30 Easy Cream Cheese Recipes (Best Ways to Use Cream Cheese)
on Sep 17, 2021
Are you looking to get more creative with cream cheese? How about using it in savory recipes like stuffed chicken or a casserole dish for dinner? Or in a delicious dessert? Below you will find 30 Easy Cream Cheese Recipes that will have you wondering which one to choose first!

What to Make with Cream Cheese?
You’re probably accustomed to grabbing the cream cheese to spread on your bagel, sandwich, or even as a dip. But did you know that you can use it in a variety of dishes too? You can add it to savory dishes like mac and cheese to make the dish creamier. Or add it to desserts such as banana bread, danishes, muffins all the way up to breakfast dishes like keto pancakes! The possibilities are endless!
How Long Does Cream Cheese Last?
Unopened cream cheese will last about a month, providing it is stored in the refrigerator at all times. You may even be able to use it past the best before date. If you’ve opened the package, the cream cheese should be used within ten days.
Savory Cream Cheese Recipes

1. Cream Cheese Frosting
This 5-minute cream cheese frosting skips the powdered sugar entirely — and it’s actually better for it. The texture comes out lighter and smoother, it pipes beautifully, and it’s not cloyingly sweet. Perfect for when you’re out of icing sugar or just want a less heavy frosting
2. Baked Cream Cheese Wontons (Rangoons)
Bursting with flavor, these cream cheese wontons are stuffed with a mixture of cream cheese and shrimp! Perfect for any gathering, and come together in 30 minutes! Be sure to pair with a plum or Asian sauce for dipping.
3. Alfredo Sauce with Cream Cheese
If you love chicken alfredo, then this one is for you! This cream cheese alfredo sauce is screaming to be poured over noodles! It’s easy; it’s cheesy, and oh so good!
4. Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese
Did you think that your mac and cheese could get any creamier? Well, it can! With this recipe, you get one comforting dish that is filled with three different types of cheese. Yum!
5. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Loaded with spinach, artichokes, and cream cheese – this dip will quickly become your new favorite! With only 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking time, you will have a delicious dip for snacks!
Cream Cheese Dinner Recipes
6. Cream Cheese Pasta
In just 10 minutes, you will have a completely mouthwatering dish. This cream cheese pasta recipe is easy, comforting, and filling! It’s so flavorful and loaded with garlic, cream cheese, and parmesan!
7. Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
Seasoned with garlic and herbs, these cream cheese mashed potatoes are a must-try! They’re smooth in texture and inviting in taste. The tip here is to use Yukon or Russet potatoes.
8. Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Perfect for your tailgate parties or game day parties – it’s a recipe to keep handy. Cream cheese sausage balls are made with just 4 simple ingredients and take about 20 minutes to complete.
9. Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
In this recipe, you’ll be able to combine your love for cream cheese and spaghetti together. It’s a hearty casserole dish that your entire family will love. Be sure to follow the tips for the perfect dish.
Chicken Cream Cheese Recipes
10. Cream Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken
Fresh, low carb, and full of intense flavor, this stuffed chicken recipe is perfect for any night of the week! Season the chicken with salt and pepper, stuff with a few simple ingredients, bake, and enjoy!
11. Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Ok, you don’t want to skip this one! Cream cheese chicken enchiladas take only about 30 minutes to make. You’ll love just how hearty this dish is, and with cheesy goodness in every bite.
12. Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
This easy dish is cooked to perfection in a slow cooker! Combining black beans, corn, ranch dressing, and some spices, this is the best chili ever! If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply freeze them for a quick meal later!
13. Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken (Crack Chicken)
Just when you thought chicken couldn’t get any better, say hello to crack chicken. Filled with bacon, green onion, and cheddar cheese – this slow cooker crack chicken is creamy, flavorful, and so delicious.
Cream Cheese Dessert Recipes

14. Philadelphia No-Bake Cheesecake
Now, you can enjoy your favorite dessert without having to bake it! Philadelphia cream cheese cheesecake is smooth, creamy, and made right from scratch. Simply mix the ingredients and refrigerate.
15. Oreo Balls
Oreo Cookie Balls are a bite-sized creamy treat! To top that, they’re no-bake! It doesn’t stop there! This recipe only requires 3 ingredients, making this an easy dessert for the holidays!
16. Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
If you haven’t had lemon bars before, now is your chance. The cream cheese in these bars adds an extra bit of smooth texture while complementing the lemony flavor. They’re the perfect summery treat that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
17. Cream Cheese Pound Cake
A light and airy cake meets cream cheese! This pound cake gets most of its flavor from vanilla and a bit of lemon zest while getting a moist texture from the cream cheese. Worth making!
18. Cream Cheese Crepe Filling
This smooth, sweet cream cheese filling turns ordinary crepes into something special. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or melted chocolate — a simple way to elevate your next crepe night.
19. Cream Cheese Brownies
These brownies are moist, dense, and completely fudgy. This recipe effortlessly combines your love of cheesecake and brownies, giving you the best of both worlds in each bite.
20. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
These pumpkin muffins are the perfect treat for the fall season. Top them with cream cheese before baking and watch it melt beautifully into the muffin top. You’ll want to savor every bite!
21. Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Just when you thought banana bread couldn’t get any better, along comes cream cheese banana bread. Soft with a creamy texture, this version is so much better than your classic recipe!
22. The Best Cheesecake Recipe
Is there really such a thing as the best cheesecake? Absolutely! This recipe walks you through some easy instructions for creating an incredible dessert. It’s sweet, creamy, and smooth. So delicious!
23. Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
Made with a graham cracker crust, cream cheese layer, and fresh strawberries, this cream cheese pie is rich, creamy, and full of fruity flavors. It’s one of my favorite cream cheese dessert recipes.
Other Easy Recipes Using Cream Cheese
24. Oreo Cheesecake Bites
Cheesecake meets Oreos to make this bite-sized recipe. They’re creamy and smooth with a bit of a crunch from the graham crackers. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re perfect for a party, gathering, or a snack on the go!
25. Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Tired of using those storebought icings that rip your cakes apart?! Well, don’t worry! With this chocolate cream cheese frosting recipe, you’ll be able to make a smooth, creamy, and sturdy icing that will complement your baked goods perfectly.
26. Classic Cream Cheese Icing
Made with only 4 ingredients, this cream cheese icing recipe is incredibly simple to make. Perfect for your favorite cupcakes or birthday cakes.
27. Bagel with Cream Cheese
If you’re in a rush in the morning but craving something fresh, then you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is simple and incredibly delicious. It’s perfect for those days when you need something on the go.
28. Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
Here’s the 4-ingredient recipe your fruit has been waiting for – it’s cream cheese fruit dip. All you have to do is to whip together some cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream. Don’t forget to grab your favorite fruits!
29. Easy Cream Cheese Danish
Quick, head to the grocery store for some crescent roll dough. From there, shape, fill, and bake! Before you know it, you’ll have fresh cream cheese danishes that look like they came right from the bakery.
30. Keto Cream Cheese Pancakes
Low carb, nut-free and keto-friendly, this is the ultimate breakfast recipe. Keto cream cheese pancakes will have you wonder how you ever went without. All they take are 3 minutes of prep and 9 minutes of cook time! Enjoy!
Can You Freeze Cream Cheese?
Opened cream cheese cannot be placed in the freezer, however unopened cream cheese can. The foil and the cardboard protect the cream cheese from getting freezer burnt. The best part? It can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting?
Making Cream Cheese Frosting is easier than you think! First, beat together butter and cream cheese. While continuing with the mixer at a low speed, add the powdered sugar until the mix is creamy and smooth.
How to Soften Cream Cheese?
If you have time, all you have to do is let the cream cheese sit out on the counter at room temperature until it’s soft. If you’re in a rush, place the unwrapped cheese on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 15 seconds. If it’s not soft enough, add 5 seconds at a time until fully softened. Check here for step-by-step instructions.



