Question 1

What is the best way to soften cream cheese?

Accepted Answer

To quickly soften cream cheese, place fully 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.

Question 2

Are there any hacks to using cream cheese in a recipe?

Accepted Answer

Cream cheese can be added to your eggs, pasta, and taco beef! Check out our recipe page for more hacks in the kitchen.

Question 3

I have a half-brick of cream cheese left over. What else can I use it for?

Accepted Answer

Transform your sauces by adding a scoop to your family favorite dishes. Cut cream cheese into cubes for easier melting.

Question 4

How do I melt cream cheese?

Accepted Answer

When melting cream cheese into your favorite sauce or dish to make it extra creamy, we recommend cutting the cream cheese into small cubes for a quick and easy melt. Once it's cubed, stir cream cheese into the dish you are making and whisk until melted completely.

Question 5

Do I need to refrigerate cookies that contain cream cheese?

Accepted Answer

Dessert containing cream cheese, whether baked or unbaked, should be covered and stored in the refrigerator. Use within 5 days.

Question 6

I don’t have a springform pan. What else can I use for baking cheesecake?

Accepted Answer

A 10-inch cast iron skillet sprayed with cooking spray can be used in place of a 9-inch springform pan. Since the batter will come up closer to the top of the skillet, be sure to place the skillet on a sheet pan before placing it in oven.

Question 7

How can I tell if my cheesecake is done?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Why do recipes call for softened cream cheese in desserts?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Made with fresh milk and cream

Accepted Answer

It all starts in the dairy farms of Wisconsin and upstate New York, sourcing milk and cream from the best American dairy farms. We bring the same local quality to every product with no artificial preservatives, flavors, or dyes.

Question 10

What is the difference between Philadelphia brick cream cheese and Philadelphia soft cream cheese?

Accepted Answer

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 a bagel, snacking on crackers, or dipping vegetables.

Question 11

Is Philly cream cheese gluten-free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, PHILADELPHIA cream cheese is gluten-free.

Question 12

What is the difference between cream cheese and neufchatel cream cheese?

Accepted Answer

Neufchatel cream cheese is a soft, mild, uncured cheese similar in flavor and texture to cream cheese but with less fat and more moisture.

Question 13

When was soft PHILADELPHIA cream cheese introduced?

Accepted Answer

Soft PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese was introduced in 1980.

Question 14

Can I use Philly after the "Use By" date?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Can I freeze Philly?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

How long can I store unopened Philly?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

How long can I store opened Philly?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

How long can I store recipes made with Philly?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

I have an unopened PHILADELPHIA cream cheese product in my refrigerator. How do I know if it's still fresh?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

How do I store cheesecake made with PHILADELPHIA?

Accepted Answer

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.

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