To quickly soften cream cheese, place completely unwrapped package of cream cheese in a microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 15 sec. or just until softened. Add 15 sec. for each additional package of cream cheese.
Using softened cream cheese helps cream cheese and sugar blend completely and be free of lumps, which is the key to success since it’s much harder to smooth out the lumps in batter once eggs are added.
Place cookies in resealable bag; close top. Using rolling pin or bottom of heavy pot, gently crush cookies. Alternatively food processor can be used instead of crushing by hand. Break cookies in smaller size (if sheets of graham crackers were used); place in food processor. Pulse in one second increment until all cookies are finely crushed.
The edge should be slightly puffed and it will be set except for a small area in the center that will be soft and jiggly if cheesecake is done. To avoid overbaking a cheesecake, check for doneness at the minimum baking time by gently shaking the pan.
Dessert containing cream cheese, whether baked or unbaked, should be covered and stored in the refrigerator. Use within 5 days.
10-inch cast-iron skillet sprayed with cooking spray can be used in place for 9-inch springform pan. Since batter will come up closer to the top of skillet, be sure to place skillet on sheet pan before placing in oven: Cast-Iron Cheesecake - My Food and Family.
Try incorporating into creamy sauce for your family favorite chicken dishes. Cut cream cheese into cubes for easier melt. Here are some of our favorite recipes Chicken in Creamy Pan Sauce - My Food and Family Easy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo - My Food and Family.
Cream cheese can be added to your ice cream batter for extra creaminess & deliciousness! Try our No-Churn Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream - My Food and Family, no ice cream machine needed!
When melting cream cheese into your favorite sauce or dish to make extra creamy, we recommend cutting the cream cheese into small cubes for a quick and easy melt. Once cubed, stir in cream cheese into the dish you are making and whisk until melted completely.
Yes, Philadelphia cream cheese is considered gluten-free.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese in brick form is our product that is used primarily in cooking and baking. Although the brick form can also be used for spreading, Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spread in the soft tub is a more easily spreadable product. The Philly Cream Cheese Spreads were developed for applications in which more "spreadability" is required such as spreading on toast or bagel, snacking on crackers, or dipping vegetables.
Neufchatel cream cheese is a soft, mild, uncured cheese similar in flavor and texture to cream cheese with less fat and more moisture.
PHILADELPHIA® Whipped® Cream Cheese Flavors were introduced in 1962.
Soft PHILADELPHIA® Brand Cream Cheese was introduced in 1980.
The product should be consumed by the "Best When Used By" date on the packaging.We cannot assure freshness after that date because the taste and texture may have deteriorated.
We do not recommend freezing the product, not because it is a health or safety hazard, but because freezing can affect the quality of the product.
We recommend storing this product in the refrigerator at normal refrigeration temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend that you consume the product up until the "Best When Used By" date on the package. We don't recommend consuming after that date because we cannot guarantee optimum freshness and quality.
Re-seal and return product to refrigerator immediately after serving/using. Keep in refrigerator under normal refrigerator temperatures of 40 degrees at all times. Product should be used within 10 days after opening or by the date stamped on the package, whichever comes first. We do not recommend consuming this product once the date has expired because we cannot ensure the same quality and texture if it is consumed after that date.
Cakes and cookies made with cream cheese do not require refrigeration. Baked cheesecakes that contain cream cheese must be refrigerated. Fillings and toppings should be kept refrigerated.
How do I know if it's still fresh?
To help you determine the freshness of our products at the time of purchase the words Best When Purchased By come before the date. We also recommend that this date be used as a guide to help you determine the freshness of our products when being stored in your home. Using a product by this date assures that you will receive the best freshness and flavor of the product.
Cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. We do not recommend freezing any of the following: any recipe using PHILADELPHIA cream cheese that also calls for eggs, cheesecakes that contain sour cream, refrigerated or no-bake cheesecakes prepared with gelatin, frosting prepared with Light Neufchatel cheese, recipes that contain a white sauce, gelatin, mayonnaise, or salad dressing.