soft, smooth, unripened cheese made either with cream or with a mixture of milk and cream. It is nearly white in colour and has a mild but rich taste. Cream cheese is similar to cottage cheese but is higher in fat content, cottage cheese being made from skim or nonfat milk. A similar cheese made in France is known as Neufchâtel.

In the United States especially, cream cheese is a popular spread and filling for sandwiches; it is also used in baking, for cheesecake, and is a component of some pastries and frostings.