Insightful Ways to Cook with Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate simple recipes into delicious culinary feats. From classic snacks to hearty mains, this dairy product has a wide range of applications. Whether your preference leans towards sweet or savory dishes, there's a way to use cream cheese to transform your cooking!
When Cream Cheese Is More Than Just a Dessert
While many might associate cream cheese primarily with desserts like cheesecakes or dips, its culinary uses extend far beyond the dessert category. Here, we explore some creative ways to incorporate cream cheese into your cooking, making the most of its creamy, tangy flavor.
Triples with Cream Cheese
Once, I prepared a meal for my husband using leftover chicken and a block of cream cheese. I tried a unique recipe where I seasoned the chicken with a blend of garlic powder and chili powder, depending on what was available. I made a creamy mixture of cream cheese, a bit of milk, and chicken broth, then spread it over the seasoned chicken. I added strips of jalape?o peppers and topped it with cheddar cheese. This hearty combination was then baked until warm and served with rice. My husband thoroughly enjoyed it, highlighting how versatile cream cheese can be in savory dishes.
Creative Whisks and Stirs
Philadelphia is known for its innovative use of cream cheese in various scenarios. A memorable commercial featured a mother using a block of cream cheese to whip up a quick and dirty Alfredo sauce. I attempted this myself with great success, resulting in a rich and creamy pasta dish that was both a practical solution and a delightful culinary surprise.
Mini Masterpieces: Oreo Truffles and Beyond
The culinary world is full of wonderful ways to use cream cheese. Take, for instance, a delightful Oreo truffle recipe:
Mix cream cheese with chives for a savory filling. Fill mushroom caps with this mixture for a gourmet touch. Wrap the filled mushrooms with bacon strips and bake at a high temperature until the bacon is crispy and the cream cheese is melted and golden.Another fantastic recipe to try is a Buffalo Chicken Dip using rotisserie chicken. This easy-to-make dish can be served as a snack or a main course:
Combine cream cheese with your favorite buffalo sauce and crumbled blue cheese. Layer the mixture in a baking dish and top with chopped chicken, diced onions, and sliced jalape?os. Bake until bubbly and golden, then serve hot with crispy tortilla chips or crispbread.Lastly, endless varieties of truffle desserts and cheesecakes can be found that showcase the deep, rich flavors of cream cheese. Whether you're experimenting with truffle oil or simple gourmet variations like chocolate truffle cheesecakes, cream cheese is a valuable ingredient to have on hand.
Conclusion
Credit where credit is due, cream cheese is a remarkable ingredient that can be used in a myriad of ways. Beyond the conventional desserts, it is perfect for adding a creamy and tangy texture to both sweet and savory dishes. Experiment with these ideas to see how you can elevate your cooking with a simple but versatile ingredient like cream cheese!