NOLA Style Creole Cream Cheese
A cherished local delicacy of New Orleans, NOLA Style Creole Cream Cheese embodies the unique dairy heritage of the region. Traditionally crafted by hand, this creamy cheese is reminiscent of Greek yogurt, with a smooth and tangy flavor profile that delights the palate. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a refreshing snack, this versatile cream cheese pairs wonderfully with a sprinkling of sugar, a splash of half-and-half, and fresh seasonal fruits. Indulge in the flavors of New Orleans by transforming this rich cream cheese into an exquisite ice cream. This recipe honors the cultural heritage of Creole cheese-making, providing a taste of nostalgia for locals and an adventurous treat for new enthusiasts.
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Skim Milk
2 quarts (room temperature)
Buttermilk
1/4 cup (room temperature)
Liquid Rennet
12 drops
Dry Rennet
1/4 tablet (if using instead of liquid rennet)
Instructions
1
Begin by pouring the skim milk into a thoroughly sanitized stainless steel container (3 to 4 quarts capacity). Cover the milk and place it in the warmest spot in your kitchen, such as on top of a warmed clothes dryer, until its temperature stabilizes between 70°F and 80°F. Alternatively, you can gently heat the milk on the stove over very low heat, ensuring it does not exceed 80°F.
2
Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, in a small bowl, mix the buttermilk with the liquid rennet or, if using dry rennet, dissolve a 1/4 tablet in the buttermilk. Pour this mixture into the warm milk, stirring gently to combine everything thoroughly. Cover the container with cheesecloth and allow it to sit undisturbed in a non-drafty area for 24 to 36 hours, allowing curds to form. Avoid stirring, as this will break the curds.
3
After the curds have formed, line a large strainer or colander with cheesecloth and carefully pour the curds into it, letting the whey drain into a bowl below. Allow the curds to drain completely until they stop dripping. Once drained, transfer the cream cheese to an airtight container and chill it in the refrigerator. NOLA Style Creole Cream Cheese can be stored in the fridge for approximately two weeks.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NOLA Style Creole Cream Cheese?
NOLA Style Creole Cream Cheese is a cherished New Orleans delicacy with a tangy, creamy flavor profile similar to Greek yogurt, embodying the region's unique dairy heritage.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 quarts of skim milk, 1/4 cup of buttermilk, and rennet in either liquid (12 drops) or dry (1/4 tablet) form.
What type of milk is used in Creole Cream Cheese?
This specific recipe calls for 2 quarts of skim milk brought to room temperature.
How much buttermilk is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of buttermilk at room temperature.
Can I use dry rennet instead of liquid rennet?
Yes, you can use 1/4 of a dry rennet tablet dissolved in buttermilk as an alternative to 12 drops of liquid rennet.
What is the ideal temperature for the milk before adding the rennet?
The milk should be stabilized at a temperature between 70°F and 80°F.
How should I warm the milk?
You can place the container in a warm spot like on top of a warmed clothes dryer or heat it very gently on the stove over low heat.
Why is it important to sanitize the container?
Thoroughly sanitizing the stainless steel container prevents unwanted bacteria from affecting the cheese-making process during the long fermentation period.
How is the rennet mixture prepared?
Mix the liquid rennet or dissolved dry rennet tablet directly into the buttermilk before adding it to the warm milk.
How long does the milk mixture need to sit to form curds?
The mixture must sit undisturbed in a non-drafty area for 24 to 36 hours.
Can I stir the mixture while the curds are forming?
No, you must avoid stirring the mixture as this will break the curds and prevent proper formation.
Where is the best place to let the cheese set?
The best place is the warmest spot in your kitchen that is free from drafts, such as on top of a warm appliance.
How are the curds separated from the whey?
Line a large strainer or colander with cheesecloth and carefully pour the curds into it, allowing the liquid whey to drain into a bowl.
How long should the curds drain?
The curds should drain until they stop dripping completely.
How should the finished Creole Cream Cheese be stored?
Transfer the cheese to an airtight container and keep it chilled in the refrigerator.
What is the shelf life of NOLA Style Creole Cream Cheese?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for approximately two weeks.
What is the calorie content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
How much protein is in this cream cheese?
There are 6 grams of protein per serving.
What are the fat and carbohydrate counts?
The cheese contains 2g of fat and 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What does Creole Cream Cheese taste like?
It has a smooth and tangy flavor profile that is reminiscent of Greek yogurt.
What is the texture of this cheese?
The texture is creamy and smooth, crafted through a traditional hand-making process.
How is it traditionally served for breakfast?
It is often served with a sprinkling of sugar, a splash of half-and-half, and fresh seasonal fruits.
Can I use this recipe to make ice cream?
Yes, this rich cream cheese can be transformed into an exquisite Creole cream cheese ice cream.
Is this a traditional New Orleans recipe?
Yes, it is a local delicacy that honors the cultural heritage of Creole cheese-making in New Orleans.
What fruits pair well with Creole Cream Cheese?
Fresh seasonal fruits are the best pairing for this tangy cream cheese.
What size container is recommended for making the cheese?
A stainless steel container with a 3 to 4 quarts capacity is ideal.
What material should I use for draining the cheese?
Cheesecloth is required to line a strainer or colander for effective draining.
What should I watch out for during the heating process?
Ensure the milk does not exceed 80°F, as high temperatures can interfere with the curdling process.
Is this recipe considered a snack or a dessert?
It is highly versatile and can be enjoyed as a breakfast, a dessert, or a refreshing snack.
Is this recipe suitable for those looking for nostalgic flavors?
Absolutely, it provides a taste of nostalgia for locals and serves as an adventurous treat for new enthusiasts.