Description
This simple DIY Cream Cheese Magic recipe lets you make your own fresh cream cheese at home with just a few ingredients. With whole milk, lemon juice, and salt, you’ll create a smooth and creamy spread that’s perfect for bagels, crackers, or as a base for dips. A great way to enjoy fresh, homemade cream cheese without any preservatives.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups whole milk
- 3–4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Once the milk starts to steam and bubble gently, add the lemon juice and salt. Stir well.
- Continue to heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the milk begins to curdle (this usually takes about 5-10 minutes).
- Once the curds have formed, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Strain the curds through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to separate the liquid (whey) from the curds.
- Transfer the curds to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth and creamy. If the texture is too thick, you can add a bit of the whey back to achieve your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
- Store the cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- This recipe creates a soft and spreadable cream cheese. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can let the curds drain longer before blending.
- You can experiment with adding herbs or spices to the cream cheese for extra flavor.
- Be sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American