How Do I Make Cream Cheese?

While you can make cream cheese completely from scratch using milk and cultures, I recommend starting with store-bought cream cheese for these spreads. It’s much simpler and gives consistent results! If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade cream cheese typically involves heating milk, adding an acid like lemon juice or vinegar, straining the curds, and then processing until smooth.

What Is The Cream Cheese?

Cream cheese is a soft, mild-tasting fresh cheese made from milk and cream. It has a smooth, spreadable texture and a slightly tangy flavor. For these recipes, I recommend using full-fat cream cheese (not whipped or light versions) for the best texture and flavor.

What Can I Make With Cream Cheese?

Beyond these spreads, cream cheese is incredibly versatile! I use it in cheesecakes, frostings, dips, stuffed mushrooms, and even mashed potatoes for extra creaminess. It’s also wonderful in pasta sauces for a silky texture and in savory pastries like cheese danishes — but nothing beats a good homemade cream cheese for bagels as a breakfast staple.

What Cream Cheese Goes Best With Everything Bagel?

In my experience, savory cream cheese spreads pair perfectly with everything bagels. The garlic & herb or chive & caramelized onion spreads in this recipe complement the savory seeds and spices on an everything bagel beautifully. The contrast between the crunchy seeds and the creamy spread creates a perfect bite! These homemade cream cheese spreads have become a weekend tradition in my home, and I hope they’ll become one in yours too! There’s something so special about starting the day with a warm bagel topped with cream cheese you made yourself. It’s those little touches of homemade goodness that turn an ordinary breakfast into a moment to savor.

Cream Cheese for Bagels – 5 Irresistible Homemade Spreads You’ll Crave Every Weekend

5 IRRESISTIBLE HOMEMADE CREAM CHEESE FOR BAGELS

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Upgrade your bagel experience with five unique homemade cream cheese spreads—sweet, savory, and herbaceous options for every taste.

Author: Emily Rose Carter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 5 x 8 oz spreads 1x
Category: Spreads
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

🍓 Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread
- 1 cup (8 oz) cream cheese
- ½ cup strawberries
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
🍫 Chocolate Cream Cheese Spread
- 1 cup (8 oz) cream cheese
- ¼ cup melted bittersweet chocolate
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
🌿 Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese Spread
- 1 cup (8 oz) cream cheese
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp parsley
- 1 tbsp dried onion
🥥 Honey Walnut Cream Cheese Spread
- 1 cup (8 oz) cream cheese
- 3 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts
- Pinch of cinnamon
🧅 Chive & Caramelized Onion Cream Cheese Spread
- 1 cup (8 oz) cream cheese
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- Pinch of salt

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Instructions

🍓 Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread
1. Blend cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add strawberries and powdered sugar. Blend until combined.
3. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
🍫 Chocolate Cream Cheese Spread
1. Blend cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add melted chocolate and powdered sugar. Blend again.
3. Chill for 2 hours before serving.
🌿 Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese Spread
1. Blend cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add garlic, parsley, and dried onion. Blend well.
3. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
🥥 Honey Walnut Cream Cheese Spread
1. Blend cream cheese until creamy.
2. Add honey, cinnamon (optional), and walnuts. Blend or stir.
3. Chill for 2 hours before serving.
🧅 Chive & Caramelized Onion Cream Cheese Spread
1. Cook onion in olive oil over low heat until caramelized (about 10 minutes). Let cool.
2. Blend cream cheese until smooth.
3. Stir or blend in caramelized onion, chives, and salt.
4. Chill for 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Each spread lasts up to 1 week refrigerated.
Serve chilled on fresh bagels.
Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tbsp
Calories: 90 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/cream-cheese-for-bagels/