As the holiday season approaches, count on cream cheese to be your trusted sidekick in the kitchen. With its rich, silky texture and versatility, it’s no wonder this beloved ingredient has been a staple in many recipes for over 150 years. The original Neufchatel cream cheese, also known as ‘lite’ cream cheese, paved the way for the countless dishes that have followed. From pasta to chicken dishes, dips to sauces and soups, cream cheese is always there to lend a helping hand.
And when you’re not using it in recipes, you can even use it to make delicious pancakes and cookies. The possibilities are endless! One of the best things about working with cream cheese is that once it’s softened, you’re ready to roll. Whether you’re experimenting with new flavors or looking for ways to use up excess cheese, the possibilities are endless.
In this collection of 27 mouth-watering cream cheese recipes, you’ll find inspiration for everything from classic comfort foods like cream cheese pasta and danish, to more adventurous dishes that showcase the versatility of this beloved ingredient. So why wait? Dive in and discover how cream cheese can elevate your holiday cooking.
Cream Cheese Cookies
Indulge in a sensory experience as you savor the tender sweetness of cookies melting in your mouth, elevated by the tangy cream cheese and subtle warmth of vanilla. The harmonious blend is nothing short of heavenly.
Elevate this indulgent treat to new heights by sprinkling powdered sugar or drizzling with melted white chocolate. For an added layer of convenience, store them in the fridge to enjoy at your leisure, whenever the craving strikes.
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Warmth radiates from the plate as crunchy snacks await their turn to indulge in this savory, aromatic spread. A harmonious blend of cream cheese and milk creates a velvety texture, perfect for dipping, while the subtle addition of minced chive adds a pop of color and freshness. The aromatic essence of garlic clove and seasoned salt wafts up, teasing the senses and beckoning the taste buds to take a dip.
Baked Cream Cheese Wontons
Indulge in the mouthwatering combination of shrimp, cream cheese, and spices as you savor these baked wontons. The perfect party appetizer, they offer a rich and hearty flavor profile that’s sure to please. While they can certainly hold their own, pairing them with a sweet and tangy plum sauce elevates the experience to new heights.To achieve the ideal balance of crispy and golden, bake the wontons for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.
Cream Cheese Garlic Alfredo Sauce
This indulgent cream cheese-based Alfredo sauce is surprisingly easy to make with just a few essential ingredients. The key to its rich and velvety texture lies in the harmonious blend of cream cheese, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese – a combination that will leave you wondering how something so simple can be so decadent. Whether you’re serving it over pasta noodles or using it as a base for other dishes, this sauce is sure to impress.
And if you’re looking for more inspiration, we have a wealth of tips and recipes for homemade Alfredo sauce waiting for you.
Cream Cheese Mac And Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is often revered as a beloved comfort food that transcends age groups, bringing joy to both kids and adults alike. Its rich and creamy texture has the power to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. To create this indulgent dish, we combine three distinct types of cheese in a slow-cooked mixture that requires about 20 minutes of attention on the stovetop. If your macaroni and cheese becomes too thick, you can easily thin it out by adding a small amount of milk or water.
Additionally, reheating leftovers is a breeze, thanks to these handy tips.
Cream Cheese Pasta
Pasta dishes don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This quick and easy dinner is a perfect example, featuring a rich and creamy sauce that’s infused with the flavors of good olive oil, freshly grated parmesan, and aromatic spices. The combination of cream cheese and parmesan adds a deep level of creamy goodness to every bite.
But what really sets this dish apart is its speed – from start to finish, it can be ready in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Indulge in these indulgent cream cheese mashed potatoes and you’ll be hooked from the very first bite! The recipe is masterfully crafted to deliver a rich, creamy, and savory experience that’s hard to resist. As if the smooth texture and perfectly balanced flavors weren’t enough, you can elevate the dish even further by drizzling browned butter, adding fresh herbs, or finishing it off with a dollop of pesto – the possibilities are endless!
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Elevate your classic spaghetti and meat sauce by transforming it into a creamy baked casserole, overflowing with rich flavors from cream cheese and parmesan cheese. The key to success lies in harmoniously blending the noodles with the cream cheese, rather than overwhelming the dish with overpowering flavors.
To achieve this balance, be cautious not to overdo it on the Italian seasoning, as this might dominate the other ingredients.
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Indulge in the bold flavors of Mexico by combining two beloved ingredients: cream cheese and chicken. This mouthwatering recipe showcases a delightful fusion, as tender chicken is smothered in a velvety cream cheese sauce infused with the brightness of lime juice and warmth of spices. The pièce de résistance? A golden crown of melted Mexican cheese that adds an extra layer of richness to each bite.
Get ready to be transported to the sun-kissed streets of Mexico City, where every forkful is a celebration of flavors.
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
If you’re still wavering on what to whip up with cream cheese, a culinary epiphany awaits in the form of crack chicken – a tantalizing treat that’s sure to win your taste buds over.
The dish is undeniably alluring, and its allure can be attributed to its impressive assembly of ingredients. A trifecta of textures and flavors converges here: rich cheddar cheese, tangy cream cheese, savory ranch dressing mix, and the unmistakable smokiness of crispy bacon.
This irresistible combination will leave you craving more, making it a true crack chicken experience.
Gluten-Free Oreo Cookie Balls
Indulge in the sweet simplicity of these 8-ingredient dessert balls, crafted from crushed gluten-free Oreo cookies. The combination of cream cheese and melted chocolate creates a decadent treat perfect for effortless potluck gatherings during the Christmas season. Feel free to get creative with your recipe by adding your favorite toppings – from vibrant sprinkles to crunchy chopped almonds or crushed candy canes – the possibilities are endless!
Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
The versatility of cream cheese is truly remarkable, as it can be used to create an array of delectable treats. One such example is these scrumptious lemon bars, which expertly balance sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors. The combination of cream cheese, lemon juice, and vanilla extract yields a dessert that is both refreshing and rich. And, if you’re concerned about leftovers, don’t worry – simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge to enjoy at your leisure.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy cheese and autumnal flavors as these pumpkin muffins delight with their moist texture and warm spices. A hint of pumpkin spice adds depth to each bite, perfectly capturing the essence of fall. If you don’t have this signature seasoning on hand, creating your own homemade blend is a simple process that requires just a few staple spices: ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice.
With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a unique and tantalizing flavor profile that’s sure to elevate your baked goods.
Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Banana bread just got a whole lot creamier! This scrumptious version boasts an ultra-soft texture that’s simply irresistible, thanks to its indulgent richness. The aroma of ground cinnamon and nutmeg adds a warm, inviting quality, making it the perfect Fall treat. But what sets this banana bread apart is its luscious smoothness, courtesy of a clever addition: cream cheese!
This game-changing ingredient elevates the loaf from simply delicious to truly sublime, with its subtle tanginess perfectly balancing the sweetness of the bananas.
Cheesecake
Cheesecake, the ultimate dessert delight! But before you get started, take a deep breath and know that this no-bake recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners. The secret lies in its simple water bath method, which requires minimal fuss and effort.
What’s more? This dessert boasts basic ingredients, making it accessible to anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. And the best part? It’s highly customizable!
Feel free to get creative with the crust by mixing in cookie dough or caramel and fudge for a unique twist.
As an added bonus, this no-bake cheesecake recipe is Andi’s personal favorite, featuring a delightful combination of lime zest and ginger snap crust. So go ahead, give it a try! Just remember to follow these helpful tips on how long cheesecake can safely sit out.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
Imagine sinking your teeth into a delectable pie that boasts a classic graham cracker crust, creamy sweetness from the cream cheese layer, and the perfect balance of sweet and tart from the fresh strawberries smothered in a luscious jam glaze. This dessert is more than just a tasty treat – it’s a feast for the eyes as well, with its vibrant colors and visually appealing presentation. And trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked and won’t be satisfied with just one slice.
But what really sets this pie apart is the convenience factor – you can prepare both the crust and filling in advance, making it a stress-free dessert option for any occasion.
Easy Cream Cheese Danish
When it comes to effortless cream cheese recipes, the Danish pastry variation stands out as a clear winner. What sets this recipe apart is its reliance on humble ingredients like crescent rolls, vanilla, sour cream, and sugar, making it an accessible and enjoyable option for anyone looking to indulge in creamy delights.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – the possibilities for creative fillings are virtually endless!
From classic cream cheese spreads to sweet and tangy jam pairings, or even a combination of pie fillings, the options are limited only by your imagination. With such a wide range of flavor profiles at your fingertips, you’re sure to find a combination that suits your taste buds.
Cream Cheese Pancakes
Enriched by the subtle warmth of cinnamon, these delectable pancakes cleverly utilize excess cream cheese to create a delightful surprise. The incorporation of cream cheese not only adds moisture but also lends a sublime fluffiness to the batter, while the granulated sugar provides a touch of sweetness, making it the sole sweetener in this indulgent mix.
Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Satisfy your crowd’s hunger with this effortless and budget-friendly slow cooker chicken chili recipe. Simply place the chicken in the crockpot, combine the remaining ingredients, and let the magic happen. The addition of cream cheese elevates the dish to a rich and creamy level, making it a standout among other chili recipes.
Cream Cheese And Herb Stuffed Chicken
While cream cheese may seem like a straightforward ingredient, it can be used in countless ways to elevate simple dishes. This recipe is a great example, as it combines the tanginess of cream cheese with the freshness of herbs for an incredibly flavorful result. When served alongside brown rice or roasted cauliflower, this chicken dish is sure to please.
One trick to keep in mind is to add a single layer of bacon on top of the meat before cooking – not only will it prevent the exterior from drying out, but it’ll also infuse the dish with extra depth of flavor.
Baked Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
The tantalizing appearance of these golden brown roll-ups bears a striking resemblance to churros, but with a delectable ooey-gooeyness that permeates every morsel. The subtle presence of cinnamon imbues the sliced bread with an aromatic finish, while the fresh cheese adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of tanginess, beautifully balancing the flavors.
Cream Cheese Rangoons
Indulge in these delectable crab wontons, boasting a satisfying crunch on the outside and a soft, cheesy filling within. The perfect harmony of flavors is further elevated by a tangy sweet and sour dipping sauce. With their irresistible appeal, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or casual snacking occasion. What’s more, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward and easy to prepare, making it an ideal addition to your culinary repertoire.
And, to ensure those wontons remain sealed with precision, remember our pro tip: simply dampen the corners of the wrappers with water or egg wash for a secure seal.
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Buckle up, because this addictive recipe is about to take your taste buds on a thrilling ride! The magic lies in the delectable sausage filling, carefully crafted with cream cheese and pimento shredded cheese. This match made in heaven takes the humble crescent roll to new heights, transforming it into an irresistible treat that will leave you craving more.
To create these mouthwatering morsels, simply cut each triangle of dough in half lengthwise, spread a generous amount of the savory filling on top, and then roll it over to enclose the deliciousness. The result is a mini-stuffed crescent roll that’s sure to become your new obsession.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
As the seasons change and autumn’s warmth gives way to winter’s chill, a classic New England treat gets a creative twist. The rich flavors of pumpkin, spices, and maple syrup combine in perfect harmony. And the star of this fall dessert show? Pumpkin whoopie pies! These soft, fluffy cakes are sandwiched together with a sweet and tangy maple cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the warm, comforting flavor of the pumpkin.
It’s a match made in heaven, where traditional meets tantalizingly new.
Oatmeal Carrot Cake Cookies
The eternal debate: cake or cookies? While some may argue that you can’t have your cake and eat it too, these unique treats defy convention by combining the best of both worlds. Introducing oatmeal carrot cake cookies, a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts. Each bite-sized treat is crowned with a sweet and spicy frosting, expertly crafted from homemade cream cheese and infused with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Cream Cheese Brownies
Indulge in the decadent delight of these brownies, which perfectly blend the richness of chocolate and cheesecake. The combination is a masterclass in contrasts, with deep, velvety chocolate flavors complemented by the subtle tanginess of cream cheese. Every bite is a revelation, as the edges provide a satisfying chewiness that gives way to a fudgy center, a textural experience that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Cream Cheese Chicken Soup
Transforming an ordinary chicken soup into an extraordinary one can be achieved with just a few simple additions. The secret ingredient that gives this comforting dish its creamy and indulgent twist is surprisingly a bar of cream cheese. Not only does it add depth to the flavor, but it also elevates the overall dining experience when served with soft dinner rolls.
Meanwhile, milk and potatoes work together in harmony to create a rich and buttery texture, while the combination of chicken broth and butter adds an unparalleled layer of complexity. The result is a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.
The bottom line
While the preceding examples showcase just a few of the many creative uses for cream cheese, it’s worth noting that this versatile ingredient has a wealth of applications that extend beyond the highlighted methods. In fact, its potential uses know no bounds, and experimentation is encouraged to uncover even more innovative ways to incorporate this tangy delight into your culinary repertoire.
