Homemade Cream cheese

 

Making your own cream cheese at home is easier than you might think — and you only need two simple ingredients: fresh milk and lemon juice. This recipe uses 2 litres of milk and 100ml of lemon juice to create a creamy, tangy, and spreadable cheese that’s perfect for bagels, cheesecakes, dips, and more.

Ingredients

• 2 litres whole milk (full-fat for best results)

• 100ml fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)

• ½–1 tsp salt (optional, to taste)

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Equipment You’ll Need

• Large saucepan

• Wooden spoon

• Cheesecloth or a clean tea towel

• Large bowl

• Fine mesh strainer or colander

• Food processor or blender (optional for extra smoothness)

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Method

1. Heat the Milk

Pour the milk into a large saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Heat until the milk reaches about 85°C (185°F) — it should be steaming hot but not boiling.

2. Add the Lemon Juice

Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the lemon juice while stirring gently. Within a minute or two, you should see the milk begin to curdle — separating into curds (solid) and whey (liquid). If it doesn’t curdle fully, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice and keep stirring gently for another minute.

3. Strain the Curds

Line a colander or strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Carefully pour the curdled milk into the lined strainer, letting the whey drain away. Bring the corners of the cheesecloth together and tie them into a bundle. Hang it over the sink or a bowl to drain for 1–2 hours, depending on how firm you want your cream cheese.

4. Blend for Creaminess

Once drained, transfer the curds to a bowl or food processor. Add salt if desired, then blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thicker texture, blend less; for ultra-smooth cream cheese, process for 2–3 minutes.

5. Store and Enjoy

Transfer the cream cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 5 days.

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Flavour Variations

• Herb & Garlic: Blend in fresh chives, parsley, or roasted garlic.

• Sweet Vanilla: Add a touch of honey and vanilla for a dessert-friendly spread.

• Spicy Kick: Mix in chopped jalapeños or chilli flakes for heat.