Craving something rich, creamy, and downright delicious? Philadelphia Cream Cheese is the secret star of so many irresistible dishes—from cozy weeknight dinners to showstopping desserts. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dip, a luscious pasta, or a dreamy cheesecake, we’ve rounded up 20 must-try recipes that prove this pantry staple can do it all. Get ready to fall in love with every creamy bite!
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cheesecake
This classic cheesecake is velvety, rich, and foolproof—just the way a cheesecake should be. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a tangy-sweet filling, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 (8 oz) packages Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/3 cup melted butter until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Beat 4 packages cream cheese with 1 cup sugar and 1 tsp vanilla on medium speed until smooth. Add 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing just until blended. Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream.
- Pour filling over crust. Bake for 55–60 minutes until the center is almost set (edges will be slightly puffed). Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
The slow cooling method ensures a silky texture without cracks—no water bath needed! Serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel for extra decadence.
Tip: For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it between cuts.
Creamy Philadelphia Cheese Dip
This ultra-smooth, tangy dip is a crowd-pleaser—perfect for game day or cozy nights in with crackers and veggies.
Ingredients:
- 2 (8 oz) packages Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until fluffy (about 1 minute).
- Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Mix until fully combined and creamy.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar and chives with a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
- Garnish with extra chives and serve chilled with pretzels, celery sticks, or crusty bread.
The secret here? Whipping the cream cheese first guarantees a luxuriously light texture—no lumpy dips allowed!
Tip: For a warm version, bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until bubbly, then broil for 2 minutes to brown the top.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Frosting
Silky, tangy, and just sweet enough—this classic cream cheese frosting is the perfect crowning touch for carrot cake, red velvet, or even cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (1 block) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low until incorporated. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Add the vanilla extract and pinch of salt, then beat on medium-high for another 1–2 minutes until ultra-creamy and lump-free.
The slight tang from the cream cheese balances the sweetness, making this frosting irresistible without being cloying. It pipes beautifully but stays soft enough to spread like a dream.
Tip: For the fluffiest texture, make sure both the cream cheese and butter are truly softened (leave them out for 1–2 hours). Cold ingredients can lead to a grainy frosting.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
These creamy, garlicky stuffed mushrooms are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—rich, savory, and ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 20 oz (about 24) cremini or white mushrooms, stems removed
- 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth. Fold in chopped parsley.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each mushroom cap, mounding slightly. Arrange on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden at the edges.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
The cream cheese filling turns luxuriously fluffy in the oven, while the mushrooms stay juicy—perfect for balancing the punch of garlic and Parmesan.
Tip: For extra crunch, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs before baking!
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce
This luxuriously smooth sauce turns pantry staples into a rich, velvety coating for pasta—ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves garlic, minced and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low. Add 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese in chunks, stirring constantly until melted (about 3 minutes).
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup whole milk until smooth. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook 2 more minutes until thickened.
- Toss with hot pasta and serve immediately.
The magic here? The cream cheese gives the sauce a luscious body that clings to every noodle without feeling heavy. Perfect for when you want indulgence fast.
Tip: For extra silkiness, reserve 1/4 cup pasta water to thin the sauce as needed.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Brownies
These Philadelphia Cream Cheese Brownies are the ultimate mashup—fudgy chocolate squares swirled with tangy cream cheese for a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and impossible to resist.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, 2 cups sugar, eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth. Fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined. Spread batter into the pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, and egg yolk until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the brownie batter, then swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until edges are set but the center is slightly fudgy. Cool completely before slicing.
The cream cheese swirl isn’t just pretty—it cuts through the richness of the chocolate with a bright, velvety contrast.
Tip: For clean slices, chill the brownies for 30 minutes before cutting.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Pancakes
These fluffy pancakes get a rich, tangy twist from cream cheese, making them extra indulgent yet surprisingly simple to whip up.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- In another bowl, beat 4 oz cream cheese until smooth. Add 3/4 cup milk, 1 egg, 1 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until no flour streaks remain (small lumps are okay).
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly grease with butter. Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake, cooking for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for 1–2 minutes more until golden.
The cream cheese keeps these pancakes tender with a subtle richness—no syrup needed, though a drizzle of honey takes them over the top!
Tip: For extra-fluffy results, let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken
This Philadelphia Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a creamy, savory dream—tender chicken breasts oozing with herby cream cheese and topped with crispy breadcrumbs. It’s a weeknight winner that feels fancy without the fuss.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Slice a pocket into each chicken breast horizontally, being careful not to cut through completely. Stuff each with 1/4 of the cream cheese mixture, then seal with toothpicks.
- Combine panko and melted butter in a small bowl. Brush chicken with olive oil, then press the breadcrumb mixture onto the tops.
- Bake for 25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and the crust is golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
The magic here? The cream cheese stays lusciously melty inside while the panko adds a satisfying crunch—no soggy middles!
Tip: For extra flavor, swap the parsley for fresh chopped chives or a pinch of smoked paprika in the filling.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Bagel Spread
This creamy, tangy spread is a game-changer for your morning bagel—rich, fluffy, and packed with just the right amount of garlic and herbs.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or spatula to blend until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the fresh chives, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Fold everything together until evenly distributed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld (or up to 2 days for a stronger taste).
The sour cream lightens the texture while the garlic and chives add a savory punch—perfect for slathering on everything from plain bagels to seeded rye.
Tip: For a smoky twist, swap the garlic powder for 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese French Toast
This indulgent French toast swaps the usual custard for a rich cream cheese filling, making every bite extra creamy and decadent.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- 4 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on 4 slices of bread, then top with the remaining slices to make sandwiches.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, 1/2 cup whole milk, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, letting it soak for 10 seconds per side.
- Cook the French toast for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown, adding the remaining 1 tbsp butter to the skillet as needed.
- Serve immediately with maple syrup.
The cream cheese filling stays luxuriously soft inside while the toast gets crispy—like a cheesecake-stuffed breakfast dream!
Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of orange zest to the cream cheese mixture.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cupcakes
These rich, velvety cupcakes are a dreamy cross between cheesecake and classic vanilla cake—perfect for when you can’t decide between the two!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
- Whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt in a bowl.
- Beat ½ cup butter and 1 cup granulated sugar with a mixer until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 tsp vanilla.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and ½ cup milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Divide batter evenly among liners.
- Beat 8 oz cream cheese and ¼ cup powdered sugar until smooth. Drop dollops onto each cupcake and swirl gently with a toothpick.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, until edges are golden and centers spring back when touched. Cool completely before serving.
The cream cheese swirl bakes into a tangy, creamy ribbon that contrasts beautifully with the tender vanilla cake. Tip: For extra flair, top with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel while serving!
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Sushi Rolls
These creamy, no-cook sushi rolls are a fun twist on classic sushi—perfect for a quick lunch or party appetizer!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and cooled
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
- 4 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned
- 1 small avocado, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- 1 tsp soy sauce (for serving)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold into the cooked sushi rice and set aside.
- Lay a nori sheet on a bamboo mat. Spread 1/2 cup seasoned rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
- Arrange cream cheese strips, cucumber, and avocado horizontally across the rice. Sprinkle with 1/4 tbsp sesame seeds.
- Roll tightly using the bamboo mat, pressing gently to seal the edge with a dab of water. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Slice each roll into 8 pieces with a sharp, wet knife. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.
The cool cream cheese balances the tangy rice and crisp veggies, making these rolls irresistibly creamy yet light.
Tip: For extra crunch, add tempura flakes or swap cucumber for shredded carrots!
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
These ultra-creamy mashed potatoes get their rich, velvety texture from a generous swirl of Philly cream cheese—trust us, it’s a game-changer.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
- Return potatoes to the pot over low heat. Add 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, 1/2 cup whole milk, 4 tbsp butter, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mash until smooth (or leave slightly chunky if preferred).
- Serve immediately, or cover and keep warm for up to 30 minutes before serving.
The cream cheese adds a subtle tang and luxuriously thick consistency—no gluey or grainy textures here!
Tip: For extra fluffiness, warm the milk and butter before mixing in.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers are a creamy, cheesy dream—packed with tangy Philly cream cheese and just the right kick of spice. Perfect for a fuss-free appetizer or a light dinner!
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved and seeded
- 1 (8 oz) package Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon (about 6 strips)
- 1/4 cup finely diced green onions
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange pepper halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Spoon the filling evenly into each pepper half, pressing lightly to pack it in.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly and lightly golden at the edges.
The magic here? The cream cheese melts into a luscious, velvety filling that contrasts beautifully with the crisp-tender peppers. Serve warm—watch them disappear!
Tip: For extra crunch, top with a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Garlic Bread
This ultra-creamy, garlicky twist on classic garlic bread swaps butter for rich Philadelphia cream cheese—making it irresistibly soft with a subtle tang.
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 oz) package Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 (16 oz) loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, softened butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread the mixture evenly over both cut sides of the French bread.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the edges are golden and the topping is bubbly. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra browning if desired.
The cream cheese keeps this garlic bread luxuriously moist, while the broiler finish adds a perfect crispy edge. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game day or pasta night!
Tip: For extra flavor, toast the halved bread lightly before spreading the mixture—this prevents sogginess.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs
These creamy, tangy deviled eggs get a luxurious upgrade with Philadelphia cream cheese for an irresistibly smooth filling that’s perfect for potlucks or brunch.
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
- 2 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Paprika or fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions:
- Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Gently pop out the yolks into a bowl and set the whites aside.
- Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper to the yolks. Mash and mix until completely smooth.
- Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg white halves. Sprinkle with paprika or top with chives for a pop of color.
The cream cheese adds a velvety richness that makes these deviled eggs stand out—no one will guess the secret ingredient!
Tip: For extra-fluffy filling, whip the yolk mixture with an electric hand mixer for 30 seconds.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Ice Cream
This ultra-creamy ice cream has a subtle tang from cream cheese, making it the perfect base for fruit swirls or chocolate chunks—no churner required!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/8 tsp salt, mixing until fully combined.
- Slowly pour in 1 cup whole milk, blending until the mixture is lump-free.
- In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain.
- Transfer to a loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface, and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
The magic here? The cream cheese adds richness and prevents icy crystals, so it stays scoopably smooth straight from the freezer.
Tip: Swirl in 1/2 cup strawberry jam or crushed cookies before freezing for a fun twist!
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Quesadillas
These creamy, melty quesadillas are a game-changer—thanks to the rich tang of Philly cream cheese, they’re extra indulgent without being fussy.
Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas (8-inch)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack, green onions, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Spread half of the mixture evenly over one tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top with a second tortilla.
- Melt 1/2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Carefully add the assembled quesadilla and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until golden and crisp. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Let quesadillas rest for 1 minute before slicing into wedges. Serve warm.
The cream cheese keeps the filling luxuriously smooth, while the smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth—perfect for late-night snacks or lazy weekend lunches.
Tip: For extra crunch, brush the tortillas with butter before assembling and skip the skillet butter (just toast in a dry pan).
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Tart
This creamy, dreamy tart is a no-fuss dessert that lets tangy cream cheese shine—perfect for potlucks or a sweet weeknight treat.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (for topping)
Instructions
- Prep crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until combined. Press firmly into a 9-inch tart pan. Chill 15 minutes.
- Make filling: Beat cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with a mixer until smooth and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Spread evenly over crust.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set. Top with strawberries just before serving.
The magic here? The filling stays luxuriously thick yet light—no baking required! The buttery graham crust adds just the right crunch.
Tip: For a glossy finish, brush strawberry slices with warmed apricot jam.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese
This ultra-creamy mac and cheese gets its rich, velvety texture from Philadelphia cream cheese—trust us, it’s a game-changer.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese, stirring until fully melted. Stir in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Fold in cooked macaroni until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
The cream cheese adds a luscious tang that balances the sharp cheddar, making this mac and cheese irresistibly smooth.
Tip: For extra crunch, top with buttery breadcrumbs and broil for 2 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
With 20 irresistibly creamy Philadelphia cream cheese recipes, there’s something here for every occasion—from breakfast to dessert! We hope you love these dishes as much as we do. Don’t forget to try them out, leave a comment with your favorite, and share this roundup on Pinterest so fellow foodies can enjoy too. Happy cooking!

I’m Brandon, the face behind the recipes. As a dedicated food enthusiast, I love experimenting with flavors and sharing my culinary adventures with you.