Fresh Homemade Cream Cheese
Make Delicious Cream Cheese at Home with Fresh Milk!
This recipe shows you how to make your own cream cheese at home using a simple carton of milk. Experience the fresh, pure taste of cheese made right in your kitchen. It’s perfect for spreading on toast or crackers and elevates any dish.
Ingredients- 900ml Fresh Milk (preferably pasteurized)
- 3 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 0.5 tsp Salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Pour 900ml of fresh milk into a saucepan. Turn the heat to medium and begin heating the milk. Watch carefully to prevent it from boiling over.
Step 2
Once the milk starts to gently simmer and small bubbles appear around the edges, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 3 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Step 3
After adding the lemon juice, stir very gently, only about 3-4 times. Avoid over-stirring, as this can prevent the milk from curdling properly. The goal is just to combine the ingredients.
Step 4
Continue to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. You will see the milk start to separate into curds (the cheese solids) and whey (the liquid). This separation is key for a good cream cheese yield.
Step 5
Place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl. Line the sieve with cheesecloth (or a clean kitchen towel). Carefully pour the heated milk mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve.
Step 6
Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and gently squeeze out the excess whey. Do not squeeze too hard! Reserve the whey, as it can be used later to adjust the consistency of your cream cheese. Keeping some moisture will ensure a creamy texture.
Step 7
Transfer the cheese curds from the cheesecloth into a blender or food processor. Add 0.5 teaspoon of salt. The salt enhances the flavor of the cream cheese.
Step 8
Blend the curds and salt until smooth and creamy. If the mixture feels too stiff, add 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved whey, a little at a time, and blend again until you reach your desired consistency. Adjusting with whey is crucial for achieving the perfect creaminess.
Step 9
Your smooth and delicious homemade cream cheese is now ready! Enjoy it fresh. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator. It’s wonderful spread on bread, bagels, or crackers, and can also be used in various recipes.
