How to Use Up Cream Cheese: Tips and Recipes to Reduce Food Waste
Cream cheese is a popular ingredient in many recipes, but it can quickly become a staple in the fridge if not used up properly. Whether you bought it for a specific recipe or picked it up on a whim, you might be wondering how to use up cream cheese before it goes bad. In this article, we’ll explore creative ways to use up cream cheese, from savory dishes to sweet treats, and provide tips on how to store it to extend its shelf life.
How to Store Cream Cheese
Before we dive into using up cream cheese, it’s essential to store it properly to prevent spoilage and extend its shelf life. Here are some tips on how to store cream cheese:
• Refrigerate: Cream cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent moisture from seeping in.
• Wrap tightly: Wrap the cream cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air from entering the container.
• Label and date: Label the container with the date you stored it and the contents to ensure you use the oldest items first.
• Check expiration date: Regularly check the expiration date on the package and use the cream cheese within a few weeks of opening.
How to Use Up Cream Cheese
Now that we’ve covered storage tips, let’s dive into some creative ways to use up cream cheese:
Savory Dishes
Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of savory dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Spreads and dips
- Spinach and artichoke dip: Mix softened cream cheese with chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, and garlic for a delicious dip.
- French onion dip: Combine cream cheese with caramelized onions, garlic, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- Hummus: Blend cream cheese with lemon juice, tahini, garlic, and chickpeas for a creamy and healthy dip.
Sauces and marinades
- Ranch dressing: Mix cream cheese with buttermilk or sour cream, chopped fresh herbs, and spices for a creamy ranch dressing.
- Blue cheese dressing: Combine cream cheese with crumbled blue cheese, buttermilk or sour cream, and spices for a tangy dressing.
- Marinade: Use cream cheese as a base for a marinade by mixing it with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
Pasta and pizza
- Cream cheese pasta: Mix softened cream cheese with cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and basil for a quick and easy dinner.
- Stuffed pasta shells: Fill cooked pasta shells with a mixture of cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and spinach for a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Pizza crust: Use cream cheese as a topping on your homemade pizza crust, along with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Sweet Treats
Cream cheese can also be used in sweet treats like cheesecakes, muffins, and cookies. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Cheesecakes and desserts
- New York-style cheesecake: Mix cream cheese with eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract for a classic cheesecake recipe.
- Red velvet cheesecake: Combine cream cheese with red food coloring, eggs, sugar, and cocoa powder for a decadent and creamy dessert.
- Cheesecake bars: Mix cream cheese with sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, then bake in a square pan and cut into bars.
Muffins and breads
- Cream cheese muffins: Mix cream cheese with eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract, then fold in flour and baking powder for a moist and flavorful muffin.
- Cream cheese biscuits: Combine cream cheese with flour, baking powder, and butter for a flaky and buttery biscuit.
- Cream cheese swirl bread: Mix cream cheese with eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract, then pour into a loaf pan and bake until golden brown.
Conclusion
Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of savory and sweet dishes. By following these tips and recipes, you can use up cream cheese before it goes bad and reduce food waste in your kitchen. Remember to store it properly and use it within a few weeks of opening to ensure it remains fresh and delicious. Happy cooking!