Try these 11 recipes and discover why cream cheese isn’t just for bagels anymore

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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.

A scoop of cream cheese is being placed into a cookie dough indentation.
Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

A close-up of creamy macaroni and cheese garnished with parsley.
Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

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

A close-up of a dessert topped with apple slices, chopped pecans, and caramel sauce.
Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

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

A close-up of a hand holding a chocolate chip cookie with a bite taken out, revealing a cheesecake filling inside. More cookies are visible in the background on a baking sheet.
Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

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

Close-up of chocolate waffles dusted with powdered sugar on a plate, with a dollop of cream topped with chocolate shavings in the foreground.
Basic Chaffle Recipe. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

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

Three cookies with chocolate centers on a red plate, surrounded by festive decorations including pinecones and wrapped gifts.
Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

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

Two cookies topped with red and green chocolate candies on a gray plate, surrounded by pinecones and wrapped gifts.
Christmas Cookies with MMs. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

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

Front view of 2 stuffed chicken Crescent rolls on a white plate garnished with parsley.
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

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

A piece of no-bake pumpkin icebox cake on a white plate.
No-Bake Pumpkin Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

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

Sliced fruit and cream cheese pinwheel sandwiches arranged on a slate serving board with fresh strawberries.
Fruit Pinwheels. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

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

A white plate with nine round, colorful balls of sugar-coated dough on a gray striped cloth; two wooden scoops lie nearby.
No Bake Rainbow Snowcone Chocolate Balls. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

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

Four scones topped with red and green sprinkles on an oval plate. They sit on a wooden table with holiday decorations in the background.
Red and Green Cake Mix Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

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

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