We all know that classic desserts like cheesecakes and frostings are always a hit with cream cheese, but have you ever thought about using it in other ways? Well, let me tell you, the possibilities are endless! There are so many inventive ways to use cream cheese in your cooking, and I’m excited to share some of my favorite recipes with you.
Are you a fan of brownies? You simply must try my Cream Cheese Brownies recipe – they’re rich, chocolatey, and oh-so-decadent! Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not whip up a Rhubarb-Cream Cheese Spoke Cake? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
But wait, there’s more! If you’re looking for appetizers that will impress your guests, give my Stuffed Celery with Cream Cheese and Walnuts recipe a go. It’s super easy to make but looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. And for main dishes, you can’t go wrong with Salmon Bagel Sandwiches or Skillet Corn with Shrimp and Sausage. Both are packed with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy your hunger.
So, next time you find yourself with an unused block of cream cheese in the fridge, don’t let it go to waste! Instead, put it to good use with one of these delicious recipes. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll feel like a top-notch chef in no time!
10 Delicious Recipes You Can Make with a Block of Cream Cheese
1. Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Recently, I had the pleasure of making the Instant Pot White Chicken Chili recipe and I have to say, it was a real winner in my life!
The recipe itself was quite simple to follow and the use of an Instant Pot made the cooking process quick and hassle-free. The blend of spices used in this recipe was spot-on, creating a deliciously complex flavor profile that was both warming and comforting. The chicken was cooked perfectly and added a nice texture to the dish.
One thing I particularly loved about this recipe was how customizable it was. I was able to adjust the level of heat by adding more or less jalapeño peppers, depending on my preference. I also added some fresh cilantro at the end to brighten up the flavors even more.
Overall, I would highly recommend this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili recipe to anyone looking for a tasty and filling meal that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for those chilly winter nights when you need something warm and satisfying to eat.
2. Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese
The combination of flavors and textures in this recipe was absolutely amazing. The seasoned crackers provided the perfect base for the cream cheese and pepper jelly, which added just the right amount of sweetness and heat to balance out the savory shrimp.
Speaking of the shrimp, they were cooked to perfection and added a nice crunch to the dish. I also appreciated how easy they were to prepare – just a quick sauté in some butter and garlic was all that was needed to make them taste delicious.
One thing that really stood out to me about this recipe was how versatile it was. It would work perfectly as an appetizer for a fancy dinner party or as a snack for a casual gathering with friends. And because it’s so easy to customize, you could easily switch up the ingredients to suit your personal tastes.
I would highly recommend this Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese recipe to anyone looking for a tasty and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a beautiful and elegant-looking dish that will definitely wow your guests!
3. Leek-and-Mushroom Grits Frittata
I was excited to try out the Leek-and-Mushroom Grits Frittata recipe. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
From start to finish, this recipe was incredibly easy to follow and came together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying breakfast, brunch, or dinner. The combination of leeks, mushrooms, and cheesy grits created a savory and flavorful frittata that was absolutely divine.
What really stood out to me about this recipe was how versatile it was. You could easily add your own personal touch by incorporating different vegetables or cheeses, depending on what you have on hand. This would make it a great go-to recipe for those busy weeknights when you need to whip up something quick and tasty.
The texture was also spot on – the eggs were perfectly cooked and the grits added a nice creamy contrast. Plus, the addition of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley would make this dish even more flavorful and elevated.
If you’re looking for an easy and tasty meal that’s sure to impress, I would highly recommend trying out this Leek-and-Mushroom Grits Frittata recipe. It’s a wonderful way to combine classic breakfast ingredients with a twist, making it a satisfying option any time of day.
4. Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars
I made these Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars over the weekend and they were absolutely delicious! The crust was buttery and had the perfect mix of sweet and salty, while the cheesecake filling was creamy and tangy with just the right amount of lemon flavor. The bars were easy to make and came out perfectly – no cracks or sinking in the middle. They also held up well in the fridge and tasted just as good the next day. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone who loves cheesecake and citrus flavors. It’s definitely going into my regular dessert rotation!
5. Skillet Corn with Shrimp and Sausage
The creamy skillet corn serves as the perfect base for the smoked sausage and shrimp. The combination of flavors is absolutely delicious – the saltiness of the sausage complements the sweetness of the corn, while the shrimp adds a nice touch of freshness and texture.
What I love most about this dish is how easy it is to make. It’s a one-pan meal that comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily switch up the protein or vegetables depending on your preferences or what you have on hand.
6. Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham
The combination of creamy spinach, sweet onions, and salty country ham is simply delicious. The dip is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for entertaining or hosting a party. Simply heat it up just before serving and serve it with your favorite dipping accompaniments, such as pita chips or toasted French bread.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily swap out the country ham for bacon or prosciutto, depending on your personal preferences. And if you’re looking to lighten it up, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or even add additional veggies like artichokes or roasted red peppers.
7. Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella
The combination of cream cheese, spinach, and chicken is simply irresistible. The casserole is easy to make and comes together quickly, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to get in some extra veggies – the spinach adds a nice touch of green and nutrition.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily switch up the protein or veggies depending on your preferences or what you have on hand. And if you’re not following a keto or low-carb diet, you can serve it alongside some crusty bread or a side salad.
8. Easy Homemade Lasagna
The recipe was simple to follow and didn’t require many ingredients. I appreciated how easy it was to find all the ingredients at my local grocery store, and how the recipe didn’t call for any hard-to-find items.
What I loved most about this lasagna recipe was how delicious it turned out. The layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese came together perfectly to create a rich and flavorful dish. The blend of spices used in the meat sauce was just right and added a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.
I also appreciated how versatile this recipe was. While I followed the recipe as written, I can see how it could easily be adapted to suit individual tastes. For example, swapping out the beef for ground turkey or adding some vegetables to the meat sauce for a healthier twist.
I would highly recommend this Easy Homemade Lasagna recipe to anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food dish. It’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters and will leave you feeling satisfied and happy!
9. Ultimate Creamy Beef Stroganoff
What sets this recipe apart is the use of PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread. It adds a rich and creamy element to the dish that I couldn’t get enough of. The combination of tender beef, sautéed mushrooms, and flavorful sauce made for a truly delicious meal that my family loved.
One thing I appreciated about this recipe was how easy it was to make. With only a handful of ingredients, most of which were pantry staples, I was able to whip up a flavorful and satisfying meal in no time.
Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. While I followed the recipe as written, I can see how it could be easily adapted to suit individual tastes or dietary restrictions. For example, using ground turkey instead of beef, or swapping out regular pasta for a gluten-free option.
10. Cream Cheese Ball
The best easy cream cheese ball with cheddar cheese, cream cheese, strawberry preserves, and spices, then rolled in chopped pecans. It disappears at parties!
