8 Easy Ways to Make a Cream Cheese Substitute

Out of cream cheese? No demand to make a grocery run. Get cooking with these easy cream cheese substitutions.

With its sweet, tangy flavour and smooth, creamy texture, it's no surprise many people love cream cheese. Containing up to 33% fat, this soft, fresh cheese lends a rich, velvety touch to cheesecakes, appetizers, frosting and other decadent dishes.

You likely have a few blocks of this dairy staple stocked in the fridge, but if you suddenly realize you lot're out and don't have fourth dimension to run to the store, don't sweat information technology. It'due south easy to bandy in a similar ingredient that will yield surprisingly delicious results.

Hither are eight easy substitutes you lot likely have on hand that will piece of work in identify of cream cheese, and a few easy tips on how to practise information technology right. And adjacent time you shop, exist certain to stock upwards on our Examination Kitchen's favorite foam cheese brands.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is yogurt that'south been strained to remove the liquid whey, resulting in a thicker yogurt that's higher in protein and lower in fatty. It adds a rich, creamy texture and because it has a pleasant tanginess, information technology won't sacrifice whatever of the flavor. Just sub in an equal amount of Greek yogurt for the cream cheese in your recipe. You lot'll honey the zing it adds to the frosting in these Key lime confined.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is an ingredient you probable have stocked in the fridge, then it's a convenient one to reach for when you lot're fresh out of cream cheese. With its thick texture and tangy, slightly sour season, it's slap-up in dips and sauces, stirred into mashed potatoes or blended into a rich topping for a salad. It'due south not recommended for soups because the estrus will crusade the cream to curdle. Apply 1 cup sour foam for ane loving cup cream cheese to accomplish desired results.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a fresh unripened cheese with a mild, creamy taste. It'southward lower in fat and calories than other types of cheese, making it ideal when you're in search of a lighter option. Yet, to achieve a consistency close to regular cream cheese, you need to add heavy cream, which will upwardly the calorie count. For frostings and desserts, mix a loving cup of strained cottage cheese with a cup of heavy cream. For dips and sauces, blend strained cottage cheese and puree to achieve a super-smooth texture.

Neufchatel

Neufchatel, basically a low-fat version of cream cheese, is one of the best standard substitutes, especially when making cheesecake. Traditional French Neufchatel has its origins in the quaint town of Neufchatel-en-Bray in Normandy. Yous're probably more familiar with American Neufchatel, which is similar in flavour and texture to regular cream cheese, but lower in fat (almost one/three less) considering it's made with whole milk instead of cream. You can use Neufchatel in a 1:i ratio with regular cream cheese.

Mascarpone

Mascarpone, a staple ingredient in tiramisu, is the Italian version of cream cheese. This ultra-rich product (up to 75% fatty!) is fabricated from whole cream, cultures and acids, and lends a mildly sweet season to dips and desserts, making it a elevation pick when y'all don't have regular cream cheese on paw. Mascarpone achieves the best results when used as a 1:ane substitute for cream cheese.

Editor'south note: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to mascarpone when y'all desire the slightly acidic taste that cream cheese imparts.

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta, classified as a whey cheese, is a soft, white and sweet dairy by-product that's typically made by re-cooking the whey that is produced in the making of other cheeses. You're probably near familiar with it as the creamy filling tucked inside lasagna and manicotti.

To use as a cream cheese substitute in baked goods and dips, blend i cup ricotta with i cup plain yogurt to equal two cups substitute. For frosting and cheesecakes, blend 1 cup ricotta with one loving cup heavy cream to equal two cups substitute.

Kefir

Kefir is a tart, tangy yogurt-like drinkable made from fermented milk. You lot've probably seen information technology listed as an ingredient in homemade smoothies, every bit information technology boasts numerous health benefits and tin even aid in easing digestive maladies. Just because kefir is more watery than regular cream cheese, it can't exist subbed in on its own. To achieve optimal results, mix one loving cup kefir with ¼ cup chia seeds. Let the mixture sit for nearly 30 minutes to allow the seeds to absorb the kefir's liquid content. Once thickened, information technology can be used just like regular cream cheese. This substitute is all-time used in dips and sauces rather than desserts or frosting.

Cashew Cheese

Cashew cheese is a non-dairy, vegan substitute for cheese. It'due south typically made of blended cashews, nutritional yeast, water and a alloy of seasonings. You can find information technology at natural food and organic grocery stores too as specialty cheese shops. Or make your ain! Use 1 cup cashew cheese in place of ane cup regular cream cheese in savory dishes like soups or sauces, or but enjoy it as a delicious schmear on a toasted bagel. Only heads up, information technology'south not an ideal bandy for baked appurtenances or frosting. If you lot're craving cheesecake and follow a dairy-free diet, you're meliorate off sticking to a recipe for dairy-free cheesecake.

Our Favorite Ways to Utilize Cream Cheese

Broiled Crab Dip

We enjoyed this exquisite crab dip at my grandson'southward wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. Y'all can fifty-fifty fill the breadstuff bowl early in the twenty-four hours and arctic it until serving. Just remove information technology from the refrigerator xxx minutes before baking. —Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri Get to Recipe Also check out our foam cheese dip recipes no one tin resist.

Obatzda (German Beer Cheese Dip)

Obatzda, otherwise known as German language beer cheese dip, is so delicious and creamy. It'southward the perfect dip to make the nighttime earlier at become-together. —Beate Trinkl, Einsbach, Germany

Ruddy Velvet Pound Cake

This succulent crimson velvet pound cake is the perfect combination of flavors. Brand sure the cake has cooled before icing information technology, and for extra crisis sprinkle some roasted pecans on top. —Robin Smith, Old Fort, N Carolina

Heavenly Cheese Danish

This tempting cheese Danish bakes to flaky perfection's shines with the elementary gloss of an egg wash. It tastes just equally corrupt equally whatever breakfast pastry yous'd find in a bakery or coffee shop. —Josephine Triton, Lakewood, Ohio

Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells

I created this comforting blimp shells dish to serve on Christmas Eve, only it's so good we bask it all yr long. Information technology tin can easily be assembled and frozen to bake at a afterward date. If yous take any leftover cheese mixture, information technology can be served every bit a dip either common cold or spooned into ramekins and baked until brown. If you don't similar roasted red peppers, feel free to substitute chopped sun-dried tomatoes in the filling and whatever other pasta sauce. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO

Fundamental Lime Blondie Bars

Here'due south my tropical take on a beloved treat. These central lime bars combine the sense of taste of the archetype pie with a blondie batter and cream cheese frosting. You can make a thicker crust if desired. —Kristin LaBoon, Austin, Texas

Strawberry Pretzel Pie

This cool no-bake strawberry pretzel pie is the perfect antidote for your sugariness molar this summer. Fabricated with pantry staples, and well, as like shooting fish in a barrel as pie to make, it'south get one of my family unit's most requested warm-weather treats. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah

Apples 'n' Cream Pancake

This cozy recipe is succulent for breakfast or brunch. I ordinarily make a double batch because anybody wants more! With our ain orchard, we accept enough of Delicious and Winesap apples—they make this a true midwestern meal. —Ruth Schafer, Defiance, Ohio

Apricot Salad

Colorful gelatin salad adds a spot of brightness to any table. It blends well with this vacation feast. We children didn't know if it should exist a salad or dessert, with its polish texture and delicate flavor.—Fae Fisher, Callao, Virginia

Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

These lilliputian cheesecakes make a fun dessert that's simply right for cooks who don't have a lot of time for fussy recipes. Plus, you get to eat a whole mini cheesecake yourself! —Kay Keller, Morenci, Michigan

Pumpkin Swirl Bread

This combination of pumpkin, nuts and dates makes a succulent, golden pumpkin cream cheese bread. The surprise inside—a rich creamy swirl—is like a luscious layer of cheesecake in each slice. —Cindy May, Troy, Michigan

Spinach Turnovers

The flaky cream cheese pastry adds sensational texture to these hot appetizers—and but wait until y'all taste the wonderful filling. I usually fix a double batch and freeze some to have on manus in case unexpected guests drib past. — Jean von Bereghy, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

Pineapple Canvass Cake

This sheet block is perfect for serving to a crowd. It keeps and so well that y'all can easily prepare it a day ahead and information technology volition stay moist. I ofttimes bring it to church building potlucks, and I have yet to take much of it dwelling. —Kim Miller Spiek, Sarasota, Florida

Duo Spud Broil

I made this creamy and comforting potato dish for Thanksgiving and it was a winner with my family. They said to be sure to include it at every holiday dinner. Information technology's a keeper! —Joan McCulloch, Abbotsford, British Columbia

Assistant Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

As a mother of iii sons, sweets are a staple in my kitchen! I buy ripe fruit on sale and freeze it to make this cake. My banana block with cream cheese frosting is a favorite amongst loved ones at my family picnics and dinners. —Bonnie Krause, Irvona, Pennsylvania

Broiled Simple Meatball Stroganoff

If you like meatball subs, you lot'll love this tangy casserole that has all the rich flavor of the popular sandwiches with none of the mess. Italian bread is spread with a cream cheese mixture, then topped with meatballs, spaghetti sauce and cheese. Bravo! —Gina Harris, Seneca, South Carolina

Carmine Velvet Thumbprint Cookies

These festive sugar-coated carmine velvet cookies are perfect for Christmas. They're just as delicious as they are beautiful. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Shrimp Titbit Spread

There'south no cloak-and-dagger to this creamy seafood titbit—it'south only succulent! I originally tasted information technology at a friend's business firm, and I liked it so much that I requested the recipe. Information technology'south since go a family favorite. —Brenda Buhler, Abbotsford, British Columbia

Pecan Pumpkin Dessert

I always make this treat for Thanksgiving. A friend gave me the recipe, and I've since shared it with many others. —Sue Williams, Mountain Holly, North Carolina

Cucumber Canapes

I always become requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're fragile finger sandwiches with a flossy herb spread and festive cerise and dark-green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts

Easy Cheese-Blimp Jalapenos

A few years ago, I saw a man in the grocery shop buying a large bag full of jalapeno peppers. I asked him what he intended to practice with them, and he shared this recipe for stuffed jalapenos with me correct at that place in the store! —Janice Montiverdi, Sugar State, Texas

Potato Chowder

One of the ladies in our church quilting grouping brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and anybody loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it and so rich. Information technology's piece of cake to assemble in the morning time so it can simmer on its ain all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana

Ruby Velvet Jar Block

I love to brand these cherry-red velvet jar cakes for friends, family and teachers. Reddish velvet is my favorite during the holidays, but you tin can utilise your favorite block and frosting flavors. And then apparel up the jars with homemade labels and ribbons for gifting. Don't forget to tie a spoon to the jar; anybody likes to dig right in! —Lillie Collier, Mobile, Alabama

Spinach-Beef Spaghetti Pie

With its angel pilus pasta crust, this cheesy basis beef, tomato and spinach pie is e'er a hit when I serve information technology. Each bully slice has layers of pasta, foam cheese filling and spinach topping. —Ballad Hicks Pensacola, Florida

Fruit-Topped Blintzes

My female parent is a wonderful melt who always likes to prepare (and better on!) dishes she'south sampled at restaurants. That'due south what I did with these blintzes, and my family loves my fruity version even more than the original.

Puff Pastry Chicken Bundles

Inside these golden puff pastry "packages", craven breasts rolled with spinach, herbed foam cheese and walnuts are a savory surprise. I like to serve this elegant entree when we have guests or are celebrating a holiday or special occasion. -Brad Moritz, Limerick, Pennsylvania

Paddy's Reuben Dip

This tedious-cooked spread tastes just like the pop Reuben sandwich. Fifty-fifty when I double the recipe, I finish upward with an empty dish. —Mary Jane Kimmes, Hastings, Minnesota

Absurd Strawberry Cream

This fruity, luscious dessert makes a wonderful ending to a special dinner. When fresh strawberries are not available, substitute two packages frozen unsweetened strawberries, thawed and drained, for the fresh. —Joyce Cooper, Mount Forest, Ontario

Walnut Pumpkin Cake Whorl

This is 1 of my family's favorite dessert recipes, especially for holiday gatherings. —Mary Gecha, Eye Rutland, Vermont

Pineapple Ham Casserole

Living in Hawaii, I wanted to share this recipe which features pineapple. Information technology's our virtually important fruit crop. —Marsha Fleming, Kula, Hawaii

Red Cheese Windmills

These pretty cookies wait fancy, but they are really non much work. They're perfect for any occasion. —Helen McGibbon, Downers Grove, Illinois

Flossy Strawberry Crepes

Have summer-ripe strawberries plus a creamy filling and tuck them into these frail crepes for an elegant brunch entree. —Kathy Kochiss, Huntington, Connecticut

Italian Foam Cheese Cake

Buttermilk makes every bite of this awesome Italian cream cheese cake recipe moist and flavorful. I rely on this recipe year-round.—Joyce Lutz, Centerview, Missouri

Chicken Burritos

This mouthwatering chicken burrito recipe makes plenty for two casseroles, so you can enjoy one today and freeze the other for a busy weeknight. They're super to have on hand for quick meals or to have to potlucks. —Sonya Nightingale, Burley, Idaho.

Broccoli Potato Supreme

My family unit insists that this two-in-one casserole makes an appearance at all of our special meals. Every bite is doubly delicious! —Jane Birch, Edison, New Jersey

Berry-Cream Cookie Snaps

My mom and I fabricated upwards this recipe by combining two others. These cute cookies are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy within. You could besides bake the cookies flat and serve the filling as a cookie dip if y'all like. —Crystal Briddick, Colfax, Illinois

Cheesecake with Berry Sauce

This creamy cheesecake is a family tradition; I've even shipped it to my daughter as a special treat. Using frozen seasonal berries, it's an excellent dessert any time of year. —Jeanette Volker, Walton, Nebraska

Creamy Grape Salad

Everyone raves when I bring this refreshing, creamy grape salad to potlucks. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brown saccharide and pecans. —Marge Elling, Jenison, Michigan

Peanut Butter Pudding Dessert

Here's a fun layered dessert that will appeal to all ages. If you lot desire it fifty-fifty nuttier, you can apply chunky peanut butter, and if you're not a fan of cashews, substitute your favorite nut. This peanut butter lasagna is one of my favorite pudding desserts. —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio

Hash Brown Broccoli Broil

Here's a perfect dish for a potluck or holiday buffet. It goes well with fish, poultry, pork or beef. Cheddar cheese tin can be substituted for Swiss. Often, I double the recipe to serve a oversupply. —Jeanette Volker, Walton, Nebraska

Creamed Corn

Five ingredients are all you'll need for my popular creamed corn recipe. It's wonderful no matter what the occasion is. Try it on a charcoal-broil buffet or vacation menu. —Barbara Brizendine, Harrisonville, Missouri

Marshmallow-Almond Central Lime Pie

Summer is height flavor for Key limes—a must for this pie'southward distinctive sweet-tart flavor. Unlike other Key lime pies, mine has a polish marshmallow layer on top that makes information technology stand out equally a crowd favorite. —Judy Castranova, New Bern, North Carolina

Broiled Onion Cheese Dip

This cheddar-Vidalia dip gets a prissy kick from an added cup of pepper Jack cheese. It'south fun to serve with an array of crackers and breadsticks. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Contest-Winning Raspberry Cream Pie

This recipe is delicious with either fresh-picked or frozen raspberries. That means yous can make it yr-round. One bite of raspberry pie will instantly turn winter to summertime. —Julie Price, Nashville, Tennessee

Pina Colada Fruit Dip

A taste of the tropics will be welcomed by your holiday guests. The cool and flossy dip can be served as an appetizer or a dessert. —Shelly Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon

Gingerbread Cookies with Lemon Frosting

When I spread these spicy gingerbread rounds with my lemony cream cheese frosting, I knew I had a hit. Cardamom and allspice add together a hint of chai tea flavor. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho

Vanilla Bean Cupcakes

My 3-yr-old son loves these vanilla edible bean cupcakes! Vanilla edible bean flecks give the moist, tender cupcakes special-occasion status. —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario

Crab & Artichoke Dip

Nearly every time my girlfriends and I get together, we dip into this rich and flossy snack and our favorite bottle of wine. Information technology's and so convenient to apply the slow cooker to brand this recipe—it's a perfect fit for our relaxed friends nights. —Connie McKinney, Marshall, Missouri

Classic Brand-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

These make-ahead mashed potatoes save me a ton of fourth dimension on Christmas day. No more than aimlessly whipping the potatoes while hungry family and guests hang around the kitchen! —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington

Spinach Dip-Stuffed Mushrooms

I use a melon baller to hollow out the mushroom caps and brand them easier to stuff. The apps fit neatly into muffin tins or a deviled egg tray for traveling. —Ashley Pierce, Brantford, Ontario

Lemon-Blueberry Pound Cake

Pair a slice of this moist lemon-blueberry cake with a scoop of vanilla ice foam. It's a staple at our family barbecues. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, Illinois

Artichoke Phyllo Cups

I wanted to create a seize with teeth-sized version of rich, flossy artichoke dip. These ambrosial phyllo cup appetizers were a total success! —Neel Patel, Champaign, Illinois

Cream Cheese Spritz

A hint of orange and cinnamon highlights these Christmastime classics. I like to add colorful sprinkles earlier baking them. The recipe is from a booklet that came with a cookie press in the 1950s...and I still have the press! —Sarah Bedia, Lake Jackson, Texas

Garlic-Herb Bagel Spread

This creamy spread is loaded with oregano, basil, garlic and feta. The flavorful, savory combination is perfect slathered on a toasted bagel. Just don't stop there. Endeavor it as a dip for crunchy breadsticks, too. —Taste of Abode Test Kitchen

Pink Lemonade Stand Cake

If you dearest a moist and creamy block, this is it. Lemon juice and lemonade give the layers a tangy touch, and the cream cheese frosting with sprinkles makes it pretty. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Carrot Cake with Pecan Frosting

My husband constantly requests this homey, quondam-fashioned version of carrot block. The frosting is nevertheless tasty even without the pecans. —Adrian Badon, Denham Springs, Louisiana

Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels

These quick appetizers are irresistible. The flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and pesto remainder beautifully. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake

My mom often made pineapple upside down cake, but I adopt something creamier. This recipe looks simply like her cake, only gets even tastier as pineapple upside down cheesecake. —Marilyn McGinnis, Citrus Heights, California

Fontina Rolled Chicken

Good food has a way of transporting you to faraway places. My craven with fontina and foam cheese is like a beatific trip to Italy. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania

Cranberry Cream Cheese French Toast

My friend makes this French toast broil with blueberries, but I make mine with cranberry sauce. Either way, it'due south divine. It makes a corking brunch dish for Christmas morning time. —Sandie Heindel, Liberty, Missouri

Heirloom Tomato plant Pie

My green-thumbed neighbors like to share produce with me. I return the delicious favor past baking tomato pies for all. —Angela Bridegroom, Dunbar, West Virginia

Flossy Taco Dip

You'll know this snack is a hit at your next gathering when you come home with an empty pan! —Denise Smith, Lusk, Wyoming

Creme de Menthe Squares

This layered bar hits all the sugariness spots: Information technology'southward airy, creamy, crunchy and the perfect mix of cool mint and rich chocolate. It has a vintage dessert appeal that no ane in our family unit can resist. —Marilyn Blankschien, Clintonville, Wisconsin

Cool and Creamy Fruit Salad

My mom establish this recipe in a magazine 25 years ago, and my family unit has been enjoying it ever since. I refrigerate it overnight before serving. It looks especially pretty in a trifle dish. —Susan Schiller, Tomahawk, Wisconsin

Parmesan Creamed Spinach

This rich and creamy spinach dish takes minutes to make. If I'chiliad expecting guests, I'll double or triple the recipe. —Leann Ross, San Tan Valley, Arizona

Bagel with a Veggie Schmear

I got this recipe from my favorite bagel store in New York City. Now I brand this every time I'm peckish a quick and salubrious breakfast. I like to add chopped pitted green olives to the schmear. — Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington

Rhubarb and Strawberry Coffee Cake

Vanilla cake with cream cheese filling and strawberry rhubarb sauce brand a grand finale for a Female parent'south Twenty-four hour period brunch. I made this to honor our moms and grandmothers. —Danielle Ulam, Hookstown, Pennsylvania

Star-Spangled Lemon Icebox Pie

With a little arctic time, my no-bake lemon pie turns into a potluck superstar. My kids like to conform the berries in a star pattern. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia

Dilly Cheese Ball

My whole family devours this herby cheese spread—fifty-fifty my son, the chef. Serve it with your favorite crackers. —Jane Vince, London, Ontario

Appetizer Tortilla Pinwheels

A friend gave me this recipe, and whenever I serve these tortilla pinwheel sandwiches, people ask me for the recipe, besides! The cream cheese pinwheels can exist made alee of time and sliced just before serving, leaving you lot time for other last-minute party preparations. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/cream-cheese-substitute/