Is Cream Cheese Keto?

Is Cream Cheese Keto?

Ok, let’s get down to business, Cream cheese is a popular ingredient in many recipes, but is it keto-friendly? The best way to answer this question is to take a closer look at the nutritional breakdown of cream cheese.

First and foremost, cream cheese is primarily made from cream, which is high in fat. This makes it a good source of healthy fats for those following a ketogenic diet. A 100-gram serving of cream cheese contains 33 grams of fat, and 216 calories. This can be a good thing for people who are looking to add more healthy fats to their diet.

However there is a downside, cream cheese also contains a significant amount of carbohydrates. A 100-gram serving of cream cheese contains 3.6 grams of carbohydrates, which can add up quickly if you’re not careful with portion sizes. But please note that most of the carbs in cream cheese come from the milk sugars, lactose, and not from starches. Because lactose is a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. It is less processed than other types of sugars and is less likely to spike blood sugar levels.

Cream cheese is also a good source of protein, with 4 grams per 100 grams serving. This can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied, which can be especially important when following a low-carb diet. We have all seen our diets falter at some point when hit with hunger pangs.

One red flag to watch out for is that cream cheese is high in sodium, which can be a concern for some people. A 100-gram serving of cream cheese contains 491 mg of sodium. So if you are watching your sodium intake, you may want to limit your intake of cream cheese or look for a low-sodium alternative. We will have a look at alternatives in the next section.

Alternatives To Cream Cheese

While cream cheese can be a keto-friendly option, some people may be looking for alternatives for various reasons. Whether it’s because you’re looking for a dairy-free option, or maybe you are wary of your sodium intake, there are several options to choose from.

One popular alternative is “cream cheese” made from nuts such as almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts. These options are typically dairy-free and are made by blending soaked nuts with a few other ingredients such as lemon juice or probiotics. Nut-based cream cheese alternatives are high in healthy fats and protein, making them a great option for those following a ketogenic diet. They are also low in carbohydrates and can be a great option for people who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

Another option is to make your own cream cheese using cottage cheese or ricotta cheese mixed with cream or sour cream. This can be a great way to control the ingredients and make sure that you’re getting a product that is keto-friendly. Have a look at the bottom of this article for a bonus recipe on how to make this yourself!

A third alternative to cream cheese is to use avocado(the old keto favourite) as a spread or ingredient. Avocados are a great keto-friendly option as they are high in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates. They can be mashed and mixed with seasonings to make a spreadable alternative to cream cheese.

Lastly, you can also try using whipped cream cheese alternatives like labneh or Greek yogurt. These options are higher in protein and lower in fat than traditional cream cheese and can be used as a spread or dip. They are also lower in carbs and can be a great option for people who are watching their calorie intake.

You can work out all of your Keto Marcos on our free easy to use Calculator:

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Cream Cheese and Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breas

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)

Step 2

In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined and set aside.

Step 3

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 4

Use a sharp knife to make a pocket in the side of each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the thickest part of the breast

Step 5

Stuff each chicken breast with the cream cheese and pesto mixture, making sure to distribute it evenly

Step 6

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown

Step 7

Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through

Step 8

Remove from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving

This recipe is a delicious and unique way to incorporate cream cheese into a meal. The cream cheese and pesto filling adds a rich and flavorful twist to the classic chicken breast. You can serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad for a complete keto-friendly meal.

keto-friendly recipe for homemade cream cheese

Step 1

In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it reaches 185°F (85°C) using a thermometer.

Step 2

Remove the pan from heat and add in the lemon juice and salt. Stir until well combined.

Step 3

Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

Step 4

Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a cheesecloth-lined strainer set over a bowl to drain for at least 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 5

Discard the liquid and transfer the solid cream cheese to a mixing bowl.

Step 6

Mix in any herbs, spices, or seasonings of your choice for added flavor

Step 7

Once well combined, transfer the cream cheese to a container with a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up

Step 8

Once chilled, your homemade cream cheese is ready to use. You can spread it on bread, crackers, or keto bread, use it as a dip or add it to your favorite recipes

Note: This recipe is keto-friendly as it has very low carbs and high in fats. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add different flavors to suit your taste preferences