No-Fat Yogurt Herbed "Cream Cheese"
A creamy, tangy no-fat herbed yogurt cheese perfect for spreading or serving with crackers, offering fresh herbs and a smooth texture for a healthy snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, whip together the yogurt, dried milk, and herbs.
- Place the Mr. Coffee filter into a sieve or colander.
- Spoon the yogurt mixture into the filter.
- Suspend the filter above a bowl, covering the exposed surface with waxed paper.
- Place into the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- The whey will separate from the cheese and drop into the bowl.
- The longer the cheese is left in the refrigerator, the firmer it becomes.
- Remove the cheese and serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, experiment with different dried herbs such as dill or basil, or add a pinch of garlic powder. If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in a bit of plain Greek yogurt. Ensure the yogurt is strained well to achieve the desired consistency. This herbed 'cream cheese' is a great alternative for those looking for lighter spreads, perfect for pairing with crackers or in recipes like Chocolate Delight Bites.
Serving Suggestions
This herbed cream cheese pairs beautifully with whole grain crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for a healthy snack. Spread it on toast for a delightful breakfast or use it as a savory dip for party platters. It also complements well with dishes like Currant Biscuits(English Tea Biscuits) for a unique flavor combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover herbed cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you find it too thick after refrigeration, simply stir in a teaspoon of water or additional yogurt to achieve the desired consistency. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No-Fat Yogurt Herbed "Cream Cheese" contains roughly 130 calories, with 4g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value), and potassium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 723mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh herbs can be used, but you'll need to adjust the quantity since they are less concentrated. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried herbs. Chop them finely before mixing to release their flavors.
What if I don't have a coffee filter?
If you don't have a coffee filter, you can use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to strain the yogurt mixture. Just ensure it’s secure and allows the whey to drain properly while keeping the yogurt mixture contained.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix in roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or even olives for additional flavor. Just keep in mind that adding ingredients may affect the texture, so adjust the straining time accordingly to achieve your preferred consistency.
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).