

    2. Shital says:

      Pour a little water in the pan and swirl it around before pouring in the milk. And heat on a slow burner

      1. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

        Great tips. Thank you for sharing, Shital!

      2. Liliana says:

        5 stars
        Excellent recipe!!! I made it and use if for my cinnamon frosting. We will use it over and over again. Thanks for sharing.

      3. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

        So glad you like it, Liliana! 🙂

    3. Sadie- A Wisconsin Homestead Journey says:

      I always use a double boiler. Works wonderfully!

      1. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

        Thanks for the tip, Sadie.

    4. Brooke says:

      I JUST read not to use non stick but to use a stainless steel pot to keep milk from scorching 🙂

      1. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

        Hi Brooke,
        Thank you for the tip! 🙂

    5. Ameerah says:

      5 stars
      Great recipe! Very tasty. I made this using fresh goats milk. I Use my instapot to boil using the yogurt setting, this is how I make cheese normally anyways. Only problem I ran into is upon refrigeration it became completely solid. I may have squeezed out too much moisture? I used a tofu press to get all the liquid out after rinsing it. I was able to warm some in the microwave for 20 seconds and it became creamy again. Perhaps the fat content of the goat milk made it solidify (Nigerian dwarf has 10% fat content) I’m going to try again adding some cream to see if it helps keep it creamy and spreadable.

      1. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

        Thanks for your feedback, Ameerah. So sorry to hear it didn’t come out as you would have liked it to, let me know how it goes next time. Maybe indeed you squeeze out too much moisture.

  10. Mora says:

    5 stars
    Hello, after reading this amazing article i am as well happy to share my familiarity here with mates!

    1. Emma says:

      Hi all, how many grams will this mixture make approximately please?

      1. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

        Hi Emma,
        The recipe yields 1 cup cream cheese, which would be around 200 grams. I hope this helps.

      2. Adrian says:

        4 stars
        Hi, thanks for the recipe. I was wondering if one may use this cream cheese to make cheese cake similar to Philly cream cheese cheese cake, or should it be higher fat.?

      3. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

        Hi Adrian,
        You could use this cream cheese recipe to make a cheesecake. If wanted, you could use half whole milk and half heavy cream OR completely use whole cream for soft cheese that is richer/creamier (with a higher fat content). I hope this helps.