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If you don’t want to smother your pasta, your homemade cakes or your baked dishes with heavy cream this summer, think of cream cheese as its savvy replacement. Not only does cream cheese have fewer calories but it’s also lighter in texture than heavy cream. Cream cheese is spreadable, so it can be used in almost any kind of cool dip and in dressing blends.
The best part about cream cheese is that it can form the base of your pasta sauce and blend in pretty well with other sauces. Try blending in a spoonful of heavy cream with cream chees to get the perfect creamy texture for your recipes. Here are some great summer recipes you can make with cream cheese.
Cream Cheese-Stuffed French Toast
Spread a thick layer of cream cheese mixed with a touch of maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon between two slices of bread to create a decadent stuffed French toast. Dip the assembled sandwiches into a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, then cook them on a buttered skillet until golden brown and cooked through. Serve the stuffed French toast slices hot, topped with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Herbed Cream Cheese Veggie Dip
Mix cream cheese with finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, chives, and basil, along with minced garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Thin the mixture with a bit of Greek yoghurt or sour cream until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve this flavorful herbed cream cheese dip alongside a platter of crisp, raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits
Layer crushed graham crackers or granola with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, Greek yoghurt, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. Top the layers with fresh berries or sliced stone fruits like peaches or apricots. These no-bake cheesecake parfaits are light, refreshing, and easy to assemble, making them a perfect summer dessert.
Creamy Pasta Salad
Toss cooked pasta with a creamy dressing made from cream cheese, Greek yoghurt, lemon zest, and a splash of white wine vinegar. Add diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and olives to the pasta, along with some fresh basil or mint leaves. This creamy pasta salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish for summer potlucks or weekday lunches.
Grilled Cheese with a Twist
Spread a layer of cream cheese on one side of each slice of bread before assembling your grilled cheese sandwich. Add your favourite fillings such as sliced tomatoes, avocado, bacon, or spinach, along with your choice of cheese. Grill the sandwich until golden brown and crispy. The cream cheese adds a creamy richness and tangy flavour to this classic comfort food, perfect for summer lunches or dinners.
Creamy Veggie Wraps
Spread a tortilla with a generous layer of cream cheese, then top it with thinly sliced vegetables such as cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, and avocado. Add some sprouts or baby greens for extra freshness. Roll up the tortilla tightly and slice it into pinwheels or enjoy it whole. These creamy veggie wraps are light, flavorful, and portable, making them an ideal summer snack or lunch option.
