Cream cheese facts for kids

Honey Cream Cheese Cookie

Cream cheese is a soft, mild-tasting, white cheese that contains at least 33% milkfat (as marketed) with a moisture content of not more than 55%. It is sold in brick form or in a small, tub-like container. Variety brands add such additional seasonings as garlic, dill, and olives.

Cream cheese differs from other cheese in that it is not allowed time to mature and is meant to be consumed fresh. It is a primary ingredient in cheesecake and other desserts, and is often spread on bagels and eaten with lox (smoked salmon). On bagels, cream cheese is sometimes referred to by the Yiddish word schmear.

Usage

Cream cheese is used in many recipes.

In many European countries, cream cheese is eaten as a cheese, rather than a spread, and it is served on cheese trays. For example, in Italy, chunks of cream cheese are served in fresh salads. Japanese consumers put cream cheese on crusty bread. Cream cheese bars, originally invented in Russia, have made their way State-side in recent years.

Related pages

• Fromage frais

Images for kids

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  A block of Philadelphia brand cream cheese

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  Cream cheese on a bagel

See also

In Spanish: Queso crema para niños