Instant Pot Cream Cheese

Make perfectly smooth and creamy cream cheese in your Instant Pot with this easy recipe! Enjoy homemade cream cheese that’s rich, tangy, and perfect for spreading or cooking. Smooth creamy cream cheese made in the comfort of your own home!

Making cream cheese in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for anyone who loves rich, creamy spreads without the hassle. This simple recipe allows you to create fresh, tangy cream cheese with minimal effort and ingredients.

Using the Instant Pot, you can achieve a smooth and delicious homemade spread perfect for bagels, dips, and other recipes. The process is mostly hands-off, letting the Instant Pot do all the work while you enjoy the satisfaction of homemade goodness. Whether you’re looking for a healthier option or just want to try something new, this Instant Pot cream cheese recipe is a must-try!

If you are looking for other easy toppings for your bagels, here are some really easy recipes: INSTANT POT STRAWBERRY JAM and INSTANT POT HOMEMADE BLUEBERRY JAM.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• It’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
• The Instant Pot ensures perfect creamy texture every time.
• You can customize flavors to suit your taste preferences.
• It’s fresher and healthier than store-bought alternatives.
• Saves money compared to buying pre-made cream cheese.
• Perfect for spreading on bagels, toast, or using in recipes.
• Impress friends and family with homemade cream cheese.
• Minimal effort with maximum delicious results.

Ingredients Needed And Substitutions

• Fresh Milk: The foundational ingredient, fresh milk, provides a creamy base. Use a high-quality, pasteurized milk to ensure a rich and authentic flavor. You can use almond milk, skim milk, heavy cream, heavy whipping cream, or whole milk.
• Starter Culture or Acid: Whether you’re using lemon juice, white vinegar, or a specific cheese starter culture, this ingredient is crucial for the curdling process. It separates the milk into curds and whey, transforming it into cream cheese.
• Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the natural flavors of the cream cheese. While optional, it acts as a preservative, bringing out the creamy texture’s full depth and richness.

How To Make Instant Pot Cream Cheese

Step One: In an Instant Pot bowl, pour in milk and lemon juice. Give it a little stir. Close the lid, seal the pressure valve, and set the Instant Pot cook time for 6 minutes on low pressure.

Step Two: Once finished, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then do a quick release. Give the mixture a good stir. The cheese curds should have separated from milk, leaving whey. Place a cheesecloth over a strainer and remove the curds with a slotted spoon or spider spoon. Place the curds on the cheesecloth and let the curds come to room temperature.

Step Three: For smooth creamy cream cheese, place the cheese curds in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add salt, or other seasonings to your cream cheese.

Step Four: Serve on your favorite bagels, or refrigerate, until serving time.

Instant Pot Cream Cheese Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best results, make sure to use fresh milk and lemon juice. This will help the cream cheese have a rich and creamy texture.
• Monitor the Pressure Release: Be sure to allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes before doing a quick release. This helps the curds separate more efficiently.
• Add Seasonings to Taste: Customize your cream cheese with your favorite seasonings like garlic powder, chives, or herbs to create different flavor variations.
• Consistency Control: If you prefer a thicker cream cheese, let it drain longer in the cheesecloth. For a creamier consistency, blend a little longer in the food processor.
• Storage: Once your cream cheese is ready, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to a month.
• Ensure Proper Straining: Make sure to properly strain the whey from the curds to get a smooth, spreadable cream cheese. Too much whey left behind can make the texture runny.
• Don’t Overcook: Stick to the recommended cook time for best results. Overcooking can lead to a less smooth texture.

Storage

Store your Instant Pot cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cream cheese in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before use.

Instant Pot Cream Cheese Recipe Faqs

Can I use any type of milk for this recipe? Yes, you can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk, though whole milk will yield the creamiest results.

Can I add flavorings to the cream cheese? Absolutely! You can add herbs, garlic, or even sweeteners like honey or vanilla to customize the flavor of your cream cheese.

Can I use this cream cheese for baking? Yes, this homemade cream cheese can be used in baking, such as in cheesecakes or cream cheese frosting, just like store-bought cream cheese.

What if I don’t have cheesecloth? If you don’t have cheesecloth, you can use a clean kitchen towel or coffee filter to strain the cheese curds.

Is this recipe suitable for making cream cheese spread? Yes, once blended and smooth, you can easily use this recipe to make a creamy spread for bagels, toast, or crackers.

Why didn’t my cream cheese come out smooth? If your cream cheese isn’t smooth, try blending it longer in the food processor or adding a little bit of milk to achieve a smoother texture.

Equipment Used

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Sterilizer, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, and Warmer, 6 Quart, 14 One-Touch Programs

More Instant Pot Recipes

• INSTANT POT EGG DROP SOUP
• EASY INSTANT POT QUESO
• INSTANT POT POTATO SOUP

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