The Best Cream Cheese Substitutions

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Craving the creamy taste of cream cheese but don’t have any on hand? Skip the trip to the store and explore delicious substitutes that capture the same smooth texture and tangy flavor. Whether you’re looking for a dairy-free option, running low, or simply want to try something new, these alternatives make it easy to enjoy your favorite spreads, dips, and recipes without the traditional block of cream cheese.

Some people avoid dairy due to dietary restrictions, while others seek healthier options. If either applies to you, keep reading for cream cheese substitute options to try.

What is cream cheese?

Cream cheese is a soft, creamy, mildly tangy cheese made from the coagulation of cream or a mix of milk and cream, using starter cultures. Popular in North America, people commonly enjoy it as a spread, in dressings, and in desserts like cheesecake.

Cream cheese gives certain qualities to baked goods, desserts, and savory dishes. Here are some reasons why cream cheese is needed: 

• It makes pie crusts light and flaky.
• Cream cheese adds richness to frostings like those used for carrot and red velvet cakes.
• Many cheesecake recipes use cream cheese.
• Stir cream cheese into the soup for added creaminess and thickness.
• Add it to pasta sauce for a creamy, tangy touch.
• Use cream cheese as a base for dips and spreads.
• Mix it into mashed potatoes for extra creaminess and thickness.

Common Cream Cheese Substitutes

Keep in mind that substituting cream cheese may alter the texture, flavor, or consistency of your recipe. While it’s always best to use the exact ingredient a recipe calls for, this isn’t always possible due to allergies, dietary restrictions, or simply not having it available. In these cases, the following substitutes are excellent alternatives that can easily replace cream cheese. Most of these substitutes can be used in a one-to-one ratio, except for goat cheese.

Mascarpone Cheese

Origin

Mascarpone originated in Lombardy, Italy, around the late 1500s or 1600s, where it became known for fresh cheese curds. The name may derive from the Spanish phrase “mas que bueno,” the local dialect word for ricotta (“mascarpia”), or a milk product called “mascarpa.”

Description 

Mascarpone is a soft, butter-colored, creamy cheese made from fresh cow’s milk cream with a butterfat content of around 75%. It has a smooth, spreadable texture similar to whipped cream and a mild flavor, making it a versatile base for both sweet and savory dishes.

American cream cheese, in comparison, is more acidic, which gives it a tangier flavor. To make mascarpone tangier, add a splash of lemon juice. 

Uses

• Commonly used in Lombardy region dishes.
• Best known for its role in Tiramisu.
• In Friuli, blended with anchovies, mustard, and spices.
• High butterfat content allows it to be used like butter in recipes  — best for desserts and dips.
• Offers half the calories of butter.
• A popular ingredient in both savory and sweet culinary creations.

“I find that mascarpone cheese is a great substitute for cream cheese for both savory and sweet recipes! I was making a cheesecake and ran out of cream cheese, and I was able to substitute this because its flavor didn’t overpower other ingredients but still had the same fluffy texture.”

— Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju, Urban Farmie

Neufchâtel

Origin

Neufchâtel originated in the Neufchâtel region of France, dating back to the 6th century. Often considered a precursor to cream cheese, it is one of the oldest French cheeses.

Description

Neufchâtel is made from cow’s milk and has a soft, crumbly texture. Neufchâtel cheese has a similar consistency and taste to cream cheese but contains higher fat and sodium content. The cheese is typically white and encased in a distinctive heart shape.

Uses

• Commonly used in spreads, dips, and as a topping for bagels.
• Utilized in French cuisine for both savory dishes and desserts.
• Use it as a lighter alternative to cream cheese in recipes, thanks to its mild flavor and lower fat content.

Cottage Cheese

Origin

Cottage cheese likely originated in Europe, with a history dating back to the 17th century. It is a fresh cheese made from cow’s milk curds.

Description

Cottage cheese has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a lumpy, creamy texture. It is made by curdling milk, draining the whey, and adding cream to the curds. It is available in different fat content variations, from low-fat to full-fat.

Cottage cheese is a versatile, high-protein cheese commonly used in both savory and sweet dishes. Adjusting its consistency with ingredients like yogurt or heavy cream lets you incorporate cottage cheese into various recipes, making it adaptable to different culinary styles.

Uses

• People commonly use it in salads and as a topping for baked potatoes.
• Mix it with fruits and vegetables for a healthy snack or dish.
• Use it in baking, especially in pancakes and cheesecakes.
• Ideal for both savory and sweet dishes due to its mild flavor.
• High protein content makes it a great option for a healthy snack or breakfast.
• For desserts or frostings, combine with plain yogurt, Greek yogurt, or heavy cream to achieve a smooth consistency.
• For dips, gravies, or cheese sauces, strain and blend cottage cheese into a puree to remove excess water.

Ricotta Cheese

Origin

Ricotta cheese is traditionally made in various regions of Italy, including Sicily. It is a by-product of cheesemaking, often produced from the whey leftover from making cheeses like Piacentinu Ennese, a protected designation of origin (PDO) cheese. In Sicily, particularly in the Enna area, people have made ricotta for centuries, with some variations including saffron-infused ricotta cheese. This traditional version not only adds a unique flavor but also incorporates the aromatic qualities of saffron, enhancing its appeal.

Description

Ricotta is a fresh dairy product known for its mild flavor and soft, creamy texture. Typically, producers make it by re-cooking the whey left over from cheese production. Infusing ricotta with saffron gives it a distinctive yellow color and a unique flavor profile from the saffron residues. Produced in small batches using traditional methods, saffron-infused ricotta also offers potential health-promoting properties due to natural ingredients like saffron.

Uses

• In Sicily, people use ricotta in a variety of savory and sweet dishes, including pasta fillings and desserts.
• Commonly used in baking, especially in cakes, pastries, and cannoli.
• Saffron-infused ricotta boasts aromatic qualities that people highly value.
• Ricotta has potential bioactive properties, offering antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits.
• Ricotta has a milder flavor and chunkier texture than cream cheese.
• It works as a one-for-one substitute for cream cheese in recipes.
• Works well in dips, sauces, spreads, baking, and savory cooking.
• For dips, combine ricotta with plain Greek yogurt or yogurt to create a smooth consistency.

Sour Cream

Origin

Sour cream is a traditional dairy product originating in Lithuania and many Eastern European countries, with a slightly less popular presence in Western Europe.

Description

Sour cream is a fresh cream with a fat content typically ranging from 30 to 40%, fermented using Lactobacillus and Lactococcus lactis bacteria. It has a rich, tangy flavor, and a slightly sour and creamy texture, suites as cream cheese substitute.

Uses

• Commonly used in Eastern European cuisine, often as a topping for dishes like potatoes, soups, and meats.
• Used in baking, particularly in recipes for cakes and pastries. When baking, add an extra 2 tablespoons of flour to help make the cake firm. 
• Added to sauces and dips for a smooth texture and tangy flavor.
• Use it as a condiment or ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.
• Modified versions with vegetable fat are available, affecting flavor and texture profiles.

Goat Cheese

Origin 

Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, has been made for thousands of years and is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in countries like France, Spain, and Greece.

Description

Goat cheese is a soft, creamy cheese made from goat’s milk. It has a distinct tangy flavor, which can range from mild to sharp, and a crumbly texture. Its appearance varies from soft, spreadable cheeses to firm varieties. Goat cheese is typically white and is available both fresh and aged.

In place of cream cheese, use a three-quarters cup of goat cheese for every cup your recipe calls.

Uses

• It’s a popular addition to salads and pizzas or as a topping for bread and crackers.
• Featured in Mediterranean dishes, often paired with fruits, nuts, and honey.
• Used in baking, particularly in savory tarts or quiches.
• Blended into sauces and spreads for a creamy, tangy flavor.
• Add it to pasta dishes, sandwiches, and omelets for richness and depth.
• A popular addition to cheese boards, offering a contrast to cow’s milk cheeses.

Cashew Cheese

Origin

Cashew cheese is a dairy-free, vegan alternative to traditional cheese made from raw or roasted cashews. It became popular in the plant-based and vegan food movements as a substitute for creamy, spreadable cheeses. Cashew cheese can be found in natural food stores, organic grocery stores and specialty cheese shops.

Description

Cashew cheese has a creamy, smooth texture and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. It can be made with various seasonings or additives like nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, or herbs to enhance flavor. Cashew cheese can be used in a spreadable form or firmed up for slices, similar to traditional cheeses.

Uses

• Commonly used in vegan and dairy-free dishes as a replacement for cream cheese, ricotta, or other soft cheeses.
• Spread on crackers, bread, or sandwiches.
• Added to pasta dishes, pizzas, and casseroles for a creamy texture.
• Used as a base for savory dishes like soups, sauces, dips, and dressings, often combined with herbs or spices.
• Can be incorporated into vegan cheesecakes or desserts for a rich, creamy consistency.
• Used as a filling in wraps, and tacos, and as a topping for roasted vegetables.

Hummus

Origin

Hummus is a traditional Middle Eastern dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas (garbanzo beans), blended with tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, lemon juice, and spices.

Description

Hummus is creamy, smooth, and slightly tangy with a nutty flavor due to its chickpea content — also called garbanzo beans. It may vary in flavor depending on additional ingredients such as garlic, herbs, or spices.  Hummus is creamy, tangy, and nutty, making it great for savory dishes, spreads, and sauces perfect cream cheese substitute.

Uses

• Commonly used as a dip for vegetables, pita bread, or crackers.
• Spread on sandwiches, wraps, or toast.
• Added as a topping for salads or bowls.
• Used as a healthier alternative to creamy dips and spreads in various cuisines.
• Can be used as a filling or accompaniment in wraps, sandwiches, and burgers.

Silken Tofu

Origin

Silken tofu, also known as taopho or soft tofu, has its roots in East Asia, particularly in Japan, China, and Korea, where it has been a staple food for centuries. It was likely first developed in China, where tofu (also called bean curd) was introduced around 2,000 years ago. Silken tofu is a variation of traditional tofu, known for its soft, delicate texture.

In Vietnam, silken tofu is commonly consumed, but traditional production methods often use unsafe coagulants like non-food-grade gypsum, which leads to health concerns. More recently, safer alternatives such as Glucono Delta Lactone (GDL) have been used in production to ensure the safety and quality of the product.

Description

Silken tofu is made by coagulating soy milk into a soft, custard-like form. The texture is smooth and delicate, with a high moisture content. Unlike the firmer varieties of tofu, silken tofu does not undergo the same pressing process to remove excess water, which is why it retains its creamy, soft consistency. It is typically sold in blocks, often in aseptic packaging to maintain freshness.

There are two main types of tofu based on texture:

• Silken tofu (soft): Has a smooth, creamy texture and is ideal for blending or using in dishes where a soft consistency is desired.
• Firm tofu: Has a denser texture and is more suitable for grilling, frying, or stir-frying.

Uses

• Silken tofu is used in smoothies for creaminess, soups and sauces for smooth texture, and in vegan desserts like puddings and cheesecakes.
• It’s perfect for creamy dips, spreads, and dressings, as well as adding tender texture to stir-fries and casseroles. 
• It also works as an egg substitute in baking, a vegan cream cheese alternative, and a dairy-free spread for bagels. 
• Additionally, it can be used to make healthier vegan frosting.

Plain Yogurt

Origin

Plain yogurt likely originated in ancient Mesopotamia and Central Asia, where people discovered it accidentally when milk fermented naturally. Over time, it became a staple in many cultures, spreading worldwide due to its unique taste and health benefits.

Description

Plain yogurt is a fermented dairy product made by adding live bacterial cultures to milk, thickening it and giving it a tangy flavor. It’s rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics, and is typically unsweetened and unflavored, making it versatile for culinary use.

Full-fat yogurt is best for this, with a similar flavor and texture to cream cheese. 

Uses

• Adds moisture to baked goods, tenderizes meats, and thickens sauces.
• Provides creaminess and boosts protein for smoothies.
• Combines well with herbs and spices for creamy dressings and dips.
• Replaces sour cream, mayonnaise, or buttermilk in recipes. To use plain yogurt as a cream cheese substitute, you need time to make hung kurd, also known as strained yogurt.
  
  To make hung curd, pour yogurt into a cheesecloth or coffee filter and squeeze out the whey, then hang it over a bowl overnight to thicken. The result is a tangy, cream cheese-like texture that you can sweeten with honey if desired. Hung curd is versatile and works well in sauces, dips, savory dishes, baking, desserts, and frostings.
  
• Used in parfaits, frozen yogurt, and creamy desserts.

Concluding ideas

Choosing the right cream cheese substitute depends on the flavor, texture, and dietary needs that suit your dish best. Greek yogurt and hung curd deliver a creamy tang, perfect for spreads and dips, while silken tofu offers a neutral, dairy-free base that mixes well with seasonings in savory or sweet recipes. Nut-based options like cashew or almond cream add a rich, slightly nutty taste that’s ideal for vegan dishes. With each alternative bringing unique qualities, a bit of experimentation can help you find the perfect match for any recipe.

It’s important to remember that your recipe may not turn out exactly like the original. Follow the directions above carefully. Although the texture and flavor may differ slightly from cream cheese, these alternatives are worth trying.