Question: My husband does not like cream cheese, sour cream or mayo, and I have a lot of recipes I would love to try that call for these ingredients. Can you suggest something I could substitute for these?
Robin’s Rescue: You’re correct, lots of recipes call for sour cream, cream cheese and mayonnaise because they add flavor and bind ingredients together in a variety of dishes, from sweet and savory baked dishes to cream sauces, dips, salads and dressings. Since sour cream and cream cheese both have a “tang,” I can understand why some folks might be reluctant to include them in a recipe. Mayonnaise is fairly bland, but perhaps your husband doesn’t like the consistency.
Nutritionist and cookbook author Robin Miller tackles your food and dining dilemmas. E-mail your questions [email protected].
Can I Use Mayo Instead of Cream Cheese? Yes, you can. Mayo has a creamy texture, is spreadable, and has a sweet flavor like cream cheese. This will come down to the flavor profile you’re looking for, as well as the consistency you need for the recipe.
Question: My husband does not like cream cheese, sour cream or mayo, and I have a lot of recipes I would love to try that call for these ingredients. Can you suggest something I could substitute for these?
Robin’s Rescue: You’re correct, lots of recipes call for sour cream, cream cheese and mayonnaise because they add flavor and bind ingredients together in a variety of dishes, from sweet and savory baked dishes to cream sauces, dips, salads and dressings. Since sour cream and cream cheese both have a “tang,” I can understand why some folks might be reluctant to include them in a recipe. Mayonnaise is fairly bland, but perhaps your husband doesn’t like the consistency.
Nutritionist and cookbook author Robin Miller tackles your food and dining dilemmas. E-mail your questions [email protected].
For all of its popularity, cream cheese is really underappreciated. But it might help to showcase your cream cheese by adding it to otherwise well-trodden recipes. One sandwich that may benefit from this swap is the iconic tomato sandwich, a simple Southern staple made by combining vine-fresh tomatoes and a healthy slathering of mayonnaise, preferably Dukes mayonnaise, on white or sourdough bread. Switching the usual mayonnaise for cream cheese offers a milder flavor pairing for the tomato, allowing the sweetness and acidity of the fresh fruit to really shine. But cream cheeses sandwich-enhancing abilities dont end with the tomato sandwich. Adding cream cheese to classic Polish egg salad can put a unique spin on the sandwich filling. Advertisement
Cream cheese is notoriously versatile, balancing between sweet and savory, and has a smooth texture that makes it the perfect spread for your sandwich. Additionally, its tangy taste makes a fantastic replacement for mayonnaise, which offers a similarly zesty flavor profile. However, cream cheese is, well, creamier than mayonnaise and may work well for diners who are put off by mayos oily tendencies. Cream cheese is a mild cheese variety, and its flavor balances perfectly between salty and sweet, making it almost infinitely adjustable to different flavors. This versatility makes it the perfect sounding board for other ingredients and a surprise touch to classic recipes.
However, it seems that cream cheese has hit a slump in its reputation in recent years. Cream cheese dips and spreads have become synonymous with ho-hum, middle-of-the-road food. Just try skimming Pinterest without coming across 10 versions of the same cream cheese Crock Pot recipe. But it might be worth reassessing that foil-wrapped cheese block, letting it shine past shredded chicken, hot sauce, and artichokes. Cream cheese can shine in its simplicity. Advertisement
But what is cream cheese, exactly? Well, cream cheese as we know it is a soft and mild cheese variety made from unskimmed cows milk. But cream cheese as we know it is a relatively new, and uniquely American, cheese variety. The cheese spread was first created in 1875 in Chester, New York by a dairy farmer named William Lawrence. He created the cheese in order to develop a richer variation of the Neufchâtel cheese, one of the oldest variations of French cheese. Advertisement
In the early 1900s, cream cheese became a staple for Jewish and Eastern European immigrants in New York City. The cheese was combined with lox and bagels to create one of the most iconic New York foods. And its popularity didnt stop with breakfast sandwiches. By the middle of the 20th century, cream cheese became a kitchen staple for most Americans, thanks to its inclusion in many womens magazines and recipe books, which featured cream cheese as the basis of many creamy dips, cheese balls, and desserts.
Can I substitute mayo for cream cheese?
FAQ
Does mayonnaise taste like cream cheese?
Can I use mayonnaise instead of cream?
Which is better for you mayonnaise or cream cheese?
Can I use Mayo instead of cream cheese?
Yes, you can. Mayo has a creamy texture, is spreadable, and has a sweet flavor like cream cheese. This will come down to the flavor profile you’re looking for, as well as the consistency you need for the recipe. Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Cream Cheese? Yes, yogurt can also be used as a substitute for cream cheese.
Can mayonnaise be used instead of eggs?
Yes, you can replace eggs with mayonnaise in recipes. You can use 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise for each egg. Mayonnaise is a good substitute for adding moisture to your brownies or other baked goods, as it is made of eggs and oil, which make them soft and moist.
What is a good substitute for Mayo?
You’ll just need to soften it and possibly thin it with some milk. Cream cheese is best used in combination with another mayo substitute: Try mixing some with Greek yogurt for a chicken or tuna salad. Hummus is smooth, creamy and often lemony—which means it can be a good mayo substitute. (It’s also easy to make from scratch !)
Can you substitute sour cream for Mayo?
Don’t just break out the sour cream for nachos and baked potatoes—use it as a mayo substitute, too! Sour cream is similar in texture and flavor, and will make your salads and slaws just as creamy. (Just note: This isn’t a good swap if you’re looking for something light.)