Here are the best cream cheese substitutes for when you need something a little different.
What is Cream Cheese?
If you want to keep cream cheese on hand without it going bad,consider freezing it.
Chef John
It’s a great alternative for many recipes requiring cream cheese.
you might combat tanginess by adding a little bit of salt.
If you miss the tang, add a little squeeze of lemon.
Chef John
As a spread or schmear on bread, bagels, and crackers, it swaps in pretty seamlessly.
For best results in baking, use a recipe specifically for vegan cheese.
(The manufacturers' websites have some great options!)
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Add lemon for a little tang and drain in a cheesecloth if it’s still too runny.
(Using full-fat cottage cheese helps with thickness.)
Ricotta Cheese
Just like cottage cheese, this swap requires a little effort to be cream-cheese perfect.
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Bonus: you could easily make ricotta cheese at home with whole milk, lemon juice, and salt.
For cheesecake, swap your usual recipe for a vegan one that calls for tofu.
Goat Cheese
Danielle Daly
Goat cheese tends to be more crumbly than cream cheese.
Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman
Goat cheese can work well in recipes as well as spreads or schmears.
Hummus
Hummus is a Mediterranean dip that’s made from chickpeas and tahini.
It’s packed with protein and fiber, vegan, and dairy free.
And you could pretty easily make coconut cream cheese at home from canned coconut milk.
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Danielle Daly
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