Did somebody say cheese? Cream cheese is one of my all-time favorite foods. This super versatile soft cheese is generally on my weekly grocery list for either my sweet or savory recipes. Cream Cheese adds flavor to so many different recipes, from frostings to a spread, so you know how up in arms I was when I went to the fridge and found I was out.
I really, really did not feel like getting out and going to the grocery store. So you know what I did? (if you’ve been around here, you know) I headed to the internet to see what I could use as a substitute for cream cheese. Guess what! I found more than 30 cream cheese substitutes!
If you're new here and want to always be in the know of what you can use as a substitute for some of your favorite in-house ingredients, check out these handy posts:
We all have a favorite way we use cream cheese: the sweet taste of cream cheese frosting atop a cake or for my Italian Cream Cake Cookie Bars or mixed in to add flavor to a savory recipe such as my Creamy Beef and Noodle Casserole. So let’s get into all things cream cheese.
What is cream cheese?
Most people enjoy cream cheese as a spread on their favorite bagel. Cream cheese can be bought either plain or flavored. It can also be used as an ingredient to make creamy desserts or savory casseroles.
Despite what some may think, cream cheese IS actually cheese. Yep, it’s generally soft and smooth in texture with a tad tangy in flavor. Cream cheese is made with fresh cream or milk. The cream or milk is heated, then lemon juice is added. The lemon juice is what makes the mixture curdle. The curdled liquid is then strained to remove the whey. Place in a blender to create that smooth texture we all love and enjoy.
While I'm looking for a replacement for cream cheese due to not having it on hand at home, there are many reasons you may need to make the cream cheese change. The most common reason one would replace cream cheese would be the fat content; yet, fat equals flavor, so I've found more than a few alternatives that don't change the flavor profile of your dish. (There is even a vegan option).
What is its origin?
Nearly 150 years ago, in 1873, William Lawrence of Chester, NY, discovered "cream cheese" while trying to re-create Neufchâtel cheese. It was quite by accident the dairyman invented the now-famous Philadelphia cream cheese. The things we learn about the food we love are so fascinating! For even more intriguing information, read The History of Cheesecake and Cream Cheese over at Thoughtco.com.
How is cream cheese made?
Cream cheese is created when you add lemon juice or lactic acid bacteria to milk or cream to lower the pH, which causes the curds to form. The whey is strained and drained as much as possible. The next step is to heat the curds and add salt. Unlike some other cheeses, cream cheese does not require aging and can be eaten right away.
Can you make cream cheese at home?
Yes! Actually, it's quite easy to make your own cream cheese. There are many different methods involved. I like this one How to Make Cream Cheese from Gemma's Bigger Bolder Baker.
I thought through this a couple of times, and while it seemed a little daunting, after learning the above method, I felt confident enough to take on the challenge. You should try it!
What are some recipes?
There are so many recipes you can use cream cheese for; I mean, anything that has cheese almost meets the criteria. Cream cheese is known to be in recipes for cheesecake, dips, cheeseballs, frosting, and so many more. Do any of these recipes make your mouth water?
Low Carb Strawberry Cheesecake
Blueberry Muffin Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
What is the shelf life of cream cheese?
An unopened, refrigerated container of cream cheese will last for about 1-2 weeks after the expiration. Once opened, it'll stay fresh for about a week. Cream cheese doesn't stay in my fridge very long. I've been known to go to the refrigerator with a spoon and eat just a spoonful.
Quick recipes for your almost expired cream cheese
Here are a couple of recipes you can whip together with those few opened cream cheese packages in your fridge. You can create these recipes with a few ingredients from your pantry and refrigerator (you’ll know cream cheese has gone bad due to the smell, or you may see mold on the cheese).
Bacon, Lettuce, & Tomato (BLT) Dip
Why choose an alternative to cream cheese?
There are so many reasons we may need to find an alternative for cream cheese. Suppose you need a quick substitute because you forgot to grab some on your last grocery trip.
Or if you have an allergy but still crave the same flavor profile you love so much. You could also be trying to avoid the heavy fat content cream cheese has.
You may be wondering, “what can I substitute for cream cheese?” If you are indeed in need of a cream cheese alternative, you are in luck. There are numerous other foods that make a pretty good substitute.
Let’s get into our list of substitutes! Below you’ll find a cream cheese substitute fit for any dish.
Cottage Cheese
Uses: Cottage: Generally used for mixing with fruits or to add a smooth flavor to our favorite dish.
Texture Similarities: Creamy, grainy
Not recommended: For recipes high in salt
Flavor Similarities: Tart
Where can I get it? Local grocery store.
Health benefits: High in nutrients, including protein, B vitamins, and minerals
Substitution Instructions: 1:1
Mascarpone
Uses: Usually used for adding flavor to a dish or to atop a bowl of fruit.
Texture Similarities: Smooth, creamy
Flavor Similarities: Lightly sweetened, creamy, rich flavor
Not recommended Low-fat recipes
Where can I get it? Commonly available in grocery stores with high-end cheese.
Health benefits: Phosphorus, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and vitamin A.
Substitution Instructions: 1:1
Cashew Cream Cheese
Uses: Spread for bread, flavor booster, or ingredient to smooth a savory or sweet dish.
Texture Similarities: Creamy, smooth
Flavor Similarities: Lightly sweetened, tangy, nutty
Not recommended: For desserts
Where can I get it? Typically found in Whole Foods or stores with Vegan options
Health benefits: good fats, copper, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
Substitution Instructions: 1:1
Almond Cream Cheese
Uses: Spread, flavor booster, or smoothing agent
Texture Similarities: Smooth, creamy
Flavor Similarities nutty, sweet
Not recommended: savory recipes
Where can I get it? Whole Foods, Walmart, Target, Walmart, Kroger
Health benefits: Good fats, copper, magnesium, iron, and zinc
Substitution Instructions: 1:1
Hung Curd
Uses. Flavor agent
Texture Similarities: Paste, Grainey
Flavor Similarities: Sour, Tart
Not recommended: For desserts
Where can I get it? Whole Foods, Target, Walmart
Health benefits: Helps in digestion as it has very good bacteria
Substitution Instructions: 1:1
Tofu
Uses: Protein substitute added texture
Texture Similarities: Firm, Soft cheese
Flavor Similarities: Bland, Sour
Not recommended: Recipes with longs baking time
Where can I get it? Target, Whole Foods, Walmart
Health benefits: Good source of protein and contains all nine essential amino acids
Substitution Instructions: 1:1
Ricotta Cheese
Uses Spread, Mixture
Texture Similarities: Soft, a tad grainy
Flavor Similarities: Milky, Sweet
Not recommended: frosting or sweet treats
Where can I get it? Whole Foods, Target, Walmart
Health benefits: excellent source of calcium and provides a range of other essential nutrients including vitamin A
Substitution Instructions: 1:1
Gervais
Uses: Spread, Dip,
Texture Similarities: Soft, Spreadable
Flavor Similarities: Tangy, rich, sweet
Not recommended: Low-Fat Content recipes
Where can I get it? Generally sold as a specialty item
Health benefits: Calcium
Substitution Instructions 1:1
Sour Cream
Uses: Dip, flavor profile
Texture Similarities: Smooth, creamy
Flavor Similarities: Tart, lightly sweet
Not recommended: High Heat recipes
Where can I get it? Local grocery store
Health benefits: fat-soluble vitamins, probiotics to boost your digestion and immune health.
Substitution Instructions: 1:1
Kefir
Uses: Spread, frosting
Texture Similarities Flavor Similarities
Not recommended: recipes involving heat
Where can I get it? Whole Foods, Target, Walmart
Health benefits: combat several conditions, such as allergies, candidiasis, and gastrointestinal problems.
Substitution Instructions: 1:1
Vegan / Vegetarian Cream Cheese
Uses Spread, dip, flavor additive
Texture Similarities: smooth
Flavor Similarities: Light, tangy
Not recommended: For sweet treats
Where can I get it? Whole Foods
Health benefits: good source of vitamin A and contributes some riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Substitution Instructions: 1:1
Little Swiss
Uses: Spread, flavor additive
Texture Similarities: Yogurt-like texture, creamy
Flavor Similarities: Bland, tart
Not recommended: Low-fat recipes
Where can I get it? Any Local Grocery Store
Health benefits: Nutrients that are good for your bones, your eyesight, and your immune system
Substitution Instructions: 1:1
Neufchatel
Uses Spread, Flavor Booster
Texture Similarities: Semi-Soft, Grainey, Spreadable
Flavor Similarities: Lightly sweet
Not recommended: For recipes with high heat
Where can I get it? Whole Foods ( hard to find)
Health benefits: high in calcium to aid for better bone health
Substitution: 1:1
Goat Cheese (Chevre)
Uses: A thickening agent or additive for a dip
Texture Similarities: Firm
Flavor Similarities: Tart, Strong
Not recommended: Sweet dishes
Where can I get it? Whole Foods
Health benefits: calcium, an essential nutrient for your bones, teeth, and organs
Substitution Instructions 1:1
Greek Yogurt
Uses: Dip, Spread, Flavor
Texture Similarities: Creamy, Smooth
Flavor Similarities: Sweet, tangy
Not recommended: Savory Recipes
Where can I get it? Target, Whole Foods, Walmart
Health benefits: calcium
Substitution Instructions 1:1 (must be strained)
Hummus
Uses Spread, Dip
Texture Similarities: creamy, gritty
Flavor Similarities: sweet, tangy
Not recommended: Sweet treats
Where can I get it? Target, Walmart, Whole Foods
Health benefits: Nutrients like vitamin B and iron
Substitution Instructions: 1:1
Dry Curd Cottage Cheese
Uses: Flavor additive
Texture Similarities: thick, firm
Flavor Similarities: Tangy, light ( pending maker)
Not recommended: Sweet treats
Where can I get it? Whole Foods, Target, Walmart
Health benefits: nutrients, including protein, B vitamins, and minerals like calcium, selenium, and phosphorus
Substitution Instructions: 1:1 (pending recipe)
Pureed Silken
Uses: Versilate use
Texture Similarities: creamy, soft (once strained)
Flavor Similarities: light flavor
Not recommended: sweet treats
Where can I get it? Whole Foods
Health benefits: iron, calcium, and other micronutrients
Substitution Instructions 1:1
Buttermilk cheese
Uses Spread, Flavor
Texture Similarities:
Flavor Similarities: Sour, Tangy
Not recommended: Sweet Treats
Where can I get it? Whole Foods
Health benefits: buttermilk contains vitamins, minerals, and probiotics
Substitution Instructions 1:1
Tofu Spread
Uses: Spread
Texture Similarities: Firm, thick
Flavor Similarities: Bland
Not recommended: Sweet treats
Where can I get it? Whole Foods, Target, Walmart
Health benefits protein and contains all nine essential amino acids
Substitution Instructions 1:1
Boursin Cheese Spread
Uses: Spread
Texture Similarities: Soft
Flavor Similarities Light ( pending maker)
Not recommended: Sweet treats
Where can I get it? Whole Foods
Health benefits: Vitamins, Minerals
Substitution Instructions 1:1
Alouette Cheese Spread
Uses: Spread
Texture Similarities Soft
Flavor Similarities: Strong ( pending maker)
Not recommended: sweet treats
Where can I get it? Whole Foods
Health benefits: Full Of vitamins
Substitution Instructions 1:1
Rondele Cheese Spread
Uses: Spread, dip
Texture Similarities: Soft
Flavor Similarities: Strong
Not recommended: Sweet treats
Where can I get it?: Whole Food
Health benefits: Vitamins, nutrients
Substitution Instructions 1:1
Creme Fraiche
Uses: Spread
Texture Similarities: Creamy. Smooth
Flavor Similarities: Sweet, light
Not recommended: High heat dishes
Where can I get it? Whole Foods
Health benefits: Vitamins, minerals
Substitution Instructions 1:1
Strained Yogurt
Uses: Dip
Texture Similarities: Smooth, creamy
Flavor Similarities: Lightly sweet
Not recommended: Savory dishes
Where can I get it? Whole foods, Target, Walmart
Health benefits: Vitamins, Minerals
Substitution Instructions 1:1
Coconut Cream Cheese
Uses: Spread, dip
Texture Similarities: Creamy, smooth
Flavor Similarities: Light, sweet
Not recommended: High Heat recipes
Where can I get it? Whole Foods
Health benefits: Vitamins, minerals
Substitution Instructions 1:1
Tofutti Brand
Uses: Spread, dip
Texture Similarities: Creamy
Flavor Similarities: Sweet
Not recommended: Savory dishes
Where can I get it: Whole Foods
Health benefits: Vegan, dairy-free, kosher parve, gluten-free, lactose-free, milk-free
Substitution Instructions 1:1
Petit Suisse (Double Suisse)
Uses: Spread, dip
Texture Similarities: Creamy, firm, thick
Flavor Similarities: Sweet, smooth
Not recommended: Savory recipes
Where can I get it? Whole Foods, Target, Walmart
Health benefits: Vitamins, Minerals
Substitution Instructions 1:1
Boursin Brand Gournay Cheese or Alouette Garlic Herb Cheese Uses
Texture Similarities: Soft, creamy
Flavor Similarities: Strong
Not recommended: Sweet treats
Where can I get it? Whole Foods, Target, Walmart
Health benefits: Vitamins, Minerals
Substitution Instructions: 1:1
Butter Beans
Yes, you read that right! Butter beans are the main ingredient for nut free, soy free, Vegan cream cheese. Check out this recipe from Make it Dairy Free for the recipe.
Uses: Flavor additive
Texture Similarities: Firm
Flavor Similarities: Light, tangy
Not recommended: Sweet treats
Where can I get it?: Wholefoods
Health benefits: fiber, protein, B vitamins, and many other essential vitamins and minerals
Substitution Instructions: 1:1 (once made for cream cheese)
Yogurt Cheese
Uses: spread
Texture Similarities: Creamy, soft
Flavor Similarities: Sweet, tangy
Not recommended: Savory treats
Where can I get it? Whole Foods
Health benefits: Vitamins, Minerals
Substitution Instructions: 1:1
Can You Make Your Own Cream Cheese?
Yes! Making cream cheese at home is easier than you think. Check out Cultures for Health recipe for homemade cream cheese.
Is There A Dairy-Free Cream Cheese?
There's a vast array of dairy-free cream cheese replacements available. Here are a few you should try. ( also listed above)
- Vegan Cashew Cream Cheese
- Vegan Cream Cheese
- Vegetable cream cheese
- Nut Cream Cheese
- Tofu Cream Cheese
There are more. But here are a few to get you started.
How Much Cream Cheese Substitute Should I Use?
Most of the cream cheese replacements call for a one-to-one ratio in recipes. But of course, just like the use of, let’s say, tomato paste, you have to test the amount you put in any recipe. As the taste will vary based on which substitution you put in.
Are There Health Benefits To Using A Replacement Cream Cheese?
If you’ve eaten regular cream cheese, you know there are a few health benefits to eating traditional cream cheese. So, yes, there are a few benefits if you use a replacement. Here are a few:
- Less Fat
- Dairy-free options
- Gluten-Free
- Nutrition benefits
Can You Freeze Cream Cheese Substitutes?
Each cream cheese substitute provided will have different storage time frames. But as a rule of thumb, you can use these guidelines to keep your cream cheese fresh.
- Freeze up to two months
- Ensure your cream cheese is in an air-tight container.
- If opened- move to an air-tight container, then freeze.
Pro-Tip:
Can I Just Use Milk Instead of Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can use milk to replace cream cheese, but you have to watch out for things like curdling, flavor, and consistency. Be sure to continually check the temperature you're cooking on and the time you need to ensure the consistency you need to achieve for your recipe.
Can I Use Mayo Instead of Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can. Mayo has a creamy texture, is spreadable, and has a sweet flavor like cream cheese. This will come down to the flavor profile you're looking for, as well as the consistency you need for the recipe.
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Cream Cheese?
Yes, yogurt can also be used as a substitute for cream cheese. You will have to work with yogurt a bit to get it to need cream cheese consistency. Greek Yogurt is an excellent choice for a spread or dip.
Practical Steps To Take:
- Save this for later use
- Ensure you know the flavor profile of your dish
- Check your ratios to ensure which substitution you need.
Quick Answers To Your Questions
What is a cream cheese substitute?
Cream cheese substitutes are other ingredients that can mimic the flavor or use of cream cheese.
What is a good substitute for cream cheese in a cheesecake recipe?
The best replacement is Mascarpone cheese.
When baking, can I substitute ricotta for cream cheese?
Yes, Its smooth texture is a winner.
Is Philadelphia cheese the same as cream cheese?
Philadelphia is a brand that makes cream cheese.
What does cream cheese taste like?
Cream cheese is a tad tangy and just a little bit sweet.
How can I make Oreo balls without cream cheese?
You can use a cream cheese replacement from above. Mascarpone cheese would be a good pick.
How do you make a cream cheese frosting without cream cheese?
You can use a cream cheese substitute from the list above—ricotta cheese.
Can goat cheese be a substitute for cream cheese for most recipes?
Goat cheese can be made into cream cheese, but it has a very different flavor profile.
What will be the substitute for cream cheese for a red velvet cake?
Mascarpone Cheese.
Conclusion
Cream cheese is always on my grocery list; it’s full of flavor and can be used in many recipes. While you can still pick it up, you also know if both the fridge and the stores are out, you have a complete list of substitutions to use.
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