philly cream cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best philly cream cheese recipe

I’ve been making Philly cream cheese recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a classic dish that originated in Philadelphia, and it’s made with a combination of cream cheese, butter, and milk.

The key to making a good Philly cream cheese recipe is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook it slowly over low heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches the perfect consistency. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or everyday meals because it’s easy to make and can be served with a variety of toppings such as fruit or granola.

My kids love helping me make this recipe because it’s so much fun to stir and mix the ingredients together. Plus, it’s a great way to get some extra protein and calcium into their diet.

I’ve also found that this recipe is a great way to use up leftover ingredients in the fridge, such as milk and butter. It’s also very versatile and can be served as a snack or as part of a larger meal.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize with different toppings and mix-ins. My kids love adding their favorite fruits or nuts to the mix, and I love experimenting with new flavors and combinations.

Overall, this Philly cream cheese recipe is a staple in our household, and I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s a simple yet delicious way to get some extra nutrition into your diet, and it’s perfect for any occasion.

Homemade Philadelphia Cream Cheese

4.9 from 1890 votes

This homemade cream cheese replicates the smooth, tangy flavor and creamy texture of the classic Philadelphia brand. Made with simple ingredients, it is perfect for spreading on bagels, using in cheesecakes, or as a base for dips.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time12 hours 20 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 100 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cream Cheese

4 cups whole milk (not ultra-pasteurized)
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup buttermilk (optional, for tangier flavor)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pour the whole milk and heavy cream into a large heavy-bottomed saucepan.
2Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally with a wooden spoon.
3Heat the mixture until it reaches 185°F on a candy thermometer, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
4Do not let it boil.
5Once the milk mixture reaches 185°F, remove the saucepan from the heat.
6Slowly pour in the fresh lemon juice while gently stirring.
7The mixture will begin to curdle and separate into curds and whey.
8If using buttermilk for extra tang, stir it in now.
9Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 10 minutes.
10During this time, the curds will firm up and the whey will become more clear.
11After 10 minutes, line a fine-mesh strainer with a double layer of cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel and place it over a large bowl.
12Carefully pour the curds and whey into the lined strainer.
13Allow the whey to drain for about 5 minutes, then gather the corners of the cheesecloth and tie them into a bundle.
14Hang the bundle over the bowl or suspend it from a kitchen faucet and let it drain for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature, until the dripping slows to a few drops per minute.
15After draining, transfer the curds to a clean bowl.
16Add the salt and mix thoroughly with a spatula or whisk until smooth and creamy.
17For a very smooth texture, you can blend the cream cheese in a food processor for 30 seconds.
18Transfer the finished cream cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
19This chilling time allows the cream cheese to firm up and develop its full flavor.
20The cream cheese will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

🔧Equipment

Large heavy-bottomed saucepan
Candy or instant-read thermometer
Fine-mesh strainer
Cheesecloth (butter muslin or a clean kitchen towel)
Large bowl
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Whisk
Container for storing finished cream cheese

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 100 kcal🧈Total Fat: 9g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 180mg🌾Total Carbs: 2g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

For best results, use whole milk and heavy cream that are not ultra-pasteurized, as ultra-pasteurized milk may not curdle properly. The optional buttermilk adds a tangier flavor similar to commercial cream cheese. If you prefer a thicker cream cheese, let the curds drain for a longer period, up to 4 hours. Store the cream cheese in the refrigerator and use within 2 weeks.

Watch Video Of How Homemade Philadelphia Cream Cheese Works

This Philly cream cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it’s easy to make ahead of time and can be reheated quickly when needed.

You can also customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins to suit your tastes.

One thing I love about this recipe is that it makes great leftovers – simply reheat it over low heat until warmed through before serving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Q: What is the difference between Philadelphia cream cheese and other types of cream cheese?

A: Philadelphia cream cheese is made with high-quality ingredients such as milk, butter, and salt. It has a rich and creamy texture that makes it perfect for spreading on bread or crackers. Other types of cream cheese may have added preservatives or artificial flavorings that can affect their taste and texture.

Q: Can I make Philly cream cheese recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make Philly cream cheese recipe ahead of time by preparing the ingredients separately and then assembling them just before serving. This will help keep the mixture from becoming too runny or too thick.

Q: How do I store leftover Philly cream cheese?

A: You can store leftover Philly cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, simply reheat the mixture over low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.

Q: Can I use low-fat or non-fat cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese?

A: While you can use low-fat or non-fat cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to my Philly cream cheese recipe?

A: Yes, you can add other ingredients such as chopped herbs like parsley or chives, grated carrot or celery root for added texture, or even diced ham or bacon for extra flavor.

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