Is Cream Cheese Keto? 5 Best Cream Cheese Brands + Recipes

What Makes Cream Cheese Keto-Friendly?

Cream cheese is high in fat (6-10g per serving), low in carbohydrates (0-2g), has no added sugar, starches, or gums (carrageenan, maltodextrin, modified starches), and contains minimal ingredients: cream, milk, enzymes, and salt.

Additionally, cream cheese can be Keto-friendly for the following reasons:

Cream Cheese Has Essential Nutrients

A 2008 study showed that cream cheese is not only a rich source of fats but also provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein, which help bone and muscle health [8].

Cream Cheese Contains Probiotics

Cream cheese also contains probiotics, useful bacteria that help gut health. A 2019 study showed that the probiotics in cream cheese can improve digestive health by balancing the gut microbiota, the community of helpful microorganisms living in our intestines [9].

Cream Cheese Has a Balanced Macro Ratio

The fat-to-carbohydrate ratio of cream cheese is 6:1, meaning that there are 6 grams of fat for every gram of carbohydrates, which is important in a Ketogenic Diet that aims to maintain ketosis by increasing fat and minimizing carbohydrates.

So, now that we know the answer to the question, “Is cream cheese Keto?”, let’s find the best brands of cream cheese and learn how we can add cream cheese to our Keto Diet Meal Plan.

[cta-meetings]

The Best Brands of Cream Cheese for the Keto Diet

Cream cheese brands listed below are good to be used in a Keto Diet because they are low in carbohydrates, high in healthy fats, and made with organic, non-GMO (non-genetically modified organism) ingredients without any artificial additives.

• Green Valley Creamery, Organic Cream Cheese
• Organic Valley, Neufchatel 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese
• Trader Joe’s, Mascarpone
• Belgioioso, Mascarpone Cream Cheese
• Di Stefano, Premium Mascarpone Cheese

Let’s take a look at the nutrients found in every 30 g of these cream cheese brands:

How to Eat Cream Cheese on a Keto Diet?

• Spread it on Keto bread and make a quick and low-carb snack.
• Spread cream cheese on lettuce leaves and roll them with deli meat or smoked fish.
• Use cream cheese as a complement to Keto sushi rolls and mix it with different flavors.
• For breakfast, add some cream cheese to scrambled eggs.
• Mix cream cheese with low-carb fruits like berries and make healthy smoothies.
• Use cream cheese alone or mix it with other Keto-friendly cheeses as a topping on Keto pizza.
• Add cream cheese to meats like chicken breast and pork chops.

These creative uses of cream cheese can add a lot of variety to your Keto Diet, especially if you're looking for a snack. But you can also use cream cheese in various Keto recipes.

Learn More: The Primal Diet: from Low-Carb Eating to Health and Fitness

Cloud Bread Blinis with Smoked Salmon

These cloud bread blinis are great as an appetizer, finger food, or a snack. You can make and enjoy them, especially for breakfast. You can make 4 blinis in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp (30-35 g) cream cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
• 1/4 tbsp salt
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• A pinch of pepper

For the Horseradish Cream

• 1/3 cup cream cheese
• 1 tsp horseradish
• 3 oz. smoked salmon
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped dill
• Some dill to garnish

[cta-meal-plan]

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Line a large oven tray with parchment paper.
3. Separate egg whites and yolks into two bowls.
4. Beat egg whites with vinegar or lemon juice and salt until peaks form.
5. Mix cream cheese, salt, onion, garlic powder, and pepper with yolks until smooth.
6. Add the egg white mixture to the yolk mixture.
7. Spoon the mixture onto the tray, leaving space between them.
8. Bake for 20 minutes until it becomes golden and fluffy.
9. Prepare the horseradish and cream cheese sauce and salmon.
10. Assemble blinis with sauce and salmon when cooled.
11. Enjoy!

Nutrition

4 blinis with a dollop of sauce and smoked salmon contain:

Calories: 155 kcal | Carbohydrates: 2.2 g | Fat: 10.5 g | Protein: 13.6 g

Learn More: Carnivore Diet Burger with Egg Bun and Cheese Bun

20-Minute Keto Pizza

This low-carb pizza is an ideal dinner for those who are following a Keto diet or looking to reduce their carb intake. You can make this pizza in just about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp (1 oz.) cream cheese
• 2 cups of mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Place the mozzarella and cream cheese in a large microwave-safe bowl and place it in the microwave for 45 seconds.
3. Remove it from the microwave, add egg, almond flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, and garlic, and stir well.
4. Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to flatten it. Shape with hands if needed.
5. Move the pizza (with parchment paper) onto a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
6. Remove it from the oven (keep it on) and top your pizza with your favorite sauces, cheese, and toppings.
7. Bake the pizza for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
8. Bon Appetit!

Nutrition

Each slice of this Keto Pizza offers:

Calories: 249 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5 g | Sugar: 2 g, Fat: 19 g | Protein: 14 g

Learn More: Carnivore Snack Recipe: Zero-Carb Cheese Crisps

Cheddar Ranch Fat Bombs

These fat bombs are great for the Keto diet because they provide enough fats and few carbohydrates. You can eat these bombs as snacks or main meals. You can make 14 balls in about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

• 6 oz. cream cheese
• 6 oz. cheddar
• 3/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried dill
• 5 tbsp chopped pecans
• 1 tbsp parsley

Instructions

1. Mix cheddar, cream cheese, garlic powder, and dried dill in a bowl.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the freezer for 8 minutes.
3. Remove it from the freezer and roll the mixture into 14 cheese balls.
4. Coat each ball in a mix of pecans and parsley.
5. Serve or store in the fridge for up to a week.

Nutrition

14 cheddar ranch fat bombs provide:

Calories: 116 kcal | Carbohydrates: 1 g | Sugar: 1 g | Fat: 11 g | Protein: 4 g

Learn More: Best Carnivore Desserts: Carnivore Diet Creamy Cheesecake

Keto Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels

These rolls are a great choice for a low-carb appetizer, breakfast, or even a quick dinner. You can make it in about 20 minutes using the ingredients and instructions below.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. cream cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup almond flour
• 2 tbsp ground flax meal

For the filling:

• 1/2 pound cooked breakfast sausage, drained
• 3 oz. of cream cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Melt mozzarella cheese and cream cheese in short bursts and stir until smooth.
3. Add almond flour and ground flax meal, then mix to make a soft ball of dough.
4. Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper.
5. Mix the sausage and cream cheese, then spread the mix evenly on the dough.
6. Roll the dough tightly and make a log.
7. Cut the log into rolls about the width of two fingers.
8. Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and enjoy!

Nutrition

Each roll of Pinwheels contains:

Calories: 203 kcal | Carbohydrates: 2.7 g | Fiber: 0.6 g | Fat: 16.5 g | Protein: 12.4 g

Learn More: Carnivore Diet Muffins with Egg and Cheese

[cta-gocarnivore-plans]

Keto Chicken Cheese Bake

You can make 10 servings of this creamy and delicious chicken and cheese casserole in about 40 minutes using the following ingredients and instructions.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 pound bacon
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup avocado mayonnaise
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp hot sauce
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup red onion
• 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms
• 1 tbsp garlic
• 8 oz. baby spinach

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook bacon until crispy in a skillet, then set it aside on paper towels.
3. Mix cream cheese, parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, avocado mayonnaise, heavy cream, hot sauce, mustard, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika while the bacon is cooking.
4. Cook the mixture over medium heat and stir until it becomes creamy.
5. Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the cream mixture.
6. Clean the skillet, add two tablespoons of the bacon fat, and fry onions for three minutes over medium-high heat.
7. Add the remaining tablespoon of bacon fat, then add mushrooms and fry for five minutes.
8. Add garlic and spinach, toss to coat the spinach, and cook for about 2 minutes.
9. Add the cream mixture and cooked chicken, heat it, then pour everything into a casserole dish.
10. Sprinkle two cups of mozzarella cheese on top and bake for 20 minutes.
11. Place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to brown the top.
12. Let it sit for ten minutes to set, then serve.

Nutrition

10 servings of this Keto Chicken Cheese Bake provide:

Calories: 541 kcal | Carbohydrates: 7.7 g | Sugar: 3.8 g | Fat: 43.9 g | Protein: 29.6 g

Learn More: Carnivore Diet Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole with Heavy Cream

[cta-meetings]

Keto Cream Cheese Cookies

These cream cheese cookies are super chewy and can be made with only 5 basic ingredients and in just one bowl, and in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a big baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Use a cookie scoop or a big spoon to scoop out 2 tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the lined tray.
4. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
5. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the pan.
6. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Each cookie provides about:

Calories: 198 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5 g | Fiber: 3 g | Fat: 18 g | Protein: 7 g

Learn More: Carnivore Three Cheese Omelette: How to Make a Cheese Omelet

[cta-meal-plan]

Creamy Keto Cheesecake Fluff

Cheesecake fluff is a perfect creamy dessert that is 100% sugar-free and Keto-friendly. You can make it in about 10 minutes using the ingredients and instructions below.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 4 oz. cold heavy cream
• 4 tbsp sour cream
• ¼ cup granulated stevia (or other low-carb granulated sweeteners)
• 1 + ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup chopped strawberries 

Instructions

1. Mix the cream cheese and sweetener until it is creamy.
2. Add vanilla extract and sour cream, and mix well.
3. Add the heavy cream and whip until the mixture gets stiff.
4. Divide the mixture among the glasses, top with chopped strawberries if you like, and serve.

Nutrition

1 serving of this cheesecake fluff offers:

Calories: 322 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4.8 g | Sugar: 3 g | Fat: 32 g | Protein: 5.2 g

Learn More: 10 Low Carb Breakfast Ideas: Low-Carb, Keto & Ketovore Diets

[cta-gocarnivore-plans]

Sugar-Free Cheesecake

This sugar-free and low-carb cheesecake is another delicious recipe that everyone will love. It needs to be refrigerated for 6-8 hours or overnight, but it is worth it!

Ingredients

• ¾ cup (75g) almond flour or ground almonds
• ¼ cup (30g) coconut flour
• ¼ cup (57g) melted butter 
• 1 tbsp powdered sweetener
• A pinch of salt

For Filling

• 1.5 cups (360g) cream cheese or mascarpone
• ⅔ cup (107g) powdered erythritol
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or double cream
• 5 - 10 drops of liquid stevia (optional)

Topping (optional)

• ¾ cup (180g) heavy cream or double cream
• ½ cup (75g) strawberries
• ⅓ cup (40g) raspberries

Instructions

For the Base:

1. Mix all the dry base ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add melted butter and mix until it forms a crumbly texture.
3. Grease a non-stick baking tin with melted butter.
4. Press the base mixture into the bottom of the tin and use a spoon to flatten it.

For the Filling:

1. Mix cream cheese, powdered erythritol, lemon juice, and vanilla with an electric mixer for about 1 minute. You can sweeten it with liquid stevia.
2. Whip the cream in a separate bowl until it is thick but not stiff.
3. Add the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture.
4. Spoon the filling onto the base and smooth the top.
5. Place it in the fridge for 6-8 hours or overnight to set, or you can put it in the freezer until it is firm but not frozen.

For the Topping:

1. Whip ¾ cup of heavy cream in a bowl with an electric whisk until it is thick but still soft.
2. Remove the cheesecake from the tin, top it with the whipped cream, and smooth it.
3. Add sliced strawberries and raspberries on top, and dust with a bit of powdered erythritol if you like.

Nutrition

12 servings of this cheesecake provide:

Calories: 290 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.2 g | Sugar: 3.3 g | Fat: 29.2 g | Protein: 4.7 g

Learn More: 4 Healthy and Easy Keto Tuna Casserole Recipes

[cta-meetings]

Dill Veggie Dip with Cream Cheese

Dill veggie dip with cream cheese is a simple, low-calorie appetizer that you will love and can make in less than 5 minutes.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. cream cheese
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 medium cucumber
• ⅛ tsp dried chives
• ⅛ tsp dried parsley
• ⅛ tsp garlic powder
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 1 dash onion powder
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• 2 tsp dill weed

Instructions

1. Put cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a bowl.
2. Use a mixer to mix them until they are creamy.
3. Add heavy cream, chives, parsley, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and ground black pepper, and mix them.
4. Add grated cucumber and dill weed.
5. Chill the mixture and serve it with raw vegetables.

Nutrition

24 servings of this Dill Veggie Dip with Cream Cheese provide:

Calories: 58 kcal | Carbohydrates: 0 g | Sugar: 0 g | Fat: 2 g | Protein: 0 g

Learn More: Soft Cheese on Carnivore Diet & Keto: Benefits, Risks & Tips

[cta-meal-plan]

Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

This recipe is for a low-carb and delicious cake with a layer of cream cheese topped with a crumble. You can bake it in about 1 hour at any time of the year and enjoy it.

Ingredients

Cake

• ½ cup coconut flour
• 5 medium eggs
• ½ cup erythritol
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp grated lemon zest
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 oz. cream cheese
• ¼ cup erythritol
• 1 medium egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp of lemon juice

Crumble Topping

• ⅓ cup coconut flour
• ⅓ cup erythritol
• ¼ cup unsalted butter

[cta-gocarnivore-plans]

Instructions

Cake Layer:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (180°C).
2. Grease and line a cake tin with parchment paper.
3. Mix erythritol and butter in a bowl.
4. Add egg yolks, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, then mix well.
5. Add coconut flour, salt, and baking powder, and mix well.
6. Whisk egg whites in another bowl until they become stiff.
7. Add the whipped egg whites to the cake mixture. If the mixture seems dry, add a couple of tablespoons of water.
8. Spoon the mixture into the baking tin and spread it out evenly.

Cream Cheese Layer:

1. Mix softened cream cheese with erythritol in a bowl.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest, then mix until the mixture is smooth.
3. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer in the tin and spread it.

Crumble Topping:

1. Mix coconut flour and erythritol in a bowl.
2. Add the butter and mix with your hands until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs.
3. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cream cheese layer.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the cake is firm and the top is cooked.
5. Let it cool, and then refrigerate it to firm it up.
6. Remove from the fridge and enjoy!

Nutrition

Each slice of this yummy cake provides:

Calories: 290 kcal | Carbohydrates: 9 g | Fiber: 4 g | Fat: 26 g | Protein: 7 g

Now that we have answered the question, “Is cream cheese Keto?”, let’s learn about other kinds of cheese on a Keto Diet.

Learn More: 15 Keto Recipes: Dinner, Soup, Quick Bites, Snacks, Desserts

[cta-meetings]

What Is the Best Cheese for Keto Diet Needs?

• Cheddar Cheese
• Gouda Cheese
• Goat Cheese
• Blue Cheese
• Cream Cheese

The table below shows the nutrition profile in 100 grams of these cheeses [10]:

As the table above shows, cream cheese can be among the best choices with its good nutritional content. But cheddar and gouda are also great options with less sugar, fewer carbohydrates, and more protein.

Learn More: Can You Eat Cheese on a Keto Diet?

[cta-meal-plan]

The Worst Cheeses to Eat On Keto

Despite the above kinds of cheese, some other kinds are low in protein and fat and high in carbohydrates and sugar, which do not align with the goals of the Keto Diet:

• Canned or Spray Cheese: It is processed and contains artificial additives like preservatives.
• American Cheese: It is a kind of processed cheese containing unhealthy additives. 
• Ricotta Cheese: It is not Keto-friendly because of its low levels of fat and protein.
• Cottage Cheese: This cheese is one of the worst choices in the Keto Diet because it has the lowest amount of fat and protein.

The table below shows the nutritional profile of 100 grams of these kinds of cheese [11]:

Learn More: 15 High Protein Low Carb Meals You Must Try to Lose Weight

Summary

So, the answer to the question, “Is cream cheese Keto?'' is yes, and it is actually a good ingredient for many Keto recipes because it is low in carbohydrates and high in fat.

However, it is important to buy cream cheese from trustworthy and Keto-friendly brands because not all cream cheeses are suitable for Keto. Products with high fat and protein and minimal carbohydrates and sugar are the best.

FAQs

After answering the question, “Is cream cheese Keto?”, let’s find answers to the most frequently asked questions about cream cheese on a Keto Diet.

Does Cream Cheese Kick You Out of Ketosis?

Not if carbohydrates stay at 0-2g per serving, but overeating flavored or sweetened cream cheese can.

Is Philadelphia Cream Cheese Keto?

Yes, but it contains stabilizers. Zero-carb mascarpone is more Keto-friendly.

Is Whipped Cream Cheese Keto?

No, if the whipped cream contains starches and high levels of carbohydrates.

Can You Eat Cream Cheese Every Day on Keto?

Yes, in moderation, especially if avoiding brands that contain gums or fillers.

How Many Carbs Are in Cream Cheese?

0-5g per 100g depending on the brand. Keto-friendly brands contain 0-1g.

What Is the Lowest-Carb Cream Cheese?

Mascarpone has 0 g of carbohydrates.

Can Lactose-Intolerant People Use Cream Cheese on Keto?

Yes, many mascarpone and cultured cream cheeses are low-lactose.