12 Surprising Cream Cheese Recipes That’ll Have You Digging Through the Fridge
That half-used block of cream cheese in your fridge is about to become the star of your next meal. From sweet treats to savory snacks, these 12 surprising recipes prove there’s so much more to cream cheese than just bagels. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick dip, a decadent dessert, or a cheesy dinner upgrade, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to look at leftover cream cheese in a whole new (and delicious) way.
Cream Cheese Brownies

Cream Cheese Brownies are a swirly, gooey, and decadently irresistible brownie! They will be an absolute hit for anyone who likes brownies and cheesecake – this super chocolatey dessert is the perfect marriage of the two!
Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Flavored with a (perfect) overload of bananas, cinnamon, and buttermilk, and complete with a delicious cream cheese frosting, this easy banana cake with cream cheese frosting is almost like a combination of cake and banana bread. It is the best banana cake recipe I’ve ever tried! And boy, oh boy, are you gonna want to try it, too.
Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
My quick and easy cream cheese stuffed mushrooms are the perfect bite-sized appetizers for any dinner, celebration, party, or get-together. These incredible hors d’oeuvres are stuffed with cream cheese and Parmesan filling seasoned to perfection – you can’t eat just one!
Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Appetizer
Cream cheese and Pepper Jelly is an easy appetizer for any occasion. With just 3 ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have it ready in seconds. Serve it by itself or add it to your a charcuterie board.
Cream Cheese Garlic Dip
This Cream Cheese Garlic Dip is the perfect combination of creamy and flavorful. The rich cheese combined with roasted garlic is so wonderful as a dip, spread, or condiment.
Oreo Balls with Cream Cheese
Oreo Balls are a truffle-like treat made with Oreos, white chocolate, and cream cheese. These are personally one of my favorite treats and are sure to be a crowd pleaser all year round!
Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins
Pillowy soft and creamy, these Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins are topped with a crispy streusel. Loaded with juicy blueberries, these muffins also have a silky smooth cream cheese center.
Easy Cream Cheese Glaze
This cream cheese glaze recipe is thick and perfect for drizzling! It works for muffins, breads, cakes, and more.
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
These cream cheese mashed potatoes are buttery, creamy, and loaded with flavor for a simple and tasty side dish! They are so delicious and rich that they are perfect for the holidays or any other special occasion. Additionally, they are extremely easy to prepare, so you can even whip them up on a busy weeknight!
Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese Filling
Pumpkin French Toast Bake with the most decadent sweet cream cheese filling then topped with a crunchy pecan-brown sugar topping and baked to golden perfection. This easy French Toast casserole is the best fall breakfast treat!
Savory Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread
Oh, it is fall and that means everything “pumpkin spice” is upon us! Our local bagelry offers a fabulous pumpkin cream cheese spread and this year I decided I wanted to make my own.
Creamy Stuffed Salmon
Impress everyone with this stuffed salmon recipe! The creamy spinach artichoke filling perfectly compliments the flaky fish.