Yes, Cheese Ice Cream Is a Thing—And It’s Actually Delicious

Sweet. Salty. Rich. Unexpected. Cheese ice cream may sound like a foodie dare, but across cultures, it’s a beloved—and surprisingly approachable—dessert. And while you might not find it in your average grocery freezer aisle just yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t try it at home.

In the Philippines, cheese ice cream—locally known as queso—is a nostalgic favorite. Made with bright orange cheddar, it’s often swirled into creamy milk-based ice cream and served alongside ube or coconut flavors. The result? A sweet-savory combo that’s as comforting as it is addictive. Imagine tiny bits of salty cheese in each spoonful, cutting through the sweetness just enough to keep you going back for more.

Other cultures have their own takes. In Mexico, there’s nieve de queso, a light, almost sherbet-like cheese treat sometimes paired with guava. Italy leans creamy with mascarpone and ricotta gelatos, often topped with figs, almonds, or swirls of honey. These aren’t gimmicks—they’re proof that cheese and dessert are a dream team.

So, How Do You Make Cheese Ice Cream at Home?

It’s easier than it sounds—and it doesn’t require an ice cream machine. The base is simple:

• 2 cups of heavy cream

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• A pinch of salt

Whip the cream until it forms soft peaks. In a separate bowl, mix the condensed milk with your cheese of choice, then gently fold it into the whipped cream. Freeze in a loaf pan for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Now comes the fun part—flavors!

• Sharp Cheddar + Chocolate: Yes, like the Filipino classic, cheddar and chocolate are oddly perfect together. Swirl in melted dark chocolate or stir in chopped chocolate chunks. The salty cheddar intensifies the chocolate’s richness and keeps things from getting too sweet.

• Goat Cheese + Roasted Berries: Blend in a few spoonfuls of soft goat cheese and ripple in roasted strawberries, raspberries, or even balsamic-glazed cherries. It’s tangy, sweet, and sophisticated—like a fancy cheese plate disguised as dessert.

• Cream Cheese + Graham Cracker Crumble: Go full cheesecake mode by adding softened cream cheese and layering in graham cracker bits and maybe even a little lemon zest or blueberry jam. Instant cheesecake ice cream.

• Blue Cheese + Honey + Walnuts: Bold but beautiful. A little blue cheese goes a long way—think creamy, salty, slightly funky—and when paired with sweet honey and crunchy toasted walnuts? Chef’s kiss.

You can even use ricotta or mascarpone for an Italian-inspired base. Add a splash of vanilla extract, swirl in fig preserves, or sprinkle pistachios on top before freezing.

The point is, cheese ice cream is about being curious. It's about blending the rich, creamy magic of dairy with unexpected bursts of flavor, and having a little fun while you’re at it.

So the next time you're torn between reaching for dessert or cheese after dinner...why not both? With just a few ingredients and a little imagination, you’ll be scooping up something truly unforgettable.

And yes—it’s actually delicious.