Cream Cheese

  • 20m Prep Time
  • 0sCook Time
  • 20m Ready In

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  • Cuisine : World
  • Course : Other

1 ½ to 2 pounds Cream cheese is a white, soft, unripened cheese made from rich cow’s milk. This homemade version has the tang of store-bought cream cheese but is softer in texture. Please read Making Cheese at Home.

Ingredients

Servings:
  • 2 quarts half-and-half
  • 1 packet direct-set mesophilic starter
  • (Salt to taste)

Let's Prepare

Collect

Gather these ingredients - no prep needed yet.

  • 2 quarts half-and-half
  • 1 packet direct-set mesophilic starter
  • (Salt to taste)

Let's Cook

  1. Step 1.

    Bring to room temperature (70° to 75°F): 2 quarts half-and-half

  2. Step 2.

    Stir in: 1 packet direct-set mesophilic starter

  3. Step 3.

    Cover tightly and let sit at room temperature until the milk curdles (it should form a solid but soft curd), 16 to 20 hours.

  4. Step 4.

    Line a colander with butter muslin or a clean flour sack towel and set in the sink (if desired, place over a bowl to save the whey for another application like Ricotta). Gently spoon the curd into the colander and allow to drain, stirring gently 2 or 3 times, for 6 to 8 hours, or until it reaches the desired thickness. If desired, add: (Salt to taste)

  5. Step 5.

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

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