Who doesn’t enjoy the softest and fluffiest cream cheese? Here are the best ways to soften cream cheese. You can use it in cakes, brownies, meatballs, or even omelets. These tricks don’t require advanced cooking skills, so there is no need to cry over your terrible cooking skills.
I bet the soft and creamy texture will make your preparations even tastier! You might as well flaunt your cheese in front of your family and friends.
1. How to Soften Cream Cheese?
There are 4 quick ways to achieve the perfect creamy texture of cream cheese. Here is a list of ways to soften the delicious white beauty at home! No complicated procedure is required.
1.1. Microwave
The microwave method might need all of your attention, but it always gives great results. First, remove the frozen cream cheese from the cardboard packaging. Place cream cheese on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave it for just 1 minute to get the desired softness. This method will quickly soften cream cheese.
Please make sure not to leave it in the microwave not to get melted cream cheese.
1.2. Warm Water
Softening cream cheese with warm water is an underrated method, but there is no denying that it works like magic. This method works best with brick-style cream cheese.
First, you need to fill the medium bowl with warm water. The water shouldn’t be boiling. Take the cold cream cheese out of the refrigerator, position it in the center of the bowl, and let it sit for a few minutes. And that’s it! You got yourself the heavenly cheese without making any effort. This is the best way to soften cream cheese.
Kindly note that this method works only with a sealed brick of cream cheese.
Creamy Tips for Softening Cheese – Unconventional and Classic Methods!
Mandy Monahan, the Operations Manager at Nitrouswhip, suggests three unconventional tips for softening cheese:
- Remove the cream cheese from the fridge and let it sit on the kitchen counter for 30 minutes. It softens evenly without any external heat, and you can multitask while it transforms into a perfect spreadable consistency.
- Opt for a classic double-boil method. Place the sealed cream cheese in a heatproof bowl, then set it over a pot of simmering water.
Stir [occasionally] until it achieves the desired softness. It’s a foolproof technique that maintains the cheese’s integrity.
If time is of the essence, use an electric mixer. Whip the cream cheese at low speed until it softens. It’s quick, efficient, and guarantees a smooth texture for your recipes.
1.3. On the Countertop
The countertop method is the most effective method to soften cream cheese as it softens the cream cheese evenly. First, remove the cheese from the refrigerator and position it on the kitchen counter. Cut the cream cheese into small pieces with a sharp knife. Let the cream cheese sit for half an hour. That’s it! Enjoy your soft cheese.
1.4. With Hands
You first need to wash your hands properly. For this method, you don’t need to remove the cream cheese wrapper. Simply position it between your hands. Squeeze the cream cheese while applying gentle pressure. Dip your hands in warm water, and it will be effective in softening cheese. Warm water will quickly speed things up.
Gentle Softening: Quick Tips for Preserving Cream Cheese Texture and Flavor
Catherine Rall, Registered Dietitian at Happy V, explains their preferred way of softening cream cheese:
Softening cream cheese quickly and safely while [also] preserving its flavor and texture can be a delicate process.
Microwaving it is almost always overkill (and definitely a bad idea for any cream cheese in a foil package), while leaving it to soften on the counter, especially if the package has already been opened, is a great way to promote foodborne pathogens.
If I’m [going to be using] the cream cheese within an hour, I’ll usually just leave it out to soften. [The] important thing is not to forget it and leave it out for several hours or overnight. If I’m [in a hurry], soaking it in hot water is a good trick.
2. Recipes to Try with Cream Cheese
Now that you have learned how to soften cream cheese, here are some of the most amazing recipes to make with cream cheese at home:
2.1. Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Is there any Friends fan here who instantly thought of Monica’s mashed potatoes from Thanksgiving dinner? Cause, same!
Adding softened cheese to your mashed potatoes just makes it even richer and tastier. This cream cheese mashed potatoes recipe is perfect to go with any get-together menu or holiday season!
2.2. Cake Toppings
Softened cheese works best as cake toppings. So, go ahead and add a small amount of softened cream cheese on top of cupcakes before baking and witness the tastiest batch of cupcakes being created!
2.3. Omelet
Cream cheese is what your bland omelet needs to give your breakfast a little twist. The cheese omelet is so easy to make, and it tastes delicious!
2.4. Meat Cheese Balls
Meatballs are a hit at parties. Stuffing a generous amount of cream cheese in a meatball will have people asking you for the recipe the entire time! It is just so delicious; you probably can’t stop at one!
2.5. Sandwich
Cream cheese in a sandwich is by far the best recipe to ever exist! Just layer cream cheese with salmon, tuna, turkey, or chicken. Throw in some lettuce, tomato, and onion. Add condiments of your choice (salt or pepper). And there you go! The delicious sandwich is ready! You can always customize the sandwich according to your taste buds. Click here for a detailed cream cheese chicken sandwich recipe.
You can make a simple grilled cream cheese sandwich, which is enough to make your taste buds dance with joy! Pair it with a hot, sizzling mug of coffee or tea. This cozy combo hits differently on a cold, wintry evening. Life is not so bad after all!
2.6. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a perfect dose for all the late-night hunger pangs. This delight becomes extra delicious by adding some cream cheese! If you are a fan of Mac and cheese, then this addition will be pure bliss for you.
2.7. Frosting
Create a silky cake frosting by including cream cheese in your recipe. It only takes three ingredients: 100 grams of full-fat cream cheese, 200 grams of icing sugar, and 100 grams of salted butter.
The recipe is so simple; you just need to beat salted butter and icing sugar together. Then, slowly add cream cheese to the mixture. Beat well until a thick paste is formed. The soft texture of cream cheese will make your frosting a lot more desirable.
This cream cheese frosting can be used to decorate cakes and cupcakes. Please note that this icing can be used for up to five days.
2.8. Sauces
You can also make delicious cream cheese sauce by heating cream cheese along with lemon, herbs, and mustard. This sauce can be used to make sizzling hot pasta or chicken Kyiv! This cream cheese sauce can also be used as a base for your homemade hollandaise and béarnaise sauce. The rich texture of cream cheese sauce will surely enhance the taste of your recipes.
2.9. Ice Cream
Make a delicious iced dessert at home by just using an ice cream mix and creamy cheese! You will be surprised to taste the classic cream cheese flavor in a frozen form. Try the berry ice cream cheesecake now! If you are an ice cream lover, then this creamy ice cream will be the game changer for you.
2.10. Brownie
You can add your leftover cream cheese to making brownies to make these little chocolate desserts a lot more scrumptious! The fudgy cream cheese brownies will be perfect to satisfy your sweet cravings. Softened cream cheese is perfect for making dessert cuisine or baked goods.
To make the brownie batter, mix cream cheese with sugar, egg white, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, pinch of salt, and cocoa powder. Now mix all the ingredients in a bowl and bake in a preheated oven. Cut the brownie into squares, and that’s it! Your delicious homemade brownie is ready.
3. Things to Keep in Mind Before Making Cream Cheese at Home
Here is a list of a few things you need to keep in mind to make the perfect fluffy cream cheese every time:
3.1. Hygiene and Sanitation
Always use clean and sanitized utensils. Kindly make sure your hands are properly washed and your hair is covered before working in the kitchen.
3.2. Quality Ingredients
Always use high-quality and fresh dairy ingredients to get the creamiest cream cheese. Full-fat cream and milk are generally preferred for the process.
3.3. Salt
Salt is a truly necessary element in your recipe as it helps make your creamy cheese extra delicious. So, go ahead and add a pinch of salt to enhance the taste. Kindly make sure to sprinkle it in a small amount. Otherwise, it will make the cream cheese salty.
3.4. Temperature Control
Allow the milk to boil at medium heat. It’s important to check the temperature during the process regularly.
3.5. Acid Source
You’ll need lemon or vinegar to curdle the milk. Kindly make sure that your acid source is of good quality and fresh.
3.6. Straining
Straining is an important part of making creamy cheese as it helps in removing whey. Your cream cheese will become a lot creamier after the straining process. Use cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to get amazing results.
3.7. Variation
You can also customize your cream cheese by adding mixed herbs and flavors of your choice. It’s never too late to show some creativity.
3.8. Storage
Kindly make sure to store the block of creamy cheese in an airtight container to keep it fresh for a long time. It is not advisable not to leave cream cheese unattended for hours. Place the leftover cream cheese back in the refrigerator as soon as possible.
3.9. Patience
Patience is key. Kindly note that it might take several hours to attain the rich texture. So, please don’t rush the process.
3.10. Food Safety
Food safety always comes first. Don’t forget to refrigerate the soft cheese. Otherwise, it will get spoiled if you keep it lying outside at room temperature.
Use Fresh Ingredients and Be Patient
John Frigo, E-commerce Manager at Best Price Nutrition, insights on making cream cheese at home:
“I’ve tried making my own cream cheese on several occasions; the recipes are pretty straightforward, but just some little tips and tricks: use quality, fresh ingredients—it will really affect the taste for the better.
Maintain a consistent temperature during heating, be patient during the culturing process, don’t rush it, and [make sure to] use non-chlorinated water.”
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on by Saket Kumar
