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13 Best Cream Cheese Appetizer Recipes You’ll Absolutely Love
When I make a Cream Cheese Appetizer I always feel like I am creating something fancy even though it takes almost no effort and I love how the cream cheese softens as I mix in herbs or spices or little toppings and even when it looks a bit uneven or the shape comes out wonky it still tastes rich smooth and comforting and everyone grabs a bite right away which makes me smile because simple food can feel special too.
I love serving a Cream Cheese Appetizer with recipes that balance the creaminess in different ways such as a fresh cucumber salad or a little scoop of leftover chicken breast recipes or even small slices of baked salmon and sometimes I add crunchy veggie sticks or toasted bread or a handful of sweet puff pastry bites or a side of fig appetizer because each one adds a nice contrast and makes the whole spread feel fun and welcoming.
13. Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
These Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are easy to make and super colorful and delicious and the cream cheese adds a creamy, smooth texture and a mild tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the peppers and the appetizer is perfect for parties and family gatherings and you can make them ahead of time and keep them fresh in the fridge and serve cold or slightly warm and everyone will love this simple and yummy cream cheese appetizer recipe.
Ingredients
- Mini bell peppers, halved and deseeded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Mix cream cheese, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each pepper half and place on the baking sheet
- Bake for 15 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese slightly golden
- Serve warm or chilled as a delightful cream cheese appetizer
12. Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
These Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups are flavorful and elegant and the creamy texture of the cream cheese blends perfectly with the smoky taste of salmon and the appetizer is simple to prepare and perfect for fancy dinners or casual parties and you can add herbs or lemon zest to enhance the flavors and roll them tightly to keep everything inside and they look beautiful on any platter and everyone will enjoy this easy and delicious cream cheese appetizer recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces smoked salmon
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Tortilla wraps or flatbreads
Directions
- Lay out the tortilla wrap and spread a layer of cream cheese
- Sprinkle with dill and lemon zest
- Lay smoked salmon slices evenly over the cream cheese
- Roll tightly and slice into 1-inch pinwheels
- Serve chilled for a refreshing cream cheese appetizer
11. Jalapeño Popper Bites
Jalapeño Popper Bites are spicy, cheesy, and fun and the cream cheese gives a smooth and creamy base that balances the heat of the jalapeños and the appetizer is quick to assemble and bake and perfect for game days or small gatherings and you can use bacon bits or shredded cheese on top for extra flavor and they come out golden and bubbling and are addictive and everyone will be asking for this yummy cream cheese appetizer recipe again and again.
Ingredients
- 12 jalapeños, halved and deseeded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil
- Mix cream cheese, cheddar, and garlic powder in a bowl
- Spoon the mixture into jalapeño halves
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top and bake for 15 minutes
- Serve warm as a spicy cream cheese appetizer
10. Cream Cheese and Herb Crostini
These Cream Cheese and Herb Crostini are crunchy, fresh, and easy to make and the cream cheese creates a rich and creamy layer that pairs beautifully with fresh herbs and the appetizer is perfect for brunch or as a party starter and you can add a drizzle of olive oil or honey for extra flavor and toast the bread until golden for the perfect texture and everyone will enjoy this simple and tasty cream cheese appetizer recipe.
Ingredients
- Baguette slices, toasted
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and toast baguette slices until golden
- Mix cream cheese with parsley, chives, salt, and pepper
- Spread cream cheese mixture onto toasted baguette slices
- Arrange on a serving plate and drizzle lightly with olive oil
- Serve immediately as a fresh and delicious cream cheese appetizer
9. Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Dates
Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Dates are sweet, salty, and creamy and the cream cheese creates a smooth center that balances the caramel-like sweetness of the dates and the salty bacon adds a crispy texture and the appetizer is super easy to assemble and bake and perfect for holidays or casual get-togethers and everyone will be amazed by this combination and it makes a delightful and irresistible cream cheese appetizer recipe that is always a hit.
Ingredients
- 12 pitted dates
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 6 slices bacon, cut in half
- Toothpicks for securing
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil
- Stuff each date with cream cheese
- Wrap each date with a bacon half and secure with a toothpick
- Bake for 20 minutes until bacon is crispy
- Serve warm as a sweet and savory cream cheese appetizer
8. Cucumber Cream Cheese Bites
Cucumber Cream Cheese Bites are light, refreshing, and easy to prepare and the cream cheese gives a creamy, smooth flavor that complements the crisp cucumber slices and you can add herbs or smoked salmon for extra taste and the appetizer is perfect for hot days or summer parties and everyone will enjoy the simplicity and freshness and it makes a wonderful and healthy cream cheese appetizer recipe that everyone will love to snack on.
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Mix cream cheese with dill, salt, and pepper
- Spread cream cheese mixture on cucumber slices
- Arrange on a serving plate
- Optional: top with smoked salmon or a sprinkle of paprika
- Serve chilled as a refreshing cream cheese appetizer
7. Spinach and Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Spinach and Cream Cheese Pinwheels are savory, soft, and full of flavor and the cream cheese adds a rich and creamy layer that blends perfectly with sautéed spinach and herbs and the appetizer is simple to make and bake or serve chilled and perfect for kids or adult gatherings and the pinwheels are visually appealing and easy to eat and everyone will enjoy this simple and yummy cream cheese appetizer recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh spinach, sautéed and chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Mix cream cheese with sautéed spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- Spread mixture evenly over puff pastry
- Roll tightly and slice into 1-inch pinwheels
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and serve warm as a delicious cream cheese appetizer
6. Caprese Cream Cheese Bites
Caprese Cream Cheese Bites are colorful, fresh, and full of flavor and the cream cheese adds a smooth and creamy layer that balances the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the tang of balsamic glaze and the appetizer is quick to assemble and perfect for summer parties and you can add fresh basil for an extra aroma and the bites are visually appealing and everyone will enjoy this simple and refreshing cream cheese appetizer recipe.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
Directions
- Mix cream cheese with finely chopped basil
- Spoon a small amount onto each cherry tomato half
- Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze
- Arrange on a serving plate
- Serve immediately as a fresh cream cheese appetizer
5. Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs
Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs are creamy, tangy, and perfect for gatherings and the cream cheese replaces or complements mayonnaise to create a smooth filling and the appetizer is easy to prepare and decorate with paprika or chives for color and everyone will love this classic twist on deviled eggs and it makes a simple and tasty cream cheese appetizer recipe that is always a hit at parties.
Ingredients
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, halved
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Paprika for garnish
Directions
- Remove yolks from eggs and mash in a bowl
- Mix with cream cheese and mustard until smooth
- Spoon or pipe mixture back into egg whites
- Sprinkle with paprika
- Serve chilled as a creamy cream cheese appetizer
4. Puff Pastry Cream Cheese Tartlets
Puff Pastry Cream Cheese Tartlets are golden, flaky, and creamy and the cream cheese creates a smooth filling that pairs wonderfully with herbs, vegetables, or smoked salmon and the appetizer is quick to assemble and bake and perfect for brunch or parties and everyone will enjoy the buttery pastry and creamy filling combination and it makes a delightful and elegant cream cheese appetizer recipe.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated cheese
- Chopped herbs or vegetables for topping
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Cut puff pastry into small squares and place on baking sheet
- Mix cream cheese with grated cheese and spread onto each square
- Top with herbs or vegetables
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and serve warm as a cream cheese appetizer
3. Buffalo Chicken Cream Cheese Dip
Buffalo Chicken Cream Cheese Dip is spicy, creamy, and perfect for game days and the cream cheese creates a smooth base that blends with shredded chicken and buffalo sauce and the appetizer is easy to prepare in the oven or slow cooker and perfect for serving with chips or veggies and everyone will love this hearty and flavorful cream cheese appetizer recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Mix cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and shredded chicken in a bowl
- Spread into a baking dish and top with cheddar cheese
- Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly
- Serve warm with chips or veggies as a creamy cream cheese appetizer
2. Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Spread
Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Spread is sweet, nutty, and creamy and the cream cheese creates a smooth base that pairs wonderfully with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans and the appetizer is simple to assemble and perfect for crackers or bread and everyone will enjoy the festive flavors and it makes a delicious and easy cream cheese appetizer recipe for holidays or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon honey
Directions
- Mix cream cheese, cranberries, pecans, and honey in a bowl
- Spread onto crackers, bread, or veggies
- Arrange on a serving plate
- Optional: garnish with extra cranberries or nuts
- Serve as a festive cream cheese appetizer
1. Classic Cream Cheese and Crackers
Classic Cream Cheese and Crackers is simple, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser and the cream cheese is creamy and smooth and perfect for spreading onto any type of cracker and you can add herbs, smoked salmon, or fruits for variety and the appetizer is ready in minutes and everyone will love this easy and tasty cream cheese appetizer recipe that works for any occasion and is perfect for last-minute snacks or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
- Crackers of choice
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- Optional toppings: herbs, smoked salmon, or fruit
Directions
- Spread cream cheese on crackers
- Add optional toppings for extra flavor
- Arrange on a serving plate
- Serve immediately as a simple cream cheese appetizer
Conclusion
These 13 cream cheese appetizer recipes are easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion and each one highlights the creamy, smooth, and versatile flavor of cream cheese and you can serve them at parties, holidays, or casual gatherings and everyone will love trying them all and if you enjoyed these yummy cream cheese appetizer recipes, make sure to subscribe to my blog for more delicious and easy recipes that everyone will love.