Cream cheese is a soft, smooth, mild-tasting cheese made from milk and cream. Unlike hard cheeses like cheddar that you slice, cream cheese spreads easily with a knife, making it perfect for bagels, sandwiches, or crackers. It has a rich, slightly tangy flavor that isn't too strong.

Cream cheese became popular in America in the 1870s when a New York dairy farmer perfected a recipe for a richer, creamier cheese. Today it's a staple ingredient in many kitchens. You'll find it in cheesecake, frosting for carrot cake, and dips for vegetables. Many people love it simply spread on a toasted bagel, sometimes with a little jam or smoked salmon.

The “cream” in cream cheese refers to the extra cream added during production, which gives it that smooth, spreadable texture. If you leave cream cheese at room temperature for a few minutes, it becomes even softer and easier to spread. In the refrigerator, it stays firm enough to hold its shape but never gets as hard as many aged cheeses.