Step 1

Place the cream cheese, salt, and 1/4 cup of whole milk in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.

Step 2

In a larger bowl, stir together the cream and remaining milk. Add the sugar and whisk until the sugar is dissolved (3-4 minutes). Taste the mixture to ensure there is no graininess – it should feel smooth and creamy on the tongue, and no sugar should be visible on the bottom of the bowl. Continue whisking as needed until all the sugar is dissolved completely.

Step 3

Whisk in the vanilla and the cream cheese mixture to incorporate thoroughly.

Step 4

Chill your ice cream mixture, covered, in the refrigerator for 3 hours or overnight for a deeper flavor.

Step 5

Once your ice cream base is completely chilled, prepare your ice cream maker according to what the manufacturer suggests.

Step 6

Pour your ice cream base into the machine and let it churn! Homesteading Hack: Chill the ice cream containers and beaters overnight in your freezer before adding the ice cream mixture for the best results.

Step 7

When churning the ice cream, this is your chance to add any “mix-ins.” See our list above for good options. Homesteading Hack: Note that adding a mix-in while the machine is churning will incorporate it evenly throughout your ice cream. If you prefer to add something more delicate, like a swirl of sauce or whole pieces of fruit, folding those in by hand works well.

Step 8

Scrape your completed ice cream into a freezer-safe container with a lid or plastic wrap.

Step 9

Freeze the ice cream for a few hours before serving. This hardening method allows the ice cream to firm up and the flavors to blend.

Step 10

Store the tightly covered ice cream in your freezer for up to a week if it lasts that long!