From creamy dips to silky cheesecakes and warm appetizers, these recipes using cream cheese bring the perfect tang to any dish.
60 Recipes Using Cream Cheese
Updated on Jul. 22, 2025
1/60
Baked Crab Dip
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoyed this exquisite dip at my grandson's wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. You can even make this crab dip recipe ahead of time by filling the bread bowl early in the day and chilling it until serving. Just remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. —Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 100 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
If you need some more cheesy inspiration, here are our top cream cheese dip recipes.
2/60
Birthday Cheesecake
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
1 cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Combining vanilla and almond extract in the filling gives this cheesecake that traditional birthday cake flavor; folding sprinkles right into the batter creates colorful confetti in each piece. Top with clouds of whipped cream and a shower of extra sprinkles. —Dan Ware, Milton, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
16 pieces: 404 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
3/60
Obatzda
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Obatzda, otherwise known as German beer cheese dip, is so delicious and creamy. It's the perfect dip to make the night before a get-together. —Beate Trinkl, Einsbach, Germany
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 79 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
4/60
Red Velvet Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious red velvet pound cake is the perfect combination of flavors. Make sure the cake has cooled before icing it; for extra crunch sprinkle some roasted pecans on top. —Robin Smith, Old Fort, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 639 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 87g carbohydrate (67g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
5/60
Cheese Danishes
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
This tempting cheese Danish bakes to flaky perfection's shines with the simple gloss of an egg wash. It tastes just as decadent as any breakfast pastry you'd find in a bakery or coffee shop. —Josephine Triton, Lakewood, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 359 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
6/60
Key Lime Blondie Bars
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s my tropical take on a beloved treat. These Key lime bars combine the taste of the classic pie with a blondie batter and cream cheese frosting. You can make a thicker crust if you like. —Kristin LaBoon, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 blondie: 422 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
7/60
Strawberry Pretzel Pie
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cool no-bake strawberry pie is the perfect cure for your sweet tooth, especially in summer. Made with pantry staples, it is as easy as pie to make and has become one of my most requested warm-weather treats. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 350 calories, 19g fat (12g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
8/60
Apples ‘n’ Cream Pancake
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cozy recipe is delicious for breakfast or brunch. I usually make a double batch because everyone wants more! With our own orchard, we have plenty of Delicious and Winesap apples—they make this a true midwestern meal. —Ruth Schafer, Defiance, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 265 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
9/60
Apricot Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Colorful gelatin salad adds a spot of brightness to any table. It blends well with this holiday feast. We children didn't know if it should be a salad or dessert, with its smooth texture and delicate flavor.—Fae Fisher, Callao, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 235 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 121mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
10/60
Mini Cherry Cheesecakes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These little cheesecakes make a fun dessert that's just right for cooks who don't have a lot of time for fussy recipes. Plus, you get to eat a whole mini cheesecake yourself! —Kay Keller, Morenci, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini cheesecake: 213 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
11/60
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
3 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This combination of pumpkin, nuts and dates makes a delicious, golden pumpkin cream cheese bread. The surprise inside—a rich creamy swirl—is like a luscious layer of cheesecake in each slice. —Cindy May, Troy, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 189 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 132mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
12/60
Spinach Turnovers
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The flaky cream cheese pastry adds sensational texture to these hot appetizers—and just wait until you taste the wonderful filling. I usually fix a double batch and freeze some to have on hand in case unexpected guests drop by. — Jean von Bereghy, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 turnover: 103 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 129mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
13/60
Pineapple Sheet Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This sheet cake is perfect for serving to a crowd. It keeps so well that you can easily prepare it a day ahead and it will stay moist. I often bring it to church potlucks, and I have yet to take much of it home. —Kim Miller Spiek, Sarasota, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 315 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
14/60
Duo Tater Bake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 casseroles (10 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this creamy and comforting potato dish for Thanksgiving and it was a winner with my family. They said to be sure to include it at every holiday dinner. It’s a keeper! —Joan McCulloch, Abbotsford, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 236 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 246mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
15/60
Banana Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a mother of three sons, I always have sweets in my kitchen! I buy lots of ripe bananas on sale and freeze them with this cake in mind. I’m often asked to bring it to family picnics and dinners. —Bonnie Krause, Irvona, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 416 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
16/60
Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These festive sugar-coated red velvet cookies are perfect for Christmas. They’re just as delicious as they are beautiful. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 166 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 39mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
17/60
Shrimp Spread
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's no secret to this creamy seafood appetizer—it's simply delicious! I originally tasted it at a friend's house, and I liked it so much that I requested the recipe. It's since become a family favorite. —Brenda Buhler, Abbotsford, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 136 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
18/60
Pecan Pumpkin Dessert
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always make this treat for Thanksgiving. A friend gave me the recipe, and I've since shared it with many others. —Sue Williams, Mount Holly, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 568 calories, 33g fat (17g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 396mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
19/60
Cucumber Canapes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 120 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
20/60
Easy Cheese-Stuffed Jalapenos
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A few years ago, I saw a man in the grocery store buying a big bag full of jalapeno peppers. I asked him what he intended to do with them, and he shared this recipe for stuffed jalapenos with me right there in the store! —Janice Montiverdi, Sugar Land, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 141 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
21/60
Potato Chowder
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
One of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It's easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without bacon): 179 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
22/60
Red Velvet Jar Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make these red velvet jar cakes for friends, family and teachers. Red velvet is my favorite during the holidays, but you can use your favorite cake and frosting flavors. Then dress up the jars with homemade labels and ribbons for gifting. Don’t forget to tie a spoon to the jar; everyone likes to dig right in! —Lillie Collier, Mobile, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 530 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (52g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
23/60
Spinach-Beef Spaghetti Pie
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With its angel hair pasta crust, this cheesy ground beef, tomato and spinach pie is always a hit when I serve it. Each neat slice has layers of pasta, cream cheese filling and spinach topping. —Carol Hicks
Pensacola, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 377 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
24/60
Fruit-Topped Blintzes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother is a wonderful cook who always likes to prepare (and improve on!) dishes she’s sampled at restaurants. That’s what I did with these blintzes, and my family loves my fruity version even more than the original.
Nutrition Facts:
2 blintzes: 340 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 283mg cholesterol, 237mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 14g protein.
25/60
Chicken in Puff Pastry
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll never believe a dish this scrumptious, comforting and impressive-looking could be made with just five ingredients! It offers such an easy way to entertain friends. —Gina Hobbs, Tifton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 496 calories, 30g fat (12g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein.
26/60
Reuben Dip
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
32 servings (about 4 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
This slow-cooked spread tastes just like the popular Reuben sandwich. Even when I double the recipe, I end up with an empty dish. —Mary Jane Kimmes, Hastings, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoon: 58 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
27/60
Cool Strawberry Cream
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fruity, luscious dessert makes a wonderful ending to a special dinner. When fresh strawberries are not available, substitute two packages frozen unsweetened strawberries, thawed and drained, for the fresh. —Joyce Cooper, Mount Forest, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 198 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
28/60
Pineapple Ham Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Since I live in Hawaii, I wanted to share a recipe that features pineapple. It's our most important fruit crop. —Marsha Fleming, Kula, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 527 calories, 34g fat (19g saturated fat), 139mg cholesterol, 1541mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
29/60
Creamy Strawberry Crepes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Wrap summer-ripe strawberries and creamy filling into these delicate crepes for an elegant brunch entree. —Kathy Kochiss, Huntington, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
2 crepes: 415 calories, 26g fat (16g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
30/60
Italian Cream Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Buttermilk makes every bite of this awesome Italian cream cheese cake recipe moist and flavorful. I rely on this recipe year-round. —Joyce Lutz, Centerview, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 736 calories, 41g fat (19g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 330mg sodium, 90g carbohydrate (75g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
31/60
Baked Chicken Burritos
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This mouthwatering southwestern burrito recipe makes enough for two casseroles, so you can enjoy one today and freeze the other for a busy weeknight. They're super to have on hand for quick meals or to take to potlucks. —Sonya Nightingale, Burley, Idaho.
Nutrition Facts:
2 burritos: 760 calories, 44g fat (23g saturated fat), 177mg cholesterol, 1608mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 51g protein.
32/60
Berry-Cream Cookie Snaps
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom and I made up this recipe by combining two others. These cute cookies are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy inside. You could also bake the cookies flat and serve the filling as a cookie dip if you'd like. —Crystal Briddick, Colfax, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 72 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
33/60
Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've passed this recipe on to dozens of folks. My daughter was so fond of it that she served it for her wedding instead of traditional cake. —Howard Koch, Lima, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 504 calories, 36g fat (20g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
34/60
Grape Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone raves when I bring this refreshing, creamy grape salad to potlucks. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brown sugar and pecans. —Marge Elling, Jenison, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 131 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
35/60
Peanut Butter Pudding Dessert
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fun layered dessert that will appeal to all ages. If you want it even nuttier, you can use chunky peanut butter, and if you're not a fan of cashews, substitute your favorite nut. This peanut butter lasagna is one of my favorite pudding desserts. —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 406 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 288mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
36/60
Hash Brown Broccoli Bake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a perfect dish for a potluck or holiday buffet. It goes well with fish, poultry, pork or beef. Cheddar cheese can be substituted for Swiss. Often, I double the recipe to serve a crowd. —Jeanette Volker, Walton, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 216 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 334mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
37/60
Creamed Corn with Cream Cheese
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Five ingredients are all you'll need for my popular creamed corn recipe. It's wonderful no matter what the occasion is. Try it on a barbecue buffet or holiday menu. —Barbara Brizendine, Harrisonville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 378 calories, 26g fat (16g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 439mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
38/60
Marshmallow-Almond Key Lime Pie
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Summer is peak season for Key limes—a must for this pie’s distinctive sweet-tart flavor. Unlike other Key lime pies, mine has a smooth marshmallow layer on top. This makes it stand out as a crowd favorite. —Judy Castranova, New Bern, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 587 calories, 35g fat (18g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
39/60
Raspberry Cream Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is delicious with either fresh-picked or frozen raspberries. That means you can make it year-round. One bite of raspberry pie will instantly turn winter to summer. —Julie Price, Nashville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 507 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
40/60
Pina Colada Fruit Dip
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
A taste of the tropics will be welcomed by your holiday guests. The cool and creamy dip can be served as an appetizer or a dessert.
—Shelly Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 186 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
41/60
Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My son loves these vanilla bean cupcakes! Flecks of vanilla bean in the moist, tender cupcakes give them special-occasion status. —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 266 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
42/60
Crab & Artichoke Dip
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Nearly every time my girlfriends and I get together, we dip into this rich and creamy snack and our favorite bottle of wine. It’s so convenient to use the slow cooker to make this recipe—it’s a perfect fit for our relaxed friends nights. —Connie McKinney, Marshall, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without crackers): 158 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
43/60
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With five different dairy products, you know this make-ahead mashed potato casserole is going to be super rich and, of course, delicious. It gets even better topped with onions and bacon! —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 354 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
44/60
Spinach Dip-Stuffed Mushrooms
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
I use a melon baller to hollow out the mushroom caps and make them easier to stuff. The apps fit neatly into muffin tins or a deviled egg tray for traveling. —Ashley Pierce, Brantford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 44 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
45/60
Lemon-Blueberry Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pair a slice of this moist lemon-blueberry cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's a staple at our family barbecues. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 434 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 80g carbohydrate (54g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
46/60
Artichoke Phyllo Cups
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to create a bite-sized version of rich, creamy artichoke dip. These adorable phyllo cup appetizers were a total success! —Neel Patel, Champaign, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 70 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
47/60
Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A hint of orange and cinnamon highlights these Christmastime classics. I like to add colorful sprinkles before baking them. The recipe is from a booklet that came with a cookie press in the 1950s...and I still have the press! —Sarah Bedia, Lake Jackson, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 56 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
48/60
Garlic-Herb Bagel Spread
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings (1 cup)
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy spread is loaded with oregano, basil, garlic and feta. The flavorful, savory combination is perfect slathered on a toasted bagel. But don’t stop there. Try it as a dip for crunchy breadsticks, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 68 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 71mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
49/60
Pink Lemonade Stand Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you love a moist and creamy cake, this one’s for you. The lemon juice and lemonade give the layers a tangy, citrusy touch, and the cream cheese frosting with sprinkles makes it extra pretty. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 732 calories, 39g fat (24g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 91g carbohydrate (68g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
50/60
Carrot Cake with Pecan Frosting
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband constantly requests this homey, old-fashioned version of carrot cake. The frosting is still tasty even without the pecans. —Adrian Badon, Denham Springs, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 557 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (57g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
51/60
Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These quick appetizers are irresistible. The flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and pesto balance beautifully. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 170 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
52/60
Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom often made pineapple upside down cake, but I prefer something creamier. This recipe looks just like her cake, but gets even tastier as pineapple upside down cheesecake. —Marilyn McGinnis, Citrus Heights, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 549 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 79g carbohydrate (72g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
53/60
Fontina Rolled Chicken
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Good food has a way of transporting you to faraway places. My chicken with fontina and cream cheese is like a blissful trip to Italy. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 561 calories, 32g fat (14g saturated fat), 213mg cholesterol, 962mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 51g protein.
54/60
Cranberry Cream Cheese French Toast
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend makes this French toast bake with blueberries, but I make mine with cranberry sauce. Either way, it’s divine. It makes a great brunch dish for Christmas morning. —Sandie Heindel, Liberty, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 375 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 231mg cholesterol, 382mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
55/60
Heirloom Tomato Pie
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My green-thumbed neighbors like to share produce with me. I return the delicious favor by baking tomato pies for all. —Angela Benedict, Dunbar, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 322 calories, 25g fat (14g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
56/60
Creme de Menthe Squares
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This layered bar hits all the sweet spots: It’s airy, creamy, crunchy and the perfect mix of cool mint and rich chocolate. It has a vintage dessert appeal that no one in our family can resist. —Marilyn Blankschien, Clintonville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 371 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 232mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
57/60
Cool and Creamy Fruit Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom found this recipe in a magazine 25 years ago, and my family has been enjoying it ever since. I refrigerate it overnight before serving. It looks especially pretty in a trifle dish. —Susan Schiller, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
58/60
Bagel with a Veggie Schmear
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe from my favorite bagel shop in New York City. Now I make this every time I'm craving a quick and healthy breakfast. I like to add chopped pitted green olives to the schmear. — Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2 open-faced sandwiches: 341 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 10g fiber), 20g protein.
59/60
Dilly Cheese Ball
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My whole family devours this herby cheese spread—even my son, the chef. Serve it with your favorite crackers. —Jane Vince, London, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 100 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
60/60
Pinwheels
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this recipe, and whenever I serve these tortilla roll ups, people ask me for the recipe, too! The cream cheese pinwheels can be made ahead of time and sliced just before serving, leaving you time for other last-minute party preparations. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 63 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Recipes Using Cream Cheese FAQ
What can I make with leftover cream cheese?
Leftover cream cheese can easily be turned into quick dips, sweet desserts or savory spreads for crusty bread using just a few extra ingredients. Whip heavy cream, sugar and cream cheese until thick to top berries and prepared pound cake for a no-bake treat. Melt a bit into scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese or marinara sauce for a creamy upgrade. Add it gradually to recipes as it will thicken sauces, and too much cream cheese can make it taste sticky or tacky.
How do you soften cream cheese quickly?
To soften cream cheese quickly, cut the block into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. If you’re short on time, place an unwrapped block in a microwave-safe bowl and warm it for 5 seconds at a time until soft but not melted. If the cream cheese starts to liquify, refrigerate, stirring frequently, until it has thickened just enough to smoothly beat it into batters, like your favorite cheesecake recipe.
How do you prevent cream cheese from curdling when cooking?
Cream cheese is much less likely to curdle than sour cream or yogurt, but sudden temperature changes or extremely high heat can cause separation. To keep cream cheese from curdling when cooking, bring it to room temperature and stir it into warm, not boiling liquids. For creamy sauces or soups, add cream cheese at the end of cooking until fully melted and hot but not vigorously boiling.
