32 Easy Cream Cheese Recipes

Some of our favorite recipes with cream cheese are those that we recall from childhood memories of holidays and special occasions. Not all of these cream cheese recipes have survived. Well, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up a list of sweet and savory cream cheese recipes that will thrill and delight your family and guests.

Unsure what to make with cream cheese? Look no further. You are sure to find a recipe using cream cheese that will excite you.

We’ve got recipes from desserts to dips, and everything in between. We think you’re going to be so inspired that you’ll want to work your way through this list of recipes one by one.

What do I do with cream cheese? If you’re watching your carbs or doing a keto diet, you’re going to find some great ideas here.

Cream cheese is a low-carb food, and some of these recipes will fill that need. You’ll be pleasantly surprised that they’re so rich and tasty, and still keto and low carb.

1. Fresh Herb Cream Cheese Dip

This is one of the best, easy ideas to make for your next get-together or summer BBQ. Fresh dill and parsley give this Cream Cheese Dip a bright and fresh taste.

Simply combine your cream cheese with sour cream and may for the perfect texture and serve with crackers or chips. It’s fast and easy to put together.

Substitute a chopped vegetable platter for the crackers for a healthier option. This recipe is always a hit at parties or on game day.

2. Red Velvet Pound Cake

One of the best things about Red Velvet Pound Cake is the Cream Cheese Glaze. This recipe is the perfect frosting for your red velvet cake.

This glaze is simple to make and perfectly paired with the richness of the red velvet cake. Cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract combine.

Tip: Be sure to wait until your cake is completely cooled before frosting. If not, the glaze will not set up and you’ll have a pool of sugar on the plate.

3. Easy Cream Cheese Danish

This Easy Cream Cheese Danish recipe uses pre-made puff pastry that you purchase in the supermarket.

All you do is cut your pastry to size, mix up your filling and place it on the pastry, brush with your egg wash and dust with sugar and voila! You’ve got a delicious treat that the whole family is going to love.

Tip: Be sure to soften your cream cheese before you begin making the filling. If your cream cheese is cold, it will not mix properly and you’ll have lumpy filling. Blend it until it’s smooth and your Cream Cheese Danish will practically melt in your mouth!

4. Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars

These Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars are sure to be a favorite at every get-together or potluck you attend.

The sweet graham cracker crust and the tartness of the lime juice combine to make a flavor explosion for your tastebuds.

The trick to making this delightful dessert bar is to put a pan of water in the oven to help steam cook the cheesecake bars.

Tip: If you can’t find Key Limes, you can use bottled lime juice.

5. Philadelphia 3- Step cheesecake

This 3-Step Cheesecake is the easiest and most delicious recipe for cream cheese you’ll ever want to make. Use a pre-made graham cracker crust. Mix up your filling and pour into the crust. Bake and then cool.

The trick to making the perfect cheesecake with this recipe is to refrigerate before you serve.

Top with canned pie filling, fresh fruit, or drizzle with your favorite caramel or fudge ice cream topping for a beautiful presentation.

6. Keto Cream Cheese Pancakes

One of our favorite things about cream cheese is that it is a low-carb food and you can use it in keto recipes.

This Keto Cream Cheese Pancakes recipe is a great example. It’s also nut and gluten-free, which translates to guilt-free for most of us.

All you need are eggs, cream cheese, your choice of sweetener, and a pinch of cinnamon to make a delicious breakfast treat that everyone in your household will love. Everyone from the kids to adults is going to be requesting that you add this dish to your rotation of breakfast recipes.

7. Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups

This recipe for Cream Cheese Roll-ups is a sure winner for a breakfast treat for the family or a brunch with friends.

The ingredients are simple and the preparation is easy. This is a great recipe to introduce young people to cooking. Even little ones can help roll out the bread and spread the filling.

This is sure to become one of your favorite go-to cream cheese recipes. Tip: Don’t let your bread sit in the melted butter. If the bread is too soggy it won’t bake up properly and your roll-ups will fall apart.

8. Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

For those of us who love cheesecake, but hesitate to make one because it’s so rich and high in calories, we’ve got a perfect solution.

This cream cheese recipe for Mini Cherry Cheesecakes is perfect for the holidays, a potluck, or simply when you want to bake something fun for yourself and your family.

You use all the ingredients of a full-sized cheesecake, and make them in a mini-muffin tin. You can substitute your crusts and toppings to change it up and have fun with it.

9. Perfect Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Many bakers struggle with making a proper pound cake.

This Perfect Cream Cheese Pound Cake recipe is practically foolproof and yields an amazingly delicious dessert that is sure to be a hit. Follow the temperature and baking times closely for the best results.

Take this to your next party or get together and people will be clamoring for the recipe. You can also follow this recipe and make mini loaves for holiday gift-giving. Be sure to adjust your baking time accordingly.

10. Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Bread

This Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Bread recipe gives you the best of both worlds.

Who doesn’t love Pumpkin Bread in the fall? Add a swirl of cream cheese for a delightful combination. Use canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spices for that perfect pumpkin flavor and the addition of the cream cheese makes it super-moist and delicious.

This bread freezes well, so you can make multiple loaves on your baking day and save some for later. That is if your family doesn’t get their hands on them first!

11. Cream Cheese Sheet Cake

This Cream Cheese Sheet Cake is one of our favorite things to make with cream cheese.

Anytime you need a cake for a potluck or party, this cake is going to be your go-to recipe.

If you’re a baker, you know. A scratch cake is not difficult to make. Use cake flour to start with for the right consistency, then add your cream cheese to the recipe giving this cake a fluffy texture that is an instant hit. Top with fudge or your favorite frosting.

12. Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Pops

If you’ve never explored the joys of cake pops, you’re in for a treat.

These Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Pops are the best homemade carrot cake and the delight of cream cheese frosting all in one tasty cake pop.

There are nearly unlimited variations of coatings and frostings that you can coat your cake pops with.

These make great Easter treats or you can customize them for any occasion.

The secret ingredients in this recipe are the buttermilk and grated carrot. They completely transform the taste and texture of your cake, giving it the homemade carrot cake taste you remember.

13. Cheesy Tater Tots Casserole

Who doesn’t love tater tots? When you’re looking for a comfort food carbohydrate load meal you need to look no further than Cheesy Tater Tots Casserole.

Use cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheddar mixed with butter and cream of chicken soup to pour over a layer of tater tots.

Top with breadcrumbs or packaged stuffing mix and bake. Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a bit of a flavor change to this dairy dense delight. The kids will be requesting that you make this one again and again.

14. Cream Cheese Banana Bread

We have a recipe for Cream Cheese Banana Bread that is out of this world delicious!

This is not your grandmother’s banana bread. The addition of cream cheese swirls to the loaf elevates this recipe in a whole new way.

The trick to making the swirls work is to put half of your bread batter in the loaf pan, then dollops of the cream cheese filling.

Top off the loaf pan with the rest of the batter, then take a butter knife and swirl!. No two loaves come out exactly the same, and that’s alright. We love them all and so will you.

15. Swedish Meatballs

One of our favorite low-carb cream cheese dinner recipes is this one for Swedish Meatballs.

The cream cheese is substituted for the heavy cream that is usually called for in the sauce.

This gives the dish a wonderful flavor profile. You can substitute roasted cauliflower or other vegetables for the traditional egg noodles or potatoes for a healthier low-carb version.

Substitute half-ground turkey for ground pork to make the meatballs lighter and less dense. This dish is bound to become a favorite.

16. Cream Cheese Shrimp Dip

Remember shrimp dip from your childhood? Store-bought cocktail sauce, cream cheese, and shrimp were all it took to put out a tasty appetizer.

While this Cream Cheese Shrimp Dip is right in that vintage lane, the cocktail sauce is a bit tastier than you might remember.

We still use cream cheese and bay shrimp, but add the kick of horseradish and Tabasco to your cocktail sauce for a delightful update.

Smash the cream cheese on the platter, pour your cocktail sauce over it and top with shrimp. Serve with hearty whole-grain crackers and you’ve got a winner. Substitute celery sticks for a low-carb option.

17. Cucumber Canapes

Cucumber Canapes is another of those few ingredient cream cheese recipes that can’t miss at a party or at any luncheon or brunch. Slice your cucumber paper-thin, and serve with the cream cheese mixture on a toasted bread slice.

The secret ingredient in this recipe is lemon juice. Just a squeeze or two (according to personal preference) really brightens the flavors of the cream cheese spread.

The presentation is quite fancy and you’re sure to be impressed, even though you’ll know that it was super easy to create this dish.

18. Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese

Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese and Bacon will soon become a party or game day favorite.

They’re quick and easy to prepare, simply clean the peppers, cook the bacon, mix your filling, fill and bake.

For those who like things a little less spicy, you can serve with a side of your favorite ranch salad dressing or top your poppers with a dollop of sour cream. These can be elevated to the main course if you serve them with a side salad.

19. Cream Cheese Potato Soup

With a few simple ingredients and garnishes, you can put together a family favorite that is sure to be requested throughout the cold weather months.

Cream Cheese makes it so smooth. This Cream Cheese Potato Soup is made in just one pot and that pot is sure to be devoured in short order once your family gets a taste of it.

The trick to the best Cream Cheese Potato Soup is the broth. If you don’t have homemade chicken broth, buy the low sodium version. You can also use bullion cubes or other instant billions.

20. Red Velvet Cake In A Jar

This recipe for Red Velvet Cake in a Jar is a fun twist on a holiday favorite.

Variations on this can be done for birthday or holiday parties, Valentine’s Day, or an engagement party.

Simply layer pieces of red velvet cake with the delicious strawberry cream cheese frosting and top with your favorite decorations.

You can do this in small ramekins or 2-4 ounce jars. If you plan to give these as gifts, make sure you get jars with lids and don’t overfill.

Substitute chocolate, caramel, butterscotch, or other fruit flavors for your cream cheese frosting. There are endless combinations!

21. Heavenly Cheese Blintzes

Cheese Blintzes are a traditional food in some cultures, and if you’ve never made them before you’re in for a treat. Easy to make and you can substitute other flours for a low carb option.

They’re not overly sweet, but they do have some sweetness to them, and the cream cheese and ricotta filling are whipped up so it’s light and fluffy.

Top them with a dollop of jam and some powdered sugar for a delightful presentation at any breakfast or brunch. They truly are Heavenly Cheese Blintzes.

22. 3 Ingredient Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Bundles

Spicy Jalapeno Cream Cheese, refrigerated crescent rolls, and spicy Italian Sausage are the three ingredients in these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Bundles.

It takes a little preparation but the outcome is completely worth it. These little bundles make a great bite-sized appetizer or side for any breakfast or brunch.

The spicy kick is going to be a pleasing surprise. Substitute plain cream cheese if you want to tone it down, and use mild instead of hot seasoned bulk sausage.

23. Hot Reuben Dip

This is a twist on the traditional Rueben sandwich that may sound strange but is incredibly good. It’s a hot dip that you bake in a heavy skillet. Simply mix together all of the ingredients and bake until bubbly.

The cream cheese gives this recipe a fluffy and creamy texture that is sure to be a hit at your next party or game day get-together.

You can buy deli corned beef or substitute pastrami if you like. Sauerkraut from a jar works if you don’t make your own. Make-ahead for your next event.

24. Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

The trick to this Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is to use fresh or fresh-frozen strawberries.

Results are best when you don’t go with dried fruit. You’re essentially making a small batch of jam as your base for the frosting, so you want that “in-season” sweet Strawberry flavor at the forefront.

Tip: Let your butter and cream cheese come to room temperature so they are more easily blended. If your jam is too runny, simply add more cream cheese until it’s the consistency you desire.

25. Pumpkin Cake Roll With Cream Cheese Filling

This Pumpkin Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling is one of our favorite holiday cream cheese recipes.

Use canned or fresh pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices to make a delightful homemade pumpkin cake.

The filling is magical with butter, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Each slice is better than the last. This dessert keeps well in the freezer. Freeze in individual slices for best results.

That is if you have any left to freeze. Chances are you are going to get requests for this recipe throughout the cold weather months.

26. Creamy Strawberry Crepes

These Creamy Strawberry Crepes can be made for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This is not a quick-to-serve recipe.

You need to give yourself plenty of time to prepare and cook these crepes, but the time and effort are absolutely worth it.

Use a non-stick surface and cook about 2 tablespoons of batter per crepe. Stack with parchment paper in between them so they don’t stick together. Fill and roll before serving.

Top with a dollop of whip and jam or fresh-cut fruit. This will be a popular dish at any meal.

27. Italian Cream Cake

If you’re not familiar with Italian Cream Cake, you’re in for a delightful surprise.

This recipe has all the elements of the classic, coconut, pecans, a touch of almond flavor, and the best cream cheese frosting.

The secret ingredient in this recipe is the cake flour and buttermilk that gives this cake the light and fluffy texture you will love.

If you want more classic almond flavor you can substitute Amaretto liqueur for the almond extract. This cake is a delight for any occasion.

28. Creamy Grape Salad

This is one of the quickest fresh tasting cream cheese recipes you’re going to find. Perfect for a summer side or potluck lunch.

This flavor combination may seem strange but you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you go home with an empty bowl. It is really just fruit and cream cheese after all, and when you think about it, that’s always a winning combination.

Combine your ingredients then coat your grapes with the cream cheese dressing. Top with brown sugar and pecans just before serving. This recipe will surely become a go-to favorite at your house.

29. Lemon Cream Cheese Pudding Dessert

This Lemon Cream Cheese Pudding Dessert is a no-bake dessert that your family is going to love.

This is a great one to put together for potlucks, parties, or holiday get-togethers. Use a box pudding mix but don’t forget to add real lemon zest and thin lemon slices for your garnish.

The zest adds a punch of bright, fresh flavor to the filling. This dessert is made and served in the same pan, so it’s easy to prepare and transport. This recipe is sure to be a summer favorite. No-bake means your kitchen stays nice and cool!

30. Creamy Broccoli Cream Cheese Casserole

Creamy Broccoli Casserole is one of the savory cream cheese dishes that your family will love.

You can make it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready. Leftovers keep well and it’s a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies.

The cream cheese sauce mixed with cheddar, Parmesan, and sour cream makes this a savory and delicious side dish for any occasion. The secret ingredients are Italian seasonings and red pepper flakes for that extra zing of flavor.

31. Creamed Corn With Cream Cheese

You can’t go wrong with cream cheese, milk, and butter! This southern Creamed Corn With Cream Cheese is a fan favorite and perfect for any occasion.

Homemade is always better than store-bought, and when you use fresh sweet corn, this dish is way better than anything you’re going to find at your local grocery store.

You can use freshly frozen or canned corn but the trick to making it perfect is the cream cheese.

The cream cheese gives the sauce that delightful texture, and it keeps the milk from curdling when you cook it. This side dish will give beautiful color and flavor to your table.

32. Cream Cheese Fruit Dip

This Cream Cheese Fruit Dip has all the sweets. Sugar, marshmallow creme, Cool Whip, and some maraschino cherry juice combine with the cream cheese to whip up this amazing fruit dip that is quick, easy, and oh so good.

Serve with fresh-cut fruit such as strawberries and apples, and we can all but guarantee that the bowl will empty in a hurry.

Keep this one in your back pocket for a potluck emergency. You’ll never disappoint the party when you show up with this delightful dip.