5 Quick Ways to Use Cream Cheese to Make Recipes Creamier and Dreamier

Cream cheese isn't just for bagels and cheesecake. Here are five delicious ways to use cream cheese in recipes to make them a little creamier and dreamier.

1. Lasagna Change-Up

For a richer, creamier lasagna, try replacing the ricotta cheese with cream cheese. For a 9x13-inch pan, use an 8-oz. package of cream cheese, cubed and softened, instead of a 15-oz. carton of ricotta. Proceed with your recipe as directed.

2. Cheater Carbonara

Using milk and cream cheese in place of eggs makes for an extra-creamy carbonara. Cook 8 oz. linguine according to package directions; add 1 cup frozen peas in the last minute of cooking. Drain and keep warm in a bowl. Meanwhile, cook 5 slices bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat; transfer to paper towels, reserving 1 Tbsp. drippings in skillet. Add 1 clove minced garlic; sauté 1 minute. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup milk and 4 oz. cream cheese until blended. Crumble bacon and add to pasta along with sauce and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; stir to coat. Serves 4.

3. Quick-Mash Cauliflower

Try mashed cauliflower for a low-carb side dish in place of mashed potatoes: Microwave 4 cups chopped cauliflower with 2 Tbsp. water in a bowl until tender, 6 to 7 minutes. (Do not drain.) Add 4 oz. cubed cream cheese and 1 Tbsp. butter. Mash until smooth. Stir in 2 chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 4.

4. Creamy Deviled Eggs

You can make your deviled eggs a hit by using cream cheese. Halve 6 hard-cooked eggs lengthwise; transfer yolks to a small bowl and mash with a fork. Stir in 2 oz. softened cream cheese and 1 tsp. each yellow mustard and cider vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Fill egg-white halves with yolk mixture. Top with a few strips of lox-style smoked salmon and chopped fresh chives. Makes 12.

5. Cheesy Taco Sweet Potatoes

Give sweet potatoes a makeover worthy of a TV cooking show. Bake two 10-oz. sweet potatoes in a 350°F oven until tender, about 50 minutes. Cook 1/2 lb. ground beef and 1/2 cup each chopped onion and green bell pepper in a skillet until beef is no longer pink. Stir in 1/2 cup salsa and 1 tsp. taco seasoning. Halve potatoes lengthwise and spoon flesh into a bowl. Stir in 4 oz. cream cheese, 2 Tbsp. milk, and salt and pepper to taste; mash to combine, then spoon into potato skins. Top with beef mixture; 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese; and chopped tomato, avocado, or cilantro. Serves 4.

This article originally appeared in the April/May 2020 issue of Allrecipes Magazine.