12 Recipes With Cream Cheese You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

If there’s one ingredient that can instantly make any dish creamy, rich, and indulgent, it’s cream cheese. Whether you’re making a luscious dessert, a comforting dip, or a savory dinner, this versatile ingredient works magic in both sweet and savory recipes.

From classic cheesecakes to creamy pasta dishes and even breakfast ideas, here are 12 delicious recipes with cream cheese that will inspire you to bring that velvety texture into every meal.

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1. Classic Cream Cheese Cheesecake

A timeless favorite, the classic cream cheese cheesecake is smooth, rich, and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup melted butter
• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Combine graham crumbs and butter, then press into a springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pour mixture over crust and bake for 50–60 minutes.
5. Chill for 4 hours before serving.

Tip: Add a fruit topping like strawberries or blueberries for extra freshness.

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2. Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

This savory cream cheese recipe is perfect for dinner. The chicken stays juicy, and the creamy filling adds an irresistible richness.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut a pocket in each chicken breast.
3. Mix cream cheese, mozzarella, and seasonings. Stuff into the chicken.
4. Secure with toothpicks and bake 25–30 minutes.

Serving Tip: Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

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3. Creamy Garlic Cream Cheese Pasta

Need a quick weeknight meal? This cream cheese pasta is done in under 30 minutes and tastes like a restaurant dish.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup milk
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic.
3. Add cream cheese and milk; stir until smooth.
4. Toss pasta in sauce and season to taste.

Optional Add-Ins: Add grilled chicken or spinach for extra protein and flavor.

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4. Cream Cheese Brownies

Rich, fudgy, and swirled with cream cheese—these cream cheese brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream.

Ingredients:

• 1 box brownie mix
• 8 oz cream cheese
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Prepare brownie batter as directed and pour into pan.
2. Whisk cream cheese, sugar, and egg until smooth.
3. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture over batter and swirl with a knife.
4. Bake according to brownie instructions.

Result: Gooey, marbled perfection!

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5. Cream Cheese Frosting

This cream cheese frosting is ideal for cakes, cupcakes, or cinnamon rolls. It’s creamy, tangy, and not overly sweet.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Beat butter and cream cheese together.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mix until fluffy.
3. Spread over cooled baked goods.

Pro Tip: Chill slightly before spreading for a firmer texture.

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6. Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

If you love a little spice, this jalapeño cream cheese dip will be your go-to appetizer for parties.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 2 jalapeños, chopped
• ¼ cup sour cream
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
3. Serve with tortilla chips or veggies.

Variation: Add bacon bits for extra flavor.

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7. Cream Cheese Pancakes (Low-Carb)

Soft, light, and slightly tangy, cream cheese pancakes make a wonderful low-carb breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz cream cheese
• 2 eggs
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp sweetener (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Cook on a greased skillet for 1–2 minutes per side.
3. Serve with fresh berries and sugar-free syrup.

Tip: These pancakes are keto-friendly and gluten-free!

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8. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel

A classic breakfast combo that never fails—creamy, savory, and fresh.

Ingredients:

• 1 bagel, toasted
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 2 oz smoked salmon
• Capers, red onion, and dill (optional)

Instructions:

1. Spread cream cheese on toasted bagel halves.
2. Layer with salmon, onion, and capers.
3. Garnish with fresh dill.

Perfect For: A quick, protein-packed breakfast or brunch.

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9. Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Upgrade your mashed potatoes with cream cheese for a silky, rich texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and boiled
• 4 oz cream cheese
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup milk
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mash potatoes until smooth.
2. Add cream cheese, butter, and milk.
3. Mix until creamy and season to taste.

Serving Suggestion: Perfect with roasted meats or holiday dinners.

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10. Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños

These baked jalapeño poppers are creamy, spicy, and addictive.

Ingredients:

• 10 jalapeños, halved and seeded
• 8 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar
• Optional: bacon strips

Instructions:

1. Mix cream cheese and cheddar.
2. Fill each jalapeño half with mixture.
3. Wrap with bacon (optional) and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

Result: The perfect party appetizer—spicy, cheesy, and delicious.

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11. Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Cream cheese makes banana bread extra moist and rich—this twist on a classic is a must-try.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• ½ cup butter
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

Instructions:

1. Cream butter, sugar, and cream cheese.
2. Add eggs and mashed bananas.
3. Stir in dry ingredients and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–55 minutes.

Flavor Boost: Add walnuts or chocolate chips for texture.

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12. Cream Cheese-Stuffed French Toast

This indulgent breakfast treat tastes like dessert. Perfect for weekends or special mornings.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices thick bread
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Butter for frying

Instructions:

1. Spread cream cheese between two slices of bread.
2. Whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla. Dip the sandwich in the mixture.
3. Cook on a buttered skillet until golden brown.
4. Serve with syrup or fruit compote.

Tip: Use brioche bread for the best texture.

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Final Thoughts: Cream Cheese Makes Everything Better

From sweet to savory, these 12 recipes with cream cheese prove just how versatile this ingredient can be. It adds richness to main courses, enhances the texture of desserts, and makes dips irresistibly creamy.

Whether you’re baking a cheesecake, whipping up a quick pasta dish, or making a comforting side, cream cheese can elevate your everyday meals into something special.

So next time you have a block of cream cheese in your fridge, try one of these recipes—and fall in love with that creamy, dreamy goodness all over again.