25 Ways to Use Up a Package of Cream Cheese

If you love cream cheese, you know it's a versatile ingredient with endless possibilities. From sweet treats to savory dishes - the uses for cream cheese are seemingly endless! Whether you have a package of cream cheese in your fridge that you don’t know what to do with or need some inspiration for creative cuisine - this list of 25 ways to use cream cheese is sure to help.

From simple snacks to complex dishes, you'll find plenty of delicious ideas to make the most of this creamy cheese. So, if you're unsure what to make with cream cheese or need some delightful snack ideas - we’ve got you covered! We have all sorts of cream cheese recipes for you to explore. Let's dig in and get creative with cream cheese.

Contents:

1. Cream cheese frosting
2. Spread on a bagel or toast
3. Mix into scrambled eggs
4. Use as a dip for fruits and vegetables
5. Cream up your pasta sauce
6. Make a pumpkin holiday cheese ball
7. Stir into soup to add creaminess or thickness
8. Add herbs and spices to use as a base for a cheese spread or dip
9. Mix into mashed potatoes
10. Create a cream cheese salad dressing
11. Make a creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
12. Create cream cheese pancakes
13. Spread on a sandwich or wrap
14. Make a savory quiche
15. Stir up a whipped yogurt cream
16. Serve a delicious Vanilla Bean Cheesecake
17. Mix with honey and lemon for a tangy fruit dip
18. Fill up stuffed mushrooms
19. Make our famous Buffalo Chicken Dip
20. Create cheesecake dip
21. Use in tuna salad
22. Make a decadent Crab Dip
23. Whip up a Cream Cheese Danish
24. Stuff chicken breasts
25. Elevate your French toast

 

1. Cream Cheese Frosting 

Deliciously creamy cream cheese frosting - the perfect topping for cakes, cupcakes, or even eaten on its own! Enjoy a luscious, sweet treat with this easy-to-make cream cheese frosting recipe, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces Cabot Cream Cheese
• ½ cup Cabot Unsalted Butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to make cream cheese frosting:

• Allow the cream cheese and butter to come to room temperature.
• Beat the cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until well combined and creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
• Beat in the vanilla extract and salt.
• Frost your cake or cupcakes with the frosting, using an offset spatula or pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip.
• Store the frosting in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring to room temperature and beat again before using.

2. Spread on a bagel or toast

Start your day off right with a flavorful breakfast that's ready in minutes. Spread cream cheese on a toasted bagel or toast and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. It's an easy, delicious way to make any morning special.

Ingredients:

• Cabot Cream Cheese
• Bagel or toast

Simply add softened Cabot Cream Cheese to your bread or bagel of choice and enjoy! We love topping savory bagels like our Baked Pimento Cheese bagels with cream cheese to add texture and consistency. Adding a fruit or jam topping with your cream cheese can elevate any breakfast toast with sweet flavors or take it a step further and add thinly sliced salmon for a luxe breakfast dish.

3. Mix into scrambled eggs

Mix cream cheese into your scrambled eggs for an indulgent and flavorful start to the day. This simple breakfast recipe creates a creamy, rich texture that will have you reaching for seconds. It's the perfect way to enjoy eggs with a twist.

Ingredients:

• Cabot Cream Cheese
• Eggs
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter or oil

How to make scrambled eggs with cream cheese:

• Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them together until they are well mixed.
• Add a small amount of salt and pepper to the eggs and stir to combine.
• Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and add them to the bowl with the eggs.
• Stir the eggs and cream cheese together until the cream cheese is evenly distributed.
• Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
• Pour the egg mixture into the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness.
• Serve the scrambled eggs with cream cheese immediately, while they are still hot and creamy. Enjoy!

4. Use as a dip for fruits and vegetables

 

Delight your taste buds with this simple and nutritious snack! Dip fresh vegetables or fruit slices into a creamy and delicious cream cheese dip for a satisfying treat! A perfect, healthy way to use that cream cheese in your fridge.

Ingredients:

• Cabot Cream Cheese
• Fresh vegetables (such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumber, etc.)
• Fresh fruit (such as apples, pears, strawberries, etc.)
• Salt
• Pepper

How to make cream cheese dip for fruit and veggies:

• Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator and let it soften until it reaches a dippable consistency - we recommend a minimum of 30 minutes.
• Wash and dry the vegetables and fruit. Cut them into bite-sized pieces or slices.
• In a small bowl, use a fork or spoon to mash the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy.
• Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the cream cheese and stir to combine.
• Serve the cream cheese dip with the vegetables and fruit on the side.
• Enjoy the creamy and delicious dip with your fresh vegetables and fruit!

Looking for more dip ideas? Try our other sour-cream based dips.

5. Cream up your pasta sauce

This simple recipe adds a layer of richness and flavor that will take your dinner to the next level. Enjoy the irresistible creaminess of this delicious dish - it's sure to become a family favorite in no time!

Ingredients:

• Cabot Cream Cheese
• Pasta sauce
• Pasta
• Salt
• Pepper

How to make the creamy pasta sauce:

• In a saucepan, heat your pasta sauce of choice over medium heat until it is hot.
• Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and add them to the saucepan with the pasta sauce.
• Stir the sauce constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and well combined with the sauce.
• Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the sauce and stir to combine.
• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and strain fully. 
• Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
• Serve the creamy pasta immediately, while it is still hot and flavorful. Enjoy!

6. Make a pumpkin holiday cheese ball

Treat your guests to a festive, flavorful appetizer - this pumpkin holiday cheese ball. With cream cheese and seasonings mixed and formed into a delicious and festive ball served with your favorite crackers, it's the perfect addition to any holiday gathering. Enjoy the creamy, crunchy flavor combo in one bite.

Ingredients:

• One package of Cabot Cream Cheese (8 ounces)
• 8 ounces of Cabot Sharp Cheddar, grated(or your favorite Cabot cheddar)
• 2 tablespoons of Cabot Plain Greek Yogurt
• One clove of minced garlic
• A dash of Worcestershire sauce
• A dash of Sriracha or Tabasco (optional)
• Orange food coloring (if using white cheddar)
• A stem of cilantro or parsley for decoration

How to make the cheese ball:

• Combine all the ingredients thoroughly and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight. If you're using white cheddar, add food coloring to make it orange.
• Form a ball with the cheese and make an indentation with your thumb in the top middle. Make shallow lines down the sides to resemble a pumpkin.
• Use a twisted pretzel stick or a bell pepper stem for the pumpkin stem, and add some cilantro for the leaves.
• Serve with your favorite crackers.

7. Stir into soup to add creaminess or thickness

Adding cream cheese is the perfect way to add a creamy richness to your favorite soup recipes. This delicious soup recipe is the perfect way to add creaminess and consistency to your favorite soups. Simply stir in cream cheese for a velvety texture that will make any soup taste even better. Try it today and see how easy it can be to upgrade your favorite recipes with just one ingredient!

Ingredients:

• Soup
• Cabot Cream Cheese

How to make soup creamier or thicker:

• Ladle out one serving of soup into a bowl.
• Cut the cream cheese into small cubes - we recommend starting with a tablespoon of cream cheese to start, but you can always add more until you reach your desired texture.
• Stir the soup with a spoon until the cream cheese has melted and is evenly distributed throughout the soup.

Your soup will now be nice and creamy, and it'll have a rich, thick texture that's hard to resist.

8. Add herbs and spices to use as a base for a cheese spread or dip

Create a tasty cheese spread or dip by using cream cheese as the base and adding herbs, spices, and other flavorings according to your preferences! It's a simple yet versatile way to upgrade your appetizers and snacks.

Ingredients:

• Cabot Cream Cheese
• Herbs, spices, and other flavorings, to taste (Like chopped chives, thyme, herbes de provence, “everything bagel spice”, etc.)
  

How to make an herb-cheese spread:

• Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or until softened and malleable.
• Finely chop your herbs and mix them into the cream cheese.
• Add any spices or other flavorings that you like and stir until they're evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.

There you go! You now have a delicious cheese spread or dip that's ready to be enjoyed. Serve it with crackers, bread, vegetables, or whatever else you like. Enjoy!

For more ideas try our other herb and cheese pairings.

9. Mix into mashed potatoes

This easy side dish is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party. Just a few simple ingredients are all you need to transform your potatoes into a restaurant-worthy dish. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this classic comfort food.

Ingredients:

• Mashed potatoes
• Cabot Cream Cheese

How to use cream cheese in mashed potatoes:

• Scoop out a cup or two of mashed potatoes into a bowl.
• Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and add them to the mashed potatoes.
• Stir the potatoes with a spoon until the cream cheese has melted and is evenly distributed throughout the potatoes.

Your mashed potatoes will now be wonderfully creamy with a delicious cheese flavor!

10. Create a cream cheese dressing

This creamy dressing will transform any salad or dish into a delicious delicacy! Drizzle it over your favorite salad or grilled meat for a simple yet flavorful meal! Perfect for those days when you need something quick but tasty.

Ingredients:

• About ½ cup of Cabot Cream Cheese
• ¼ cup or enough milk or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Optionally, your favorite chopped herbs

How to make cream cheese dressing:

• In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese and milk or heavy cream until smooth and well combined
• Stir in the lemon juice and chopped herbs, if using
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed
• Serve the dressing or sauce over your favorite grilled or roasted meats.

 

11. Make a creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

This easy mac & cheese instant pot recipe is packed with flavor and requires minimal effort. Cream cheese takes the classic dish to a delicious new level, providing a creamy texture and rich flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound small elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons Cabot Unsalted Butter
• 3 cups water
• 2¼ teaspoons ground mustard, preferably English mustard
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon granulated onion or onion powder
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 4 ounces Cabot Cream Cheese, cubed
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 8 ounces Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar, grated or Seriously Sharp Shredded Cheddar (about 2 cups)
• 8 ounces Cabot Monterey Jack, grated or Monterey Jack Shredded Cheese (about 2 cups)

How to make macaroni and cheese in an Instant Pot:

• First, add the macaroni, butter, water, ground mustard, kosher salt, granulated onion or onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir ingredients together
• Make sure the lid is secured and is set to “sealing”
• Choose “Manual” and set pressure to “HIGH” for 4 minutes
• Quick release the pressure by flipping the vent to “VENTING” when 4 minutes is up. Change the Instant Pot setting to “KEEP WARM”
• Open the lid to add the cream cheese. Lightly but thoroughly stir until the cream cheese is melted.
• Continue stirring while adding milk, Seriously Sharp Cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Continue to stir until all of the cheese is melted and smooth.
• Serve right away while still warm

Elevate your Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with a delicious bread crumb topping!

Try some of our other mac and cheese recipes for both unique and classic variations of one of our favorite dishes.

12. Create cream cheese pancakes

Looking to upgrade classic breakfast pancakes? These fluffy and comforting pancakes are made with cream cheese, eggs, and flour for a breakfast that's both sweet and rich. Add some syrup or your favorite toppings for the perfect start to any morning.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder to add some lift
• 4 ounces of Cabot Cream Cheese
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

How to make flavorful cream cheese pancakes:

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder
• In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then beat in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (a few lumps are okay)
• Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease with cooking spray or butter
• Drop the batter by the ¼ cupful onto the griddle and cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2 minutes
• Flip the pancakes and cook until golden brown on the other side, about 1 minute more
• Serve the pancakes hot with your favorite toppings, like syrup, fruit, or whipped cream. Yum!

 

13. Spread on a sandwich or wrap

For an easy and delicious meal, spread cream cheese on your favorite sandwich or wrap. The creamy texture adds flavor and richness to any sandwich or wrap, making it even more satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 tablespoons of Cabot Cream Cheese per sandwich or wrap
• ½ teaspoon of lemon juice for each sandwich or wrap
• Add a little flavor with your choice of chopped herbs

How to add cream cheese to a sandwich or wrap:

• In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, lemon juice, and chopped herbs, if using, until well combined
• Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on one or both slices of bread or on the tortilla for your sandwich or wrap
• Fill the sandwich or wrap with your favorite toppings and ingredients, like lettuce, tomato, sliced deli meat, or avocado

Enjoy your creamy and flavorful sandwich or wrap!

 

14. Make a savory quiche

This savory cream cheese recipe has a unique twist on the classic quiche. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner - this decadent dish will be sure to please all quiche-lovers!

Ingredients:

• Pie crust
• 8 ounces of softened Cabot Cream Cheese
• ½ cup of heavy cream
• ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped veggies like sauteed spinach, mushrooms or bell peppers
• Optionally, some cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage
• 3 large eggs

How to make a quiche:

• Preheat your oven to 375° F.
• Coat 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray. 
• Press the pie crust into your 9-inch pie plate, cutting to fit where needed.
• Place in oven for 10 minutes or until set but not browned.
• While the crust is pre-baking, beat the cream cheese in a medium-sized mixing bowl until smooth. Then beat in the heavy cream, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and veggies.
• Stir in the cooked bacon or sausage, if using, then pour the filling into the pie crust.
• Bake the quiche until the crust is golden and the filling is set and puffed, about 35-40 minutes.
• Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving.

 

15. Stir up a whipped yogurt cream

Refreshingly sweet and creamy - this Whipped Yogurt Cream is an easy and delicious snack. Enjoy it as is or top it with your favorite fruits for an extra special touch. The perfect quick snack that everyone will love!

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of Cabot Cream Cheese
• ¼ cup of confectioner’s sugar
• 1 cup of Cabot Greek Yogurt, either Vanilla Bean or Triple Cream Vanilla Bean

How to make whipped yogurt cream:

• Start by beating the cream cheese in a medium-sized bowl until softened. Use an electric mixer or a stand mixer with the whisk attachment.
• Next, add the confectioner’s sugar and beat until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Then, beat in the yogurt until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, scraping the bowl again.
• Cover and refrigerate the dip until you're ready to serve it.

 

16. Serve a delicious Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

This creamy and delicious Vanilla Bean Cheesecake is sure to please for any occasion, but makes a great choice for Valentine’s Day, Christmas or a loved one’s birthday. A bit of time and effort goes into this special treat, so save it for your next celebration or family gathering. It will indeed become a favorite dessert in no time!

Ingredients:

• 1¾ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tablespoons of melted Cabot Salted Butter
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 cups of Cabot Lowfat Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt
• 8 ounces of Cabot Cream Cheese
• 4 large eggs
• ⅔ cup of sugar
• ¼ cup of unbleached all-purpose flour

How to make vanilla bean cheesecake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• To make the crust, stir together the crumbs, butter, and sugar in a bowl until well blended. Press the mixture over the bottom and partly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan (nonstick or coated with cooking spray).
• Place the pan in the oven for 12 minutes or until lightly colored.
• Remove from the oven and set aside.
• Turn the over temperature down to 325°F.
• Combine the yogurt, cream cheese, eggs, sugar and flour in a food processor or blender. Blend until it is a smooth consistency.
• Pour this mixture into your prepared crust.
• Bake for 45 minutes or until the cheesecake is set on the edges and slightly soft in the center.
• Turn the heat off but leave the cheesecake in the oven. Open the oven door about an inch to let the cake slowly cool.
• After an hour of cooling in the unheated over, let the cake cool to room temperature.
• Then cover and refrigerate overnight or for about 8 hours.

Try our maple cheesecake or Barstow’s Longview Farm’s turtle cheesecake for more delicious cheesecake recipes. 

17. Mix with honey and lemon for a tangy fruit dip

This easy and delicious dip is the perfect way to enjoy sweet and tangy flavors. Combine cream cheese, honey, and lemon juice to create a creamy dip that's perfect for dipping fruit. Enjoy this simple yet tasty dish for a snack or even an elegant dessert.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of softened Cabot Cream Cheese
• ¼ cup of honey
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

How to make fruit dip:

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then beat in the honey and lemon juice until well combined.
• Serve the dip with your favorite fresh fruit, like sliced apples, berries, or bananas.

Enjoy your sweet and tangy fruit dip!

 

18. Fill up stuffed mushrooms

These Cream Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal. Quick and easy to make, they're filled with a creamy cheese filling and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Ingredients:

• 10-12 large mushrooms
• About 2 tablespoons of chopped herbs like parsley, chives or dill
• ¼ cup of breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
• Cabot Cream Cheese

How to use cream cheese in stuffed mushrooms:

• Preheat your oven to 375° F.
• Remove the stems from the mushrooms and chop them finely.
• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the chopped mushroom stems, herbs, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
• Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the mushroom caps, filling them generously.
• Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake until the mushrooms are tender, and the filling is golden and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
• Serve the stuffed mushrooms hot.

19. Make our famous Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is known for its spicy, tangy flavor and creamy texture, and it is often served at tailgates, potlucks, and other casual gatherings. It can also be a tasty addition to a game day spread or as an appetizer at a barbecue or other outdoor event. With the right buffalo chicken dip recipe, you’ll be sure to win any “dip war”.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 2 (8-ounce) packages Cabot Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 cup Ranch dressing (any brand)
• ¾ cup “red hot sauce”
• 8 ounces Cabot Sharp Cheddar, or Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar, grated (about 2 cups)
• Optional chopped parsley for garnish

How to make buffalo chicken dip:

• In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese and red-hot sauce. Fold in chicken as the mixture comes together.
• Pour mixture into oven-safe baking dish.
• Bake at 350°F for 10 – 15 minutes or until the ingredients melt.
• Add cheddar cheese to the top and return to the oven until cheese is melted, approximately 10 to 15 minutes longer. Garnish with chopped parsley (optional).

Serve your buffalo chicken dip with corn chips, vegetables and more.

20. Create cheesecake dip

This easy dip is perfect for a party snack or an after-dinner treat. Enjoy this indulgent dip's creamy and sweet flavor - it's sure to delight your guests.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of Cabot Cream Cheese
• 1 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

How to make cheesecake dip:

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract.
• Mix the ingredients together until they are well-combined and smooth.
• Serve the cheesecake dip with your favorite fruit or cookies for dipping.

21. Use in tuna salad

For a delicious seafood recipe that includes cream cheese, try mixing cream cheese into tuna salad for a unique recipe to add onto a salad or sandwich. The cream cheese will thicken up the tuna salad to make it hearty and filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of drained tuna
• Cabot Cream Cheese
• ½ cup of your favorite vegetables

How to make the tuna salad:

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the tuna, cream cheese, and chopped vegetables.
• Mix the ingredients together until they are well-combined and evenly distributed.
• Serve the tuna salad on top of your favorite bread, crackers or bed of lettuce.

22. Make a decadent Crab Dip

Speaking of our favorite seafood recipes… try this crab dip to bring to a special occasion or gathering. It’s a classic made with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and traditional southern flavorings.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz of Cabot Cream Cheese, softened
• ½ cup of mayonnaise
• ¼ cup of Cabot Sour Cream
• ¼ cup of finely chopped celery
• ¼ cup of finely chopped onion
• ¼ cup of finely chopped bell pepper
• ½ teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning
• ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of dried dill
• ½ pound of lump crabmeat, drained and flaked

How to make crab dip:

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix the ingredients together until they are well-combined and smooth.
• Stir in the celery, onion, bell pepper, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and dill.
• Gently fold in the crabmeat.
• Transfer the dip to a serving dish and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve the crab and cream cheese dip with your favorite crackers or vegetables for dipping.

23. Whip up a Cream Cheese Danish

Cheese danishes are one of our favorite choices for a sweet breakfast pastry, and perfect for enjoying with coffee or tea. Add softened cream cheese, fresh fruit, and toasted nuts to your next danish recipe for an elevated take to boost your energy in the mornings.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of Cabot Cream Cheese, softened
• ¼ cup of granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ½ cup of chopped fresh fruit (e.g. strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• ¼ cup of chopped toasted nuts (e.g. almonds, pecans, walnuts)
• ¼ cup of apricot jam
• ¼ cup of water
• ¼ teaspoon of cornstarch
• 1 package of puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
• 1 egg, beaten

How to make cream cheese danish:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix the ingredients together until they are well-combined and smooth.
• Stir in the chopped fruit and toasted nuts. Set the filling aside.
• In a small saucepan, combine the apricot jam, water, and cornstarch. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil and thickens. Remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
• Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into 4 equal squares. Place the squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each square.
• Fold the corners of the pastry squares over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal. Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg.
• Bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.
• Let the pastries cool slightly, and then drizzle them with the cooled apricot sauce. Serve the cream cheese Danish warm.

24. Stuff chicken breasts

Chicken breasts can be stuffed with a mixture of cream cheese and herbs or other flavorful ingredients for a tasty and easy dinner option. One of our favorite recipes is a cream cheese bacon stuffed chicken breast.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 4 ounces Cabot Cream Cheese, softened
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ¼ cup shredded Cabot Cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for cooking

How to stuff chicken breasts:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting a deep pocket into the side of each breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
• In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, bacon, cheddar cheese, and chives. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
• Stuff the mixture into the pockets of the chicken breasts.
• Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little bit of olive oil to the skillet.
• Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned.
• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until it is cooked through.
• Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

25. Elevate your French toast

Try our spin-off of classic french toast with a Cream Cheese-Stuffed French Toast. Every bite packs a delicious punch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread
• 4 ounces Cabot Cream Cheese, softened
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Butter or oil, for cooking
• Maple syrup, for serving (optional)

How to make cream cheese stuffed French toast:

• Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on one side of each slice of bread.
• Place a second slice of bread on top of each slice, forming a sandwich.
• In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
• Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
• Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a little bit of butter or oil to the skillet.
• Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 2 - 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve the French toast hot, with maple syrup if desired.
• Note: If you want to make this recipe a little bit sweeter, you can mix a little bit of sugar into the cream cheese before spreading it on the bread. 

Cream cheese is an ingredient that helps diversify classic dishes and is one of our favorite ingredients to make your recipes thicker and creamier. Our favorite cream cheese recipes above are sure to delight. Let us know if you create any of these spectacular meals or sides.