Dairy, Cheese | Low Calorie Vegetarian

Low Fat Cream Cheese

Bos taurus Allergens: Milk
Low Fat Cream Cheese

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A (Animal product)
  • Primary Cuisine Western, American
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Milk, Cream

The Forktionary Angle

"Your culinary companion for ingredient mastery."

Definition

A soft, spreadable dairy product made from milk and cream, with a significantly reduced fat content compared to regular cream cheese.

Sensory Profile

TasteTangy, mild, slightly savory, less rich than full-fat
TextureSmooth, creamy, spreadable, slightly firmer than full-fat
AromaMild, lactic, fresh dairy
AcidityMedium

Technical Metrics

Primary Acidifying Agent

Lactic Acid Bacteria

Refrigeration Shelf Life (Opened)

7-10 days

Typical Fat Content Reduction

At least 25%

Nutrition Facts

Per 2 tbsp (30g)
Calories150kcal
Total Fat12g
Saturated Fat7g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol35mg
Protein9g
Total Carbohydrate6g
Dietary Fiber0g
Total Sugars6g
Calcium100mg
Iron0.2mg
Potassium150mg

Chef’s Secret

To prevent low-fat cream cheese from curdling in hot sauces, temper it by gradually whisking in some hot liquid before adding to the main dish.

Substitutions

Best Match

Neufchâtel Cheese

1:1

French cheese, naturally lower in fat, very similar in taste and texture to low-fat cream cheese, excellent for baking.

Greek Yogurt (Strained)

1:1 (in some contexts)

A tangy, high-protein, very low-fat option. Best for dips and spreads, less ideal for baking without texture adjustments.

Ricotta Cheese (Part-Skim)

1:1 (by volume)

Lighter texture, less tangy, good for fillings in desserts or savory dishes where a mild dairy flavor is desired.

Silken Tofu (Blended)

1:1 (by volume)

Dairy-free alternative, very neutral flavor, requires acidity (lemon juice) to mimic tang. Good for no-bake desserts.

Buying Guide

Check fat content if specific dietary needs. Look for smooth texture, no visible liquid separation.

Flavor Pairings

Bagels lox fresh fruit crackers celery dill chives smoked salmon.

Recipes Using Low Fat Cream Cheese

Amy's Chicken And Black Bean Enchilada Casserole image 131
Poultry Beans Preparation Casseroles

Amy's Chicken And Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

Craving a flavor explosion? This Amy's Chicken & Black Bean Enchilada Casserole delivers! Perfectly spiced chicken and black beans simmer in a rich, smoky blend of coriander and cumin. Creamy enchilada sauce, cool sour cream, crisp romaine lettuce, and juicy tomatoes create the ultimate comfort food experience. Easy to make, incredibly satisfying – this recipe is your new weeknight go-to!

See Complete Recipe
Bacon Onion Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms image 123
Vegetables Low Carb Bacon Appetizers

Bacon Onion Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

These Bacon Onion Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms are a crowd-pleaser! My easy recipe puts a delicious spin on a classic appetizer, perfect for your next get-together. Crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and creamy cream cheese combine for a flavor explosion in tender mushroom caps. Simple to make, yet impressive to serve – get ready for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe
Crab Custard Casserole image 171
Time To Make Shellfish Brunch Eggs

Crab Custard Casserole

Indulge in this dreamy Crab Custard Casserole, a luxurious and lightened-up brunch masterpiece! Inspired by the Amber House Inn in Sacramento, this recipe (originally featured in Southern Living Low-Fat Recipes, January 1997) delivers a delicate crab custard baked to perfection. Flaky crabmeat mingles with creamy cheese in a fluffy egg custard, creating a flavor sensation that's both elegant and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a special Sunday brunch or a sophisticated weeknight dinner.

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