10+ Cream Cheese Recipes You’ll Love Trying Today

Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient you can use in many recipes, from savory dishes to sweet treats. It adds a smooth, creamy texture and a mild tang that enhances the flavor of your meals.

You can easily find ways to enjoy cream cheese beyond just spreading it on bagels or using it in cheesecakes.

Whether you want something quick and simple or a recipe that impresses your guests, cream cheese fits well in many types of cooking and baking. You’ll discover different ways to add cream cheese to your favorite foods or try new dishes that use it as a key ingredient.

1) Classic New York Cheesecake

You can make a creamy, dense cheesecake that feels rich but not too sweet. Full-fat cream cheese gives the cheesecake its smooth texture.

This cheesecake has a subtle tang from cream cheese and a hint of sweetness from sugar. Some recipes add heavy cream or sour cream to keep it moist.

The crust is usually made from crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter. This simple base holds the filling and adds a nice crunch.

Ingredients

• 4 (8 oz) blocks of full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add heavy cream and eggs one at a time.
4. Pour batter over the crust.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is almost set.
6. Let cool, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.

2) Spinach and Cream Cheese Filo Pie

Spinach and cream cheese filo pie is a tasty, easy way to enjoy a creamy filling wrapped in crispy, flaky pastry. Mix fresh spinach with cream cheese and other cheeses for a smooth texture and good flavor.

The filo dough becomes golden and crunchy when baked, making a lovely contrast. You can add ingredients like Parmesan or feta to boost the saltiness and taste.

This pie works great for a snack, side dish, or light meal. It’s also simple to customize with herbs like dill or parsley.

Using cream cheese helps bind the filling, keeping it soft yet firm enough to slice.

Ingredients:

• Filo dough sheets
• Fresh spinach, chopped
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Feta cheese (optional)
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix chopped spinach with cream cheese, Parmesan, feta, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay one sheet of filo dough, brush with olive oil or butter, repeat for 4-5 layers.
4. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the filo base.
5. Cover with 4-5 more filo sheets, brushing each with oil or butter.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
7. Let cool slightly before cutting and serving.

For more details, see this spinach and cheese phyllo pie recipe.

3) Cream Cheese Frosting for Cinnamon Rolls

You can make a simple and tasty cream cheese frosting for your cinnamon rolls. It’s smooth and creamy, adding the perfect sweet touch.

Beat room temperature cream cheese and butter until soft. Then, mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt.

Spread the frosting on warm rolls right after baking. The heat melts it slightly, making the cinnamon rolls extra delicious.

Ingredients

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until creamy.
3. Bake cinnamon rolls at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
4. Spread frosting on warm rolls and serve.

You can find more details on making this frosting at Pinch and Swirl.

4) Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

You can make a simple and tasty meal by stuffing chicken breasts with cream cheese. The cream cheese adds a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs well with herbs and spices.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Create a pocket in each breast and fill it with a mixture of cream cheese and herbs like garlic, chives, or parsley.

Sear the chicken in a hot pan to brown it. Finish cooking by baking at 375°F (190°C) until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Mix cream cheese, garlic, chives, and parsley.
4. Cut a slit in each chicken breast to form a pocket.
5. Stuff each pocket with the cream cheese mixture.
6. Sear chicken breasts in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Transfer to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

5) Philadelphia-style Cream Cheese Dip

This dip is smooth, creamy, and easy to make. Start by beating Philadelphia cream cheese until it feels light and fluffy.

Add a little milk to make it thinner if you like. Mix in some cooked, crispy bacon and diced green onions for flavor.

A bit of Parmesan cheese gives it a sharp taste. The dip is perfect for chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.

Chill it in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors blend. It’s a great snack for parties or quick gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) packages Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 10 slices bacon, cooked and diced
• 1/4 cup green onion, diced
• A little milk, if needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer until smooth.
2. Add mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
3. Stir in bacon and green onions.
4. Add milk if you want a thinner dip and mix again.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

6) Bagels with Homemade Cream Cheese Spread

Bagels and cream cheese are a classic match. Making your own cream cheese spread at home is simple and lets you customize flavors.

Use fresh lemon juice, whole milk, and salt to make a basic cream cheese. Once you have that, try adding herbs like chives or roasted garlic for extra flavor.

Spread your homemade cream cheese generously on your toasted bagel. You can also mix in fruits like strawberries or spices for a sweet or savory touch.

Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Fresh herbs (optional)
• Roasted garlic (optional)
• Bagels

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat milk to 190°F (88°C) in a pot.
2. Stir in lemon juice and let it sit for 10 minutes until curds form.
3. Strain curds through cheesecloth.
4. Add salt and mix well.
5. Stir in herbs or garlic if desired.
6. Spread cream cheese on warm bagels and enjoy.

7) Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes

You can make mashed potatoes extra creamy by adding cream cheese. It gives the potatoes a smooth texture and a mild tangy flavor.

Start with russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Boil them until they are soft.

Mix in cream cheese, butter, and milk to get your desired creaminess. Season with salt and pepper.

You can add garlic powder or herbs if you like more flavor. Mash everything until the potatoes are smooth but still fluffy.

Ingredients

• 5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
• 1/2 to 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and cut potatoes into chunks.
2. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain potatoes well.
4. Add cream cheese, butter, milk, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
5. Mash until smooth and creamy.
6. Serve warm.

For more tips, check out this cream cheese mashed potatoes recipe.

8) Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you love red velvet, this pound cake is a great way to enjoy it with a twist. It’s moist and tender, with the classic red velvet taste you know.

The cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness. You can make this cake for any occasion, and it pairs well with coffee or tea.

The cream cheese frosting is easy to spread and stays soft. Try adding mini chocolate chips or a cream cheese glaze for extra fun and flavor.

This recipe works well for bundt cakes or loaf pans.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your pan.

2. In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time.

4. Mix in vanilla and red food coloring.

5. Add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, alternating between them.

6. Pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

8. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla.

9. Spread frosting over the cooled cake. Enjoy!

For a detailed recipe, see this Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze.

9) Baked Crab Dip with Cream Cheese

Try this warm and creamy baked crab dip. It combines fresh lump crab with cream cheese and cheddar for a rich appetizer.

A bit of lemon juice adds tang. Hot sauce or Old Bay seasoning gives it a little kick.

Bake until hot, bubbly, and golden on top. Serve with crackers or sliced bread.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cooked lump crab meat
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce or Old Bay seasoning
• Optional: 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix cream cheese, crab meat, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, hot sauce, and mayo in a bowl.

3. Spread the mixture in a baking dish.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.

5. Serve warm with crackers or bread.

10) Stuffed Pasta Shells with Cream Cheese

Stuffed pasta shells with cream cheese make an easy and tasty dinner. The cream cheese gives the filling a smooth, creamy texture.

Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan for extra flavor. Add cooked meat or spinach if you want a heartier dish.

After stuffing the shells, bake them covered at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly. Top with marinara or meat sauce for more taste.

Ingredients

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Cream cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Optional: cooked ground beef or spinach
• Garlic powder or minced garlic
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions.

2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper.

3. Add cooked beef or spinach if you want.

4. Stuff the cooked shells with the cheese mixture.

5. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish.

6. Pour sauce over the shells if you like.

7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes.

8. Remove from the oven when the shells are heated through.