Wondering what to do with that leftover cream cheese sitting in your fridge? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Cream cheese is a delicious ingredient that can add a touch of richness to dishes. Whether, you have some leftover from a holiday feast or a baking project there are plenty of ways to make the most out of it. Let me share with you few recipes that will help you transform that cream cheese into wonderful culinary delights.
Recipe 1: Cream Cheese Garlic Bread
Ingredients:
- Leftover cream cheese (1/2 cup)
- Softened butter (1/4 cup)
- Garlic minced (3 cloves)
- Chopped parsley (2 tbsp)
- Salt to taste
- French baguette bread
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, butter, garlic, parsley, and salt.
- Cut the bread into slices without cutting through the bottom.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture on each slice.
- Wrap the bread in foil and bake for 15 minutes. Unwrap and bake for an additional 5 minutes for a crispy top.
Tip: Add grated parmesan for an extra cheesy kick.
Recipe 1: Creamy Scrambled Eggs
Ingredients:
- Eggs (4)
- Leftover cream cheese (1/4 cup)
- Butter (1 tbsp)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Steps:
- Whisk eggs, cream cheese, salt, and pepper together.
- In a non-stick pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Pour the egg mixture into the pan and gently stir until its cooked but still creamy.
- Tip: For a luxurious breakfast serve with chives or smoked salmon.
Recipe 3: Pancakes with Cream Cheese
Ingredients:
- Half a cup of leftover cream cheese
- One cup of all-purpose flour
- Two tablespoons of sugar
- Two teaspoons of baking powder
- Three fourths cup of milk
- One egg
Steps:
- Blend together cream cheese, flour, sugar, baking powder, milk and egg until you have a smooth mixture.
- Heat a greased griddle, over high heat.
- Pour the batter onto the griddle to form pancakes. Cook them until bubbles start to form then flip them over.
Tip: For an added twist, mix blueberries or chocolate chips into the batter.
Recipe 4: Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce
Ingredients:
- Half a cup of leftover cream cheese
- One cup of milk
- Two cloves of garlic, minced
- Half a cup of grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Cooked pasta
Steps:
- In a pan sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the cream cheese and milk to the pan while stirring continuously until you achieve a sauce consistency.
- Mix in parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Toss with cooked pasta and serve.
Tip: Enhance the flavor with spinach or cooked chicken for a complete meal.
Recipe 5: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 large boiled potatoes
- 1/4 cup of leftover cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Mash the boiled potatoes until they're nice and creamy.
- Add in the leftover cream cheese, butter, milk, salt and pepper. Mix everything together until its well combined.
Tip: For a touch, sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top. Bake it for a crunchy crust.
Recipe 6: Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
- 10 bell peppers
- 1/2 cup of leftover cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of shredded chicken or cooked bacon
- Shredded cheese, for topping
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the bell peppers in half. Remove the seeds.
- In a bowl mix together the cream cheese. Either shredded chicken or cooked bacon. Stuff this mixture into each pepper half.
- Sprinkle some cheese on top of each stuffed pepper half. Then bake them in the oven for 20 minutes.
Tip: To make this dish more visually appealing, use a mix of colourful peppers.
Recipe 7: Fruit and Cream Cheese Tart
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of leftover cream cheese
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Pre made shells
- Fresh fruits, for topping
Steps:
- In a bowl, combine the leftover cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Fill the shells with the mixture. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
- Allow the tarts to cool down and then add your choice of fruits on top.
Tip: For a finish you can glaze the tarts with melted apricot jam.
Recipe 8: Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
- Leftover cream cheese ( 1/2 cup)
- Softened butter ( 1/4 cup)
- Powdered sugar (about 2 cups)
- Vanilla extract ( 1 teaspoon)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl combine the cream cheese. Softened butter until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Gradually add the sugar and vanilla extract to the mixture. Continue beating until it becomes creamy in texture.
- Use this frosting to cover your cakes or cupcakes.
Tip: For a citrusy flavor, consider adding some lemon zest as a delightful twist.
In conclusion
Discovering ways to use leftovers like cream cheese can take your skills to new heights. These recipes not only help reduce food waste but also bring a delightful twist to everyday meals. Whether, it's a breakfast, comforting dinner or indulgent dessert, incorporating leftover cream cheese can elevate your home cooking with gourmet flair. So, next time you have some cream cheese on hand, remember that it's more than just an ingredient – it's an opportunity to explore new flavors in your kitchen!