Cream cheese, oh how I adore thee! Whether smeared atop a bagel or whipped into a decadent frosting, its creamy goodness never fails to elevate a dish. It’s my go-to ingredient when I want to add a silky, rich texture to my recipes. Let me share with you some of my most cherished cream cheese-based creations that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Whipped Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
Is there anything more indulgent than French toast on a lazy Sunday morning? Add a whipped cream cheese filling, and you’ve got a breakfast worthy of a special occasion—or any day, really.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Butter for frying
- Maple syrup and fresh berries for serving
Directions:
- In a bowl, whip together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Take two slices of bread and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on one slice, then top with the other to make a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining slices.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cinnamon.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Fry each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve hot with a drizzle of maple syrup and a scattering of fresh berries.
Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
Brownies are a classic, but swirl in some cream cheese, and you’ve got a swoon-worthy dessert that’s a hit at any gathering or just a treat for yourself.
Ingredients:
- For the brownie batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- For the cream cheese mixture:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
- For the brownie batter, combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- For the cream cheese mixture, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter. Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the brownies are set. Cool in the pan before slicing.
Cream cheese’s versatility doesn’t end with these two recipes—it’s a fantastic ingredient to experiment with, from savory spreads to creamy pasta sauces. It lends itself to both traditional recipes and new culinary adventures. So, go ahead, stock up on cream cheese, and let your creativity run wild in the kitchen!
Cream cheese isn’t just for spreading on your morning bagel or for making cheesecake. In my kitchen, it’s a secret weapon for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, especially when it comes to savory dishes. Its rich texture and subtle tang can add depth and creaminess to any meal. Let’s dive into a couple of my favorite savory dishes that are significantly elevated by the addition of cream cheese.
Cream Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken
One of my go-to dinner party recipes is cream cheese and herb stuffed chicken breasts. They’re juicy on the inside, beautifully golden on the outside, and sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with garlic, chives, parsley, salt, and pepper until well-combined.
- Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the cream cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden, about 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving. The cream cheese filling will be hot!
Creamy Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Forget the traditional dollop of butter in your mashed potatoes. Adding cream cheese makes them irresistibly creamy and rich. It’s a simple tweak that makes all the difference.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the cream cheese, milk, and butter to the pot with the potatoes.
- Mash the potatoes until smooth and well-combined with the cream cheese, milk, and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm as the perfect side to any main dish.
Cream cheese has become my staple when I want to add a touch of indulgence to my savory dishes. It melds seamlessly into recipes, giving them a restaurant-quality feel with minimal effort. Whether it’s stuffing meats, enriching sauces, or adding creaminess to side dishes, cream cheese is my unsung hero in the kitchen. Try incorporating it into your next savory creation and taste the transformation for yourself!
Quick and Easy Cream Cheese Snacks
In the midst of a hectic life, finding time to create intricate snacks is often a luxury many of us can’t afford. This is where cream cheese, a staple in my fridge, becomes a savior. It’s versatile, creamy, and lends itself to a multitude of quick and easy snack recipes. Here are a couple of my personal quick-fix cream cheese snacks that have never failed to impress my taste buds or my time management.
Cream Cheese and Cucumber Crackers
This snack is a classic for a reason. It’s light, refreshing, and you can whip it up in minutes.
Ingredients:
- Your choice of crackers
- Cream cheese
- Cucumber, thinly sliced
- Dill or chives for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on each cracker.
- Place a slice or two of cucumber on top of the cream cheese.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and garnish with a sprig of dill or chopped chives.
- Enjoy this cool, crisp snack that’s perfect for any time of the day.
Sweet Chili Cream Cheese Dip
Whenever I’m craving something a little spicy, a little sweet, and exceptionally creamy, I turn to this dip.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Crackers, chips, or veggies for dipping
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese with sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and soy sauce. Mix until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and smooth out with a spatula.
- Serve with your favorite dippers. This dip pairs wonderfully with everything from carrot sticks to crispy wontons.
Fruit and Cream Cheese Sandwich
This is as delightful and as simple as it sounds—a sweet take on a sandwich that comes together in no time.
Ingredients:
- Bread slices (I love using cinnamon-raisin for an extra flavor kick)
- Cream cheese
- Fresh fruits (strawberries, bananas, and blueberries work great)
- Honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, optional
Directions:
- Toast the bread slices if desired.
- Spread a thick layer of cream cheese on one side of each slice of bread.
- Arrange your chosen fruits on top of the cream cheese on one slice.
- Drizzle with a little honey or sprinkle some powdered sugar if you like it sweeter.
- Top with the second slice of bread, cream cheese side down. Press gently and cut in half.
- Serve immediately for a creamy, dreamy, fruity snack.
Cream cheese has a special place in my snack repertoire, not just for its flavor but also for its quick-fix prowess. It’s a workhorse ingredient that can easily shift from savory to sweet, making snack time an effortless yet indulgent affair. The next time you find yourself in need of a snack, reach for the cream cheese and let your creativity (and cravings) lead the way.
Homemade Cream Cheese Variations
There’s something inherently satisfying about making your own cheese at home, and cream cheese is no exception. Its mellow flavor and creamy texture make it an ideal candidate for homemade variations. I’ve had my fair share of kitchen experiments, and I must say, making my own flavored cream cheese has turned into a delightful hobby. Let me share with you some of the variations that I’ve crafted in my own kitchen, which you can easily replicate in yours.
Homemade Herb Cream Cheese
Fresh herbs elevate the taste of cream cheese to a new level. I like using a mixture of chives, parsley, and dill for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought plain cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese with the chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Fruit and Honey Cream Cheese
Perfect for those with a sweet tooth, this version pairs wonderfully with bagels or as a dip for fresh fruit.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought plain cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1/4 cup finely diced fresh fruits (like strawberries or peaches)
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Directions:
- Combine the cream cheese and honey in a bowl until smooth. Fold in the diced fruit and cinnamon, if using.
- Chill in the refrigerator to let the flavors combine. Serve with a drizzle of honey on top for extra sweetness.
Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese
For those who favor a smoky, spicy kick, chipotle peppers are a game-changer for cream cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought plain cream cheese
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from the can
- A squeeze of lime juice
Directions:
- Mix the cream cheese with the chopped chipotle pepper and adobo sauce. Add a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.
- Let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to develop a deeper smoky taste.
Garlic and Parmesan Cream Cheese
This savory version is excellent for spreading on crackers or stirring into hot pasta.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought plain cream cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- A dash of Italian seasoning
Directions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before using to allow the garlic flavor to infuse the cream cheese.
Homemade Cream Cheese Basics
Before diving into these variations, it’s worth noting how simple it is to make basic cream cheese at home. All it takes is:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
Directions:
- Heat the milk and cream until just below boiling. Remove from heat and add vinegar or lemon juice, stirring gently.
- Let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes until it curdles.
- Strain the curds through a cheesecloth-lined sieve. Add salt to the curds and mix.
- Let the curds drain until they reach your desired consistency.
Experimenting with homemade cream cheese variations opens up a world of culinary possibilities, from spreads and dips to fillings and sauces. It’s a wonderful journey that starts with the simplicity of milk and ends with a spread that’s uniquely yours. Enjoy the process and savor the creations from your very own kitchen lab!
Cream Cheese Infused Breads and Pastries
When I first discovered the magic that cream cheese can work when introduced into breads and pastries, it was nothing short of a revelation. The rich, tangy flavor of this versatile cheese brings a luxurious texture to baked goods that’s impossible to resist. Through countless trials and a fair share of delicious errors, I’ve honed my craft in baking with cream cheese. Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate this delightful ingredient into my baking repertoire.
Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Banana bread is a classic, but add a swirl of cream cheese, and it ascends to new heights of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, at room temperature
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Combine the bananas, butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop cream cheese on top and use a knife to swirl it into the batter. Top with the remaining batter.
- Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Danish
There’s something utterly indulgent about a cream cheese Danish. The flaky pastry combined with the creamy filling is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients for the pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet slightly and cut into squares or rectangles.
- Mix the cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth.
- Place a dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the corners of the pastry toward the center over the filling.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffins
These muffins are moist, flavorful, and have a delightful cream cheese center that makes every bite a treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into 24 cubes
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt.
- In a larger bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and stir until just combined.
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Place a cube of cream cheese in the center of each, then cover with more batter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the muffins are set.
Baking with cream cheese infuses pastries and bread with an extra layer of flavor and sophistication. From my morning banana bread to a dessert-worthy Danish, it’s become my secret weapon for making my baked goods stand out. I encourage you to take these recipes and make them your own. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, the addition of cream cheese is sure to bring a touch of gourmet to your home-baked treats. Happy baking!
