How to Make How to Make Cream Cheese - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's something about homemade cream cheese that just can't be replicated by store-bought versions. The rich and creamy texture, the tangy flavor, and the satisfaction of making it yourself all contribute to the magic of homemade cream cheese. Whether you're a frequent baker, a cheese lover, or just looking to try something new in the kitchen, making your own cream cheese is a rewarding and surprisingly simple process.

While cream cheese may seem like a difficult or complicated proj...

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Ingredients

  • 1 package of cheesecloth
  • 1 (32 ounce) container plain yogurt (such as sheeps' milk yogurt)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Additional Time: 3 days
  • Total Time: 3 days 20 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 1 round of cream cheese

  • Line a colander with 6 thin layers of cheesecloth set over a bowl, letting the edges of the cheesecloth hang over the sides. Pour in the yogurt and gather the cheesecloth at the top. Tie the bundle together at the top with kitchen twine and hang the yogurt partially inside a large bowl or large measuring cup set in the refrigerator to drain for 24 hours. Check liquid level in container and pour off if it gets too high.
  • Unwrap the cheesecloth and place cream cheese into a mixing bowl, sprinkle with salt, and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.
  • Line a 4 1/2-ounce ramekin or a small bowl with 4 thin layers of clean cheesecloth. Spoon the salted cream cheese into the ramekin, avoiding creating air pockets. Smooth top of the cream cheese and place a small circle of plastic on top, cut out of a plastic bag. The plastic should just fit inside the ramekin. Fold the cheesecloth over the top and cut off excess cheesecloth. Place another piece of plastic wrap over the ramekin.
  • Cut out a small cardboard circle, just barely smaller than the inside of the ramekin, and place the cardboard circle on top of the plastic wrap. Place a small heavy object (such as a can of food) onto the cardboard. Refrigerate to press and age the cream cheese for 2 days.
  • Carefully unwrap all the layers of plastic and cheesecloth to reveal the pressed cheese. Transfer to a serving plate with the flat side down to show the cheesecloth marks. Refrigerate leftovers.
  • Nutrition

    48 cal.

    • Total Fat: 1g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 5mg
    • Sodium: 213mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 5g
    • Total Sugars: 5g
    • Protein: 4g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 139mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 177mg