5 Surprising Ideas for Cream Cheese
Wondering what to do with all that cream cheese you bought? Try these delicious recipe ideas! Each of these recipes calls for softened full-fat cream cheese.
1. Pimiento Spread
In lg. bowl, mix 8 oz. cream cheese; 8 oz. extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded; ¼ c. mayonnaise; ½ c. pimiento peppers, drained and chopped; ¼ tsp. hot pepper sauce; and ⅛ tsp. salt until well blended. Serve with crackers and assorted raw vegetables. Makes 2⅓ c.
2. Blue Cheese Gnocchi
Cook 1 lb. fresh or frozen gnocchi 1 minute less than label directs. Add 1 c. frozen peas; cook 1 minute. Reserve ⅓ c. cooking water. Drain gnocchi mixture. In 12-in. skillet, whisk 8 oz. cream cheese and reserved cooking water on medium-low until smooth. Stir in 3 oz. blue cheese, crumbled; gnocchi mixture; and ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper. Top with ½ c. walnuts, toasted and chopped. Serves 4.
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3. Peanut Butter Bites
Line 8" by 8" baking pan with foil. Spread 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, melted, on bottom of pan. Refrigerate until set. In bowl, beat 4 oz. cream cheese, 1 c. chunky peanut butter, 2 Tbsp. butter, 1½ c. confectioners' sugar, and pinch salt until smooth. Spread over chocolate; press into even layer. Refrigerate until set. Lift out of pan; cut into ½-in. cubes. Makes 64.
4. Creamy Crunchy Broccoli
Heat 4-qt. saucepan of water to boiling on high. Add 1 lb. broccoli florets and cook 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Reserve ¼ c. cooking water in bowl. Drain broccoli. Whisk 4 oz. cream cheese into reserved water until smooth; pour over broccoli. Top with ¼ c. roasted, salted sunflower seeds and ½ tsp. crushed red pepper. Serves 4.
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5. White Chocolate Cheesecake
Line 8" by 8" baking pan with foil. Place 12 almond thin cookies in single layer on bottom. In lg. bowl, with mixer on medium speed, beat 8 oz. cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in 6 oz. white chocolate, melted, and ½ c. heavy cream until smooth and stiff. Spread evenly over almond thins. Refrigerate until set. Drizzle 1 oz. semisweet chocolate, melted, on top. Serves 12.
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