Cream Cheese

N/A Dairy

Cream Cheese Dairy

At a Glance

  • Category Dairy

The Forktionary Angle

"The humble yet indispensable dairy delight, bringing rich creaminess and a subtle tang to both sweet confections and savory spreads."

Definition

A soft, mild, spreadable fresh cheese made from cream and milk, known for its smooth texture and tangy flavor.

Fat Content Typically 33-35%
Ideal Temperature for Blending Room temperature for smooth results
Shelf Life (Unopened) Up to 2-3 weeks past "best by" date

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Cream Cheese are:

Mild tangy slightly sweet creamy

Chef’s Secret

For perfectly smooth cheesecakes without cracks, ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, and bake in a water bath.

Best Substitutes

Mascarpone

richer
Ratio 1:1

Neufchâtel cheese

lower fat
Ratio 1:1

Greek Yogurt

strained, , tangier
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Check for firm blocks or tubs, avoid inflated packaging. Look for full-fat for best texture in baking.

Recipes Using Cream Cheese

Course Preparation Dietary Side Dishes

100 Broccoli Casserole

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this creamy, cheesy 100 Broccoli Casserole! A delicious alternative to heavy cheese casseroles, this recipe features tender broccoli florets in a luscious sauce, topped with golden-brown cracker crumbs. Easy to make and guaranteed to be a family favorite!

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Easy Lasagna Vegetarian Beans

Cheesy Vegan Lasagna

Astonish your guests with this unbelievably cheesy vegan lasagna – no cheese required! This recipe, originally inspired by a VegWeb user submission, is a crowd-pleaser that proves plant-based cooking can be incredibly decadent. Get ready for layers of rich, flavorful goodness that will leave everyone wanting more. Perfect for a potluck, dinner party, or a cozy night in.

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Course Main Ingredient Time To Make Number Of Servings

Better Than Sex Cheese Ball

This decadent Better Than Sex Cheese Ball is the ultimate party appetizer! Creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor, this easy-to-make cheese ball is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. Prepare to be amazed!

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Kosher Desserts Time To Make Course

15 Minute Lemon Cheesecake

Craving cheesecake but short on time? This unbelievably easy, egg-free lemon cheesecake recipe is ready in just 15 minutes! No baking required, just creamy, dreamy lemon flavor in a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for a quick dessert or unexpected guests!

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Chocolate Main Ingredient 30 Minutes Or Less Occasion

4 Layer Cream Cheese Pudding Dessert

Indulge in this incredibly easy 4-Layer Cream Cheese Pudding Dessert! This delightful recipe is surprisingly simple to make, yet tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. Customize it with your favorite pudding flavor – chocolate and vanilla are classic choices – and impress your friends and family with this unbelievably delicious treat. Topped with creamy Cool Whip and a hint of toasted coconut (optional), it's the perfect dessert for any occasion!

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Desserts 4 Hours Or Less Cheesecake Preparation

Amaretto Almond Cheesecake 1999

Indulge in this easy-to-make Amaretto Almond Cheesecake, a delightful dessert from 1999! This creamy, dreamy cheesecake boasts a buttery almond crust and a rich, amaretto-infused filling, topped with crunchy toasted almonds. Perfect for special occasions or a weeknight treat!

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Desserts Main Ingredient Dietary Weeknight

Amaretto Peach Cheesecake

Indulge in this decadent Amaretto Peach Cheesecake! Bursting with the juicy sweetness of fresh peaches and the delightful almond flavor of Amaretto, this creamy cheesecake is the perfect summer dessert. A buttery, crumbly crust complements the rich, smooth filling, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. Easy to follow instructions make this impressive dessert achievable for every baker.

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Cuisine Time To Make North American Dietary

Angel Food Delight

This incredibly easy and surprisingly delicious dessert is a delightful twist on classic angel food cake! Inspired by a magazine recipe, this "Angel Food Delight" is light, refreshing, and incredibly adaptable. The creamy cream cheese base, fluffy angel food cake, and sweet pie filling create a harmonious blend of flavors that will impress your guests. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a simple weeknight treat. Customize it with your favorite pie filling – the possibilities are endless! This recipe takes a little chill time to allow the flavors to truly meld, resulting in a dessert that's both rich and light.

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Dietary Cheese Thanksgiving Number Of Servings

Appetizer Cheese Trees Or Snowmen

Delight your guests with these adorable Christmas tree and snowman cheese balls! Perfect for holiday parties or festive gatherings. This recipe provides clear instructions and measurements for creating both charming cheese trees and jolly snowmen, guaranteed to be a hit.

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Fruit Danish Breakfast Occasion

Apple Danish Braid

This Apple Danish Braid recipe is incredibly easy, using store-bought crescent roll dough for a quick and delicious treat! Skip the scoring with recipe creations crescent roll dough for even simpler prep. Flaky layers of buttery dough encase a sweet and cinnamon-spiced apple filling, creating a stunning braid that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably easy and satisfying recipe!

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Fall Small Appliance Comfort Food Easy

Apple Dip It's Not Just For Apples Anymore

Forget caramel, this cinnamon marshmallow cream cheese dip is your new favorite! Incredibly easy and ridiculously delicious, it's the perfect party appetizer or sweet treat. The secret? A warm hug of cinnamon that elevates classic marshmallow cream cheese dip to a whole new level. While it's amazing with tart apples like Granny Smith or Northern Spy, get creative! Use it with pretzels, graham crackers, pound cake, or even fruit. Prepare it ahead of time and enjoy this versatile dip's creamy, dreamy texture and irresistible flavor.

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60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Course Easy

Apple Pear Crumble Pie

This Thanksgiving-ready Apple Pear Crumble Pie is a crowd-pleaser! Inspired by a Kraft Foods & Family Magazine recipe, this easy dessert boasts a creamy cream cheese base, sweet and tart fruit filling, and a buttery, crunchy crumble topping. Perfect for potlucks or a cozy night in, this recipe is easily adaptable to the amount of fruit you have on hand. Skip the pumpkin pie this year and try this delicious alternative!

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Dietary Novelty Brownies Dietary

Applebee's Blonde Brownies

Indulge in the irresistible decadence of our copycat Applebee's Blonde Brownies! This recipe recreates the famous restaurant dessert, delivering warm, gooey brownies with a rich, blonde brownie base and a luscious cream cheese maple swirl. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt for the ultimate treat. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing your guests!

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15 Minutes Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Preparation Easy

Apricot Curry Dressing

Spice up your life with this incredibly easy Apricot Curry Dressing! A unique and delicious recipe perfect for salads, grilled chicken, or as a marinade. This light and flavorful dressing is surprisingly low in points (1 tbsp = 1 point on Weight Watchers), making it a guilt-free indulgence for those watching their weight. For others, feel free to use regular ingredients! Customize the spice level with more garlic or curry powder to suit your taste. Easily adjustable consistency - add a splash of fat-free or low-fat milk to thin if needed. This quickly became a family favorite and will surely become yours too!

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Occasion Course Dinner Party No Cook

Avocado Taco Dip

This creamy, dreamy Avocado Taco Dip is the perfect crowd-pleaser for your next party! Easy to make with simple ingredients, this recipe delivers a vibrant, flavorful explosion in every chip. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Cheese Kid Friendly Presentation Oamc Freezer Make Ahead

Bacon And Egg Empanadas

These Bacon and Egg Empanadas are a delicious twist on a classic breakfast! Flaky biscuit dough cradles a savory filling of creamy eggs, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick and easy breakfast, brunch, or even a satisfying snack. Make ahead for a stress-free morning or enjoy them fresh from the oven. #BaconAndEggEmpanadas #BreakfastEmpanadas #EasyRecipe #MakeAhead #SavoryEmpanadas #BrunchIdeas

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15 Minutes Or Less Easy Course Appetizers

Bacon Cheese Ball

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Bacon Cheese Ball recipe! Perfect as a party appetizer or a fun snack, this recipe easily makes one large or two smaller cheese balls. Serve with your favorite crackers and prepare to be amazed by this simple yet irresistible treat. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Meat Dinner Party Easy Appetizers

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapeños – these bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are an irresistible appetizer or snack! Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for more. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight treat. This easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes!

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