When you think of cream cheese, do you think of it as a topping for bagels and not much else? Well, think again. You’ll be amazed at how many different ways you can use cream cheese in recipes — some in unexpected ways. With these 11 recipes, discover why cream cheese isn’t just for breakfast anymore.
Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot
This sausage and pepper pasta dish is a hearty, one-dish dinner that allows you to get supper on the table in under 30 minutes. With the help of cream cheese, the pasta and sauce hit all the right notes for a comforting Italian meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot
Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake
This recipe for Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake is the perfect fall dessert to take center stage on your Thanksgiving dessert menu. It’s spiced perfectly to evoke warm, comforting fall flavors and is absolutely gorgeous.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake
Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies blend two classic desserts. You’ve got soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies — one of my favorites — and there is the rich flavor of cheesecake stuffed all inside one cookie.
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Basic Chaffle Recipe
Chaffles are a low-carb way of making waffles without traditional flour. Many recipes call for cheese and eggs. Others use cream cheese to make delicious keto-friendly waffles. Here is a basic chaffle recipe to try.
Get the Recipe: Basic Chaffle Recipe
Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
These cream cheese thumbprint cookies actually started with a store-bought boxed cake mix blended with cream cheese and butter. What better to put in a thumbprint of a cookie? A Hershey kiss chocolate, of course.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
Christmas Cookies with MMs
I’m calling these Christmas cookies with M&Ms because of the colors I’ve chosen for this batch. But the truth is you can make them year round with any candy pieces you please. In fact, this is a great way to use up leftover Halloween candy.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cookies with MMs
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls
Treat your family with these easy-to-make chicken stuffed crescent rolls — tender chicken with rich cream cheese wrapped in golden crescent rolls. Even the pickiest of eaters will love these!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls
No-Bake Pumpkin Icebox Cake
This is an easy recipe for a no-bake pumpkin icebox cake made with cream cheese, Cool Whip and layers of graham crackers. A perfect pumpkin cheesecake for an irresistible fall flavor indulgence.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Pumpkin Icebox Cake
Fruit Pinwheels
These fruit pinwheels are a sweet turn on the classic tortilla wraps, filled with fresh fruit slices and creamy cream cheese. With a colorful swirl of flavors, they are a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pinwheels
No Bake Rainbow Snowcone Chocolate Balls
These rainbow snowcone chocolate balls are a no-bake dessert made with cream cheese and crushed cookies. They look like snow cones you would get growing up from the neighborhood ice cream truck.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Rainbow Snowcone Chocolate Balls
Red and Green Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
After discovering how easy it is to make bakery-quality desserts using boxed cake mix, I mixed it with butter and cream cheese to make these cake mix Christmas cookies. Red and green sugar is the perfect topping.
Get the Recipe: Red and Green Cake Mix Christmas Cookies