The Best Roasted Garlic Cream Cheese |

Alright, y'all. I know I JUST posted a recipe for Avocado Cream Cheese. But the thing is, I didn't make the cream cheese from scratch. I built upon delicious Kite Hill Cream Cheese (or any other brand you might want to use).
And it left me wanting to create my own from-the-ground up cream cheese that everyone can enjoy i.e. dairy-free and vegan! Plus, can you ever have too many cream cheese recipes?
Methinks not. And I am sure you will agree once you try my version! I've tested this spread on carnivores and plant-based eaters alike, and all agree that this is as delectable as traditional cream cheese (slightly different, but equally good)!
The real secret to creating a cream cheese texture is to have a STRONG blender and the patience to blend it/use a little elbow grease. You want to avoid adding extra liquid at all costs, or it won't have the right thick, unctuous consistency. So don't skip on soaking your cashews, as this should help with the blending!
You might be asking...why not just stick with regular ole' dairy cream cheese, LL? Well here's the thing; if you can find a full-fat cream cheese made from milk from 100% pasture-raised cows AND you digest dairy ok in moderation...fine! Let me know if you do find that unicorn, p.s., because I have yet to.
But 1) I haven't found a really high quality dairy cream cheese and 2) lots of people deal with dairy sensitivities and intolerances. Typically, fermented forms of dairy like cheese and yogurt are a little easier to digest than milk or ice cream, but it's still problematic for many. In addition, it can be linked to breakouts or other hormonally-related skin issues. Thus, I suggest having an alternative to traditional cream cheese!
You might also be asking about tofu, since tofu can be controversial as well. Similarly to dairy, I think it is totally fine to consume moderate amounts of organic, non GMO, mostly unprocessed soy. Even better if you can find sprouted tofu, which I use and get at Trader Joes. Barring any specific medical conditions, I say enjoy this tofu spread if it makes you feel good!
I love this cream cheese so much that I found myself using it in all sorts of ways: of course, as bagel or toast spread, but also as a sauce for homemade white pizza, as a dip for roasted veggies or as a salad dressing, thinned with a little lemon juice and water. Also, my FAVORITE bagels are the sprouted ones from Alvarado Street Bakery. Highly recommend!
Feel free to play around with different flavor combinations; I've listed a few ideas in the instructions! If you give this a try, please tag me on IG so I can see your beautiful creations! @lauraleabalanced #llbalanced.
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