This article is for you if you love cream cheese and can eat it with sweet and savory recipes.
You can use cream cheese in sauces, fruits, veggies, smoked fish, cheesecakes, and mashed potatoes as a spread or dip. If you want something smooth and creamy, cream cheese is your go-to ingredient, and you can eat them as desserts, breakfasts, and snacks.
Cream cheese is sold in grocery stores and comes in blocks and spreads. They come in different varieties – non-fat, low-fat, and full-fat types. The non-fat and low-fat are healthier and suitable for all categories of individuals.
Is cream cheese healthy? Well, cream cheese does contain some nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin A, and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is important to be mindful of portion sizes and to choose lower-fat options when possible to reduce the overall calorie and fat content of your diet
This article will look at 10 healthy things to eat with cream cheese.
10 Healthy Things To Eat With Cream Cheese
Here are a few suggestions on the healthy things to eat with cream cheese. You can try them out.
1. Mashed Potatoes
One of the healthy things to eat with cream cheese is mashed potatoes. It makes your mashed potatoes look creamy and thick.
Add your cream cheese to the mashed potatoes and spice it up with garlic, pepper, salt, milk, and butter. Here, your super-flavored mashed potatoes are ready and can be served with turkey, meatloaf, fried chicken, or steak.
2. Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Another healthy thing to eat with cream cheese is stuffed chicken breasts. Cream cheese makes it super flavored and creamy.
Before adding cream cheese to the stuffed chicken breast, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic. After that, stuff it with chives, parsley, and dill.
After stuffing the chicken breast, roast or pan-sear them until it is fully cooked or turned golden.
3. Meatballs
You can stuff your meatballs with cream cheese and add jalapeno peppers to make them spicier.
Stuff the meatballs with a small quantity of cream cheese and place them in the oven to bake. Bake until the meatball becomes crispy.
4. Pasta Sauce
Pasta sauce is one of the healthy things to eat with cream cheese. Melted cream cheese is perfect in a pasta sauce.
Add cream cheese, olive oil, fresh pepper, and grated parmesan into the pasta sauce and leave to cook.
5. Macaroni and Cheese
One of the best ways to enjoy macaroni is to add cream cheese to make it creamier. All you have to do is to add a few cubes of cream cheese to the macaroni and place it in the oven to bake.
6. Apple and Pear Slices
Apple and pear slices are a healthy and delicious option to pair with cream cheese. They are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied.
Apples and pears are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, which are important for immune function and heart health.
Pairing apple and pear slices with cream cheese can provide a satisfying crunch and a creamy, tangy flavor.
7. Tomato soup
Tomato soup can have a better texture and taste if you cream cheese. Cream cheese goes well with tomato soup.
You can serve creamy tomato soup with toasted slices of bread. You can add melted cheddar for additional crispiness.
8. Carrots and celery sticks
Carrots and celery sticks are a healthy and crunchy snack that can be enjoyed with cream cheese.
Carrots are also a good source of vitamin A, which is important for healthy vision, skin, and immune function. Meanwhile, celery is a good source of vitamin K, which is important for bone health and blood clotting.
When paired with cream cheese, carrots and celery sticks provide a satisfying crunch and a creamy, tangy flavor.
9. Whole grain crackers and rice cakes
Another great option to eat with cream cheese is whole grain crackers and rice cakes.
They are both healthy and convenient options to pair with cream cheese. They are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied.
Whole grains are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, which are important for energy production and overall health.
10. Miso Spread
Miso spread is one of the best appetizers you can eat with cream cheese. To make it, you must marinate the cream cheese in a miso and mirin mixture and leave it for a few days.
You can serve the appetizer sliced on crackers, whipped, or wasabi.
Conclusion
There are many healthy and delicious options to pair with cream cheese. In adding or filling cream cheese to a recipe, do it in moderation. Much cream cheese is unhealthy, especially if you are an older adult. By choosing lower-fat options and pairing cream cheese with nutrient-dense foods, you can create a satisfying and healthy snack that supports your overall health and well-being.