Requeijão Cremoso, or simply Requeijão, is the Brazilian cream cheese made with just 4 ingredients at home without any preservatives or addition of starch. It is super creamy and delicious and you can add to many recipes such as this macarronada com requeijão (Brazilian mac and cheese).
Requeijão
Here are a few things that you need to know about requejão before making the recipe.
What is requeijao or requeijao cremoso?
Requeijão cremoso (or simply requeijão) is the Brazilian Cream Cheese Spread which is not the same thing as the American cream cheese. The Spanish term is requeijón!
Both are milk-derived products, mild-flavored, and white in color, but their texture is totally different. That’s right!
The Brazilian cream cheese has a consistency similar to that of condensed milk, and is usually sold in Brazil in glass jars, plastic cups, or a pot of cream.
Its mild taste varies from brand to brand, with Catupiry being the most famous brand in Brazil. Their product is made with Catupiry cheese. Another famous popular manufactured creamy cheese is the Itambe requeijao.
The orginal requeijao recipe has its origins in the state of Minas Gerais, a major producer of dairy products in Brazil, or dairy-derivatives such as pão de queijo. It's one of those easy Brazilian recipes that you must try!
English Pronunciation
Requeijão cremoso is pronounced in English as heck-ay-ZHOWN cray-MOH-zoo -- where the ZH sound is the sound that “s” makes in the word “measure”.
What to serve with Brazilian cream cheese?
It is a versatile product as follows:
- It can be used as a spread on toast or in tapioca crepes with cheese.
- As an ingredient in pasta dishes such as macarronada (Brazilian mac and cheese).
- In a ham and cheese baked rice (arroz de forno).
- As a substitute for mornay sauce in this baked cod and cauliflower mac and cheese or Mexican crema or heavy cream in this shrimp gratin, broccoli gratin, and corn gratin.
- As a replacement for creamy ricotta in this baked zucchini casserole
- In other casseroles such as chicken shepherd’s pie and baked kibbeh as one of the cheese layers.
- Incorporated into stews (morangas),
- Dolloped and stirred into mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes to make them creamier.
- As a filling for pão de queijo or tapioca breadsticks.
- As a companion for serving along with guava paste (Romeo e Julieta), among other uses.
Where to buy
Well, from now on you won’t have to go to a Brazilian or Middle-Eastern market (Puck brand) in order to buy this amazing Brazilian cream cheese. You can make it in the convenience of your own home with only 4 ingredients from your pantry and fridge!
Is requeijão cremoso a creamy cheese?
Yes! It is more than soft cheese. It is creamy cheese – creamier than a regular cream cheese with a spreading consistency that many soft kinds of cheese such as feta don’t have. You can slice brie or goat cheese, and crumble feta but you can’t slice requeijão cremoso because it is simply a spread.
Can you use cream cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes and no! Both are soft cheeses like cottage cheese. However, cream cheese is a spread. On the other hand, ricotta is sold in pots (as a spread) so you can replace it with cream cheese, and as regular cheese (in the shape of wheels). The latter does not have the same consistency as creamy ricotta or a ricotta spread. In other words, it is not spreadable!
The replacement or substitution depends on the type of ricotta and what type of recipe it will be used!
Requeijão Cremoso vs. Requeijão de Corte
One must take care not to confuse requeijão cremoso with a different product known as simply requeijão de corte, a cow’s milk-based, artisanal, light yellow food product whose appearance could easily be confused with that of yellow cheese. It is soft as requeijão cremoso but not as creamy. “Corte” means that you can slice it as if it was a regular cheese. On the other hand, it cannot slice requeijão cremoso because it is a spread.
Requeijão de corte is a component in the regional cuisines of the Brazilian states of Goiás, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Bahia. It is similar a queijo catupiry (catupiry cheese).
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Milk: For a thicker consistency, use full-fat or whole milk (pasteurized). But if you prefer something lighter, you can use reduced-fat milk (2%).
- White vinegar: you can replace it with lemon juice. This acidic ingredient is essential to curd the milk.
- Unsalted butter: Need to add creaminess. I prefer to use unsalted butter because you can control the amount of salt better which varies according to the brand. The ones with less water content are better such as Irish or European butter.
- Salt: It is the flavoring ingredient and you can add more or less than the amount called for in the recipe depending on your needs and wants.
- Mozzarella cheese: It is optional but it works like a thickening agent! If you are in a hurry, add it to the recipe because it will make this Brazilian cream cheese ready to eat faster. You will have to chill the requeijão cremoso in the fridge for fewer hours if using the mozzarella in the recipe. Some recipes call for cornstarch or all-purpose flour but not ours.
How to make requeijão cremoso or requeijão
- Reserve about ½ to ⅔ cup of milk. In a large saucepan, bring the remaining milk to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar. Once curds form, ladle the content of the pan into a strainer placed over a large bowl, wash curds well with running water (to eliminate the vinegar sour taste), and press down on the strained curds with a large spoon to eliminate any excess liquid. Only curds (not liquid) should be in the strainer. This is key to NOT make your requeijão watery!
- In a blender, blend together curds, butter, salt, cheese (optional), and some of the reserved milk (add as little or more as needed to get a creamy consistency. The milk must be cold if the curds are cold or warm if the curds are still warm) for about 2 to 3 minutes on high speed or until mixture is very creamy and smooth. NOTE: For a softer consistency, add a bit more milk. If you are adding mozzarella, you will need more of the reserved milk.
- Gently pour homemade cream cheese into sterilized and dried glass jar(s) or container(s) with a tight lid(s). Store in the fridge for at least 4 hours before using as a spread for toast.
NOTE: Both the taste and texture of this homemade Brazilian cream cheese (called requeijão caseiro in Portuguese) are similar to the one sold under the brand Tirolez.
Storage
Store requeijão cremoso in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Do not freeze it; otherwise, it will alter its creamy consistency!
Other cheese recipes:
PIN & ENJOY!
, requeijao!PIN & ENJOY!jaPI
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Best Requeijão Cremoso| Requeijão (Brazilian Cream Cheese)
Equipment
- pan
- Mason jars
Ingredients
- 2 quarts whole milk or 2% milk for a light version
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar (If using white vinegar, make sure to rinse the curds under running water before pressing them to remove excess liquid)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella OPTIONAL
Instructions
- Reserve about ½ to ⅔ cup of milk. In a large saucepan, bring the remaining milk to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar. Once curds form, ladle the content of the pan into a strainer placed over a large bowl, wash curds well with running water (to eliminate the white vinegar sour taste), and press down on the strained curds with a large spoon to eliminate any excess liquid. Only curds (not liquid) should be in the strainer. This is key to NOT make your requeijão watery!
- In a blender, blend together curds, butter, salt, cheese (optional), and some of the reserved milk (add little by little or as much as needed to get a creamy consistency. The milk must be cold if the curds are cold or warm if the curds are still warm) for about 2 to 3 minutes on high speed or until mixture is very creamy and smooth. NOTE: For a softer consistency, add a bit more milk. If you are adding mozzarella, you will need more of the reserved milk.
- Gently pour homemade cream cheese into sterilized and dried glass jar(s) or container(s) with a tight lid(s). Store in the fridge for at least 4 hours before using as a spread for toast.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
- It can be used as a spread on toast or in tapioca crepes with cheese.
- As an ingredient in pasta dishes such as macarronada (Brazilian mac and cheese).
- In a ham and cheese baked rice (arroz de forno).
- As a substitute for mornay sauce in this baked cod and cauliflower mac and cheese or Mexican crema or heavy cream in this shrimp gratin, broccoli gratin, and corn gratin.
- As a replacement for creamy ricotta in this baked zucchini casserole
- In other casseroles such as chicken shepherd’s pie and baked kibbeh as one of the cheese layers.
- Incorporated into stews (morangas),
- Dolloped and stirred into mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes to make them creamier.
- As a filling for pão de queijo or tapioca breadsticks.
- As a companion for serving along with guava paste (Romeo e Julieta), among other uses.
Nutrition
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Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.
John@Kitchen Riffs says
I've heard of this, but never had it. It looks great, and so easy to make. Definitely need to add it to my list of stuff! Good post -- thanks.
Denise Browning says
Thank you, John! I hope you make this...It is so good!
Shema | LifeScoops says
This soooo creamy and delicious ... i think i can consume the whole jar!!! Loved it
Denise Browning says
LOL...Shema, I have eaten this by spoonfuls and also on toasts so I do understand you well.
Daniela says
Oh Denise just by looking at these beautiful pictures makes my mouth water!
This looks so rich and creamy.
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Daniela! I am happy to hear that you liked this!
Liz says
Mmmmm....your Brazilian cream cheese spread looks like a marvelous base for all sorts of appetizers! It sounds divine!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Liz! This is a very versatile product indeed.
sallybr says
I had NO IDEA you could make requeijao at home...
Now, if you endorse a recipe for catupiry, I might faint on the spot... I live in constant craving for it..,. I saw a recipe in the net ages ago, long before my blogging days, but never tried it... how about you?
Denise Browning says
I tried a catupiry recipe (solid cheese) once many years ago and liked it. This is one of the recipes that I do intend to post here as well but for now, we have requeijao. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by and also for pinning this. Wishing you an awesome day, Sally!
SallyBR says
Awesome, awesome awesome! I intend to make requeijao later this month - will let you know... 🙂
Denise Browning says
I hope you do enjoy it!
Coffee and Crumpets says
Once you said Middle Eastern store, I knew what this was and I love it! I always want to buy the cheese from the stores because I grew up eating a version of this but it's so expensive, not to mention the preservatives. I am so excited to have a recipe now! Yay!
Denise Browning says
Yes, a brand named Puck has a very similar product to the Brazilian cheese spread or requeijao. Both the Brazilian and Middle-Eastern versions are quite expensive in the US and not so easy to find here in SA. With this recipe, I do not intend to travel to an ethnic market anymore to have mine. 🙂
Little Cooking Tips says
It sounds excellent Denise! Didn't know you can make such a wonderful cream cheese at home! Thank you!
Panos-Mirella:)
Denise Browning says
Hi, Panos and Mirella! This is quite easy to make and very delicious as well. I hope you try it one day. Have a wonderful day!
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
Denise, your "Requeijão cremoso" looks so incredibly creamy - WOW! Thinking of airing it with guava paste is making my mouth water!
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
Denise, your "Requeijão cremoso" looks so incredibly creamy - WOW! Thinking of airing it with guava paste is making my mouth water!!
Denise Browning says
Thank you, Shashi! I hope you make this and eat with guava paste, a fave of mine. Did you know that Brazilians name the combination of cheese and guava paste Romeo and Juliet?
Mirtes says
Great recipe and I really love the pictures! Thank you!
Denise Browning says
Hi, Mirtes! Thank you... It is great to hear from you again. Enjoy it!
Gintare @Gourmantine says
To be frank, I've never seen Brazilian cream cheese spread in any supermarkets around here, but as with all your dishes, I'm very intrigued! 🙂
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Gintare! This cream cheese spread is not so easy to find so this recipe is quite handy.
Bruna clark says
Nossa q delicia! Fica igual mesmo? Eu moro no canada e já tentei fazer dessa mesma forma mas não gostei:(
Denise Browning says
Olá, Bruna! Bem-vinda a FBTY!
De todas as receitas caseiras de requeijão que já vi (e eu conheço muitas mesmo), essa é a mais parecida em termos de sabor com o que é comercializado. Em termos de textura, não exatamente. Essa receita é sim muito cremosa mas como toda receita caseira falta aquela liga ou puxa e brilho que somente o requeijão comercial tem. Ainda assim, de todas as receitas caseiras é a mais similar pela cremosidade.
Como você mesma sabe, há várias marcas de requeijão cremoso no Brasil e ,embora a textura de todas seja bem similar, o gosto varia de uma marca pra outra. Cada marca tem suas próprias características por isso que cada pessoa tem uma marca preferida. Essa é a minha receita e é a primeira vez que compartilho ela aqui. Embora o processo possa ser parecido com alguma que você tenha visto online, as medidas são diferentes. Assim que cabe a você decidir se gostaria de fazer ou não e ver se lhe agrada. Eu particularmente gostei ou jamais compartilharia aqui. Mas o gosto de cada pessoa é diferente. Eu e minha família gostamos muito de requeijão mas não é fácil encontrar aqui no Texas. Quando encontro, acho muito caro e ,em geral, não posso comprar muitos. Assim que, essa receita é uma mão na roda mesmo pra mim e minha família. Um bom fim de semana pra você!
Bruna clark says
OBRIGADO querida!estou adorando seu blog! Axei qdo estava procurando uma receita de galinhada! Vou tentar fazer sim! As medidas são diferentes mesmo e percebi q tudo no seu blog e muito saboroso:) eu sinto uma falta tremenda de requeijão! 😉 ótimo fds p vc tb!!!!
Denise Browning says
De nada, Bruna! Espero que você possa saborear todos os pratos brasileiros que lhe fazem falta. Um abraço!
De says
What a scrumptious new-to-me delight! I'll bring a loaf of homemade sweet bread to toast if you have a scoop of Brazilian Cream Cheese waiting!
Denise Browning says
Thank you so much, Deb! I will bring the cream cheese and you, the bread...Then, we sit and eat both together. 😉
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
Oh my Denise, this is making my mouth water. It looks amazing and how fun that you can make it at home. I love how versatile it is too, blending so well with so many different ingredients! Pinning so I can recreate, thanks!
Denise Browning says
Thanks a lot for both stopping by and sharing it, Chris!
Kumar's Kitchen says
Denise,this is the best best best ever creamiest dip....we got tempted to make a bowl of it now and dig in,thanks so much for sharing this wonderful recipe...HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY!!! 🙂
Denise Browning says
I am glad that you made this and enjoyed it a lot, Kumar!
Judit & Corina @Wine Dine Daily says
Looks so creamy and heavenly Denise! Our Brazilian friend did make once Requeijão Cremoso but we never had the chance to taste it because we were a little late to the party and it was already gone. As she said, it was gone in 60 seconds, now we know why! It is such a pleasure to visit with you and learn about Brazilian cuisines and traditions and of course admiring your beautiful photos 🙂
Denise Browning says
You both are always so sweet. Thanks a lot! I've never met a Brazilian who is not crazy for requeijão as an American for cream cheese. The problem is imported and quite expensive. This homemade version can be quite handy. My little one devoured this with crackers this afternoon. I hope you get the chance to make it one day. Wishing you a great night!
Sugar et al says
This is so lovely Denise! I've never come across this cheese spread before but I am so glad to have discovered it. I might just use it in a dessert...so delicious. Love the way you have paired it with mint and oranges in your pictures...shows how versatile this is.
Denise Browning says
Thanks a lot, Sonali! xx
Francesca says
Had an excellent time pronouncing this out loud, at home 🙂 Looks delicious. Might eat it off those spoons !
Denise Browning says
LOL Thanks, my dear Francesca! This is what I have done many times...eating spoonfuls of it!
Juliana says
Oh Denise, I sure miss requeijao...and I never thought in making my own...thanks for this fantastic recipe...looks super delicious!
adele Neubauer says
OMG ,Denise! thanks to share this great and simple recipe from our Country . I have been missing it a lot( in Florida). Now , I can enjoy it again...
Have a good day
Adele
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Adele! It is my pleasure to share this with y'all. I hope you make it and enjoy...Have a great week ahead!