Cream Cheese (Mock) Or Yogurt Cheese
Cream cheese or yogurt cheese offers a tangy, creamy spread perfect for breakfast, snacks, or recipes requiring a mild cheese substitute, suitable for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a large strainer with a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
- Place the strainer over a large bowl or pan.
- Put plain nonfat yogurt in the strainer and set aside in the refrigerator to drain overnight.
- The following morning, you will have a solid cream cheese in the strainer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker consistency, use Greek yogurt instead of regular plain yogurt. If you want to add flavor, consider mixing in herbs or spices before serving. You can also use a nut milk bag in place of a coffee filter or cheesecloth for draining. This recipe is a great base for vegetarian recipes or spreads.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this mock cream cheese spread on bagels, toast, or crackers. It pairs beautifully with Pea-Noodle Salad or as a dip for fresh vegetables. You can also use it as a filling for savory pastries or alongside Potatoes With Creamy Dill Sauce for a delicious meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If it becomes too thick, simply stir in a little milk or yogurt to reach your desired consistency. Reheating is not necessary, as this is typically served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese (Mock) Or Yogurt Cheese contains roughly 112 calories, with 3g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use flavored yogurt for this recipe?
Using flavored yogurt will result in a sweetened cream cheese, which may not suit all savory applications. If you enjoy experimenting, go ahead, but be mindful of how the flavors might mix with other dishes.
How can I tell when the yogurt cheese is ready?
After draining overnight, the yogurt should be thickened and firm. You can check by gently pressing with a spoon. If it holds its shape, it’s ready to use. If it’s still too soft, let it drain for a few more hours.
Can I freeze the cream cheese?
Yes, you can freeze the cream cheese for up to two months. To freeze, place it in a sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before using, but note that the texture may change slightly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).