What to Have with Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese is a versatile and delicious spread that can be paired with a variety of foods to create a wide range of tasty combinations. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a meal, or a dessert, cream cheese is a great addition to many dishes. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best things to have with cream cheese.
Classic Combinations
Cream cheese is a staple in many cuisines, particularly in Jewish, Eastern European, and American cooking. Here are some classic combinations that you can’t go wrong with:
- Bagels: Spread cream cheese on a toasted bagel and top with smoked salmon, capers, and thinly sliced red onion for a delicious breakfast or snack.
- Lox: Mix cream cheese with chopped capers, red onion, and lemon juice, then spread on a bagel and top with smoked salmon (lox) for a classic Jewish deli combination.
- Bags: Spread cream cheese on a bagel or everything bagel and top with sliced cucumber, tomato, and sprouts for a refreshing snack.
Veggie Delights
Cream cheese is a great way to add flavor and creaminess to vegetables. Here are some veggie-centric combinations:
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Mix cream cheese with cooked spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, and lemon juice, then serve with crudités or pita chips.
- Veggie Wraps: Spread cream cheese on a tortilla, then fill with roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers, and top with sliced avocado.
- Grilled Veggie Sandwich: Spread cream cheese on a grilled vegetable sandwich with roasted eggplant, zucchini, and red pepper.
Meat Lovers
Cream cheese can be paired with a variety of meats to create tasty sandwiches and wraps:
- Turkey and Avocado: Spread cream cheese on a tortilla, then fill with sliced turkey, avocado, lettuce, and tomato.
- Bacon and Chive: Mix cream cheese with chopped bacon and chives, then spread on a bagel or cracker.
- Ham and Mustard: Spread cream cheese on a bagel or cracker, then top with sliced ham and Dijon mustard.
Fruit and Nut Pairings
Cream cheese can be paired with fruit and nuts to create sweet and savory combinations:
- Apple and Walnut: Spread cream cheese on a bagel or cracker, then top with sliced apple and chopped walnuts.
- Peach and Pecan: Spread cream cheese on a cracker, then top with sliced peaches and chopped pecans.
- Grapes and Crackers: Spread cream cheese on a cracker, then top with grapes and chopped nuts.
Other Delicious Options
Here are some other delicious options to consider:
- Crostini: Spread cream cheese on toasted crostini, then top with diced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Fill mushroom caps with a mixture of cream cheese, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese, then bake until golden brown.
- Cheesecake: Mix cream cheese with sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, then bake in a pie crust and top with fruit or a caramel sauce.
In Conclusion
Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a wide range of foods to create delicious combinations. Whether you’re looking for a classic deli sandwich, a veggie-packed wrap, or a sweet and savory fruit and nut pairing, there’s something for everyone with cream cheese. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite combinations!
Table: Cream Cheese Pairing Ideas
| Food | Cream Cheese Combination |
|---|---|
| Bagel | Smoked salmon, capers, red onion |
| Lox | Capers, red onion, lemon juice |
| Baguette | Spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic |
| Veggie Wrap | Roasted vegetables, avocado |
| Grilled Veggie Sandwich | Roasted eggplant, zucchini, red pepper |
| Turkey and Avocado | Sliced turkey, avocado, lettuce, tomato |
| Bacon and Chive | Chopped bacon, chives |
| Ham and Mustard | Sliced ham, Dijon mustard |
| Apple and Walnut | Sliced apple, chopped walnuts |
| Peach and Pecan | Sliced peaches, chopped pecans |
| Grapes and Crackers | Grapes, chopped nuts |
Note: The above table is not an exhaustive list, but rather a selection of some popular cream cheese pairing ideas. Feel free to experiment and find your own favorite combinations!