Tangy spreads, savory cheesecakes and party-perfect bites, these cream cheese appetizers combine bold flavor with easy prep.
1/35
Spinach Artichoke Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
One taste of this outrageously delicious hot spinach artichoke dip and your guests will not stop eating it until it's gone. The savory blend of artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese is positively addictive! It tastes even better if you make it the night before and chill it in the fridge before baking. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 68 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 139mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
2/35
Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
These quick appetizers are irresistible. The flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and pesto balance beautifully. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 170 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
3/35
Baby Swiss Appetizer Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
This beautiful cheesecake appetizer can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before serving, so it's the perfect make-ahead recipe for holidays, game days or special occasions. —Marilyn Edelman, Sabetha, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 197 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
4/35
Ground Beef Taco Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
What's a football party without taco dip? This version made with spicy ground beef and fresh toppings does not disappoint the die-hards. It is full of classic flavors and is a little extra filling for game day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, WI
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 116 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
5/35
Dilly Cheese Ball
From the Recipe Creator:
My whole family devours this herby cheese spread—even my son, the chef. Serve it with your favorite crackers. —Jane Vince, London, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 100 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
6/35
Greek Shrimp Canapes
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up by the ocean and then moved to a landlocked state. I wanted to show people in my area how to easily cook seafood, and this is the recipe I came up with. I think it’s safe to say it has become a neighborhood favorite. —Amy Harris, Springville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 68 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 139mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
7/35
Cheeseburger Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
This fun dip recipe uses ingredients that I always have in the fridge, so it's easy to throw together on short notice. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 157 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 225mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
8/35
Buffalo Chicken Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring buffalo dip to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. —Belinda J. Gibson, Dry Ridge, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 152 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
9/35
Chicken Bacon Roll-Ups
From the Recipe Creator:
My children like these roll-ups so much that they ask for them every day for lunch during the summer. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey breast, this is a delicious way to use it up. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 43 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
10/35
Grilled Red Pepper Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
We grill peppers with rosemary and garlic, then blend them with sun-dried tomatoes for a creamy spread to pass with pita chips. —Donna Alwine, Bloomington, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 127 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
11/35
Mini Beef Tourtieres
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a twist on the traditional tourtiere recipe. Ground beef replaces pork, and cream cheese pastry takes the place of pie pastry. The filled mini cups make a melt-in-your-mouth addition to a buffet. —Cheryl Bruneau, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 96 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
12/35
Warm Feta Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
We’re big on appetizers, so this dip is a mashup of our favorite tastes, like cream cheese, feta, basil and sweet peppers. Serve with bread or chips. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without chips and baguette slices): 155 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
13/35
Vol-au-Vent
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends and I have been getting together for "ladies lunches" for years. These vol-au-vents are the perfect no-fuss fancy food; they look complicated, but are actually simple and fun to make. Whenever I think of good friends and good company, I think of these savory pastries. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled pastry: 669 calories, 45g fat (16g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein.
14/35
Layered Asian Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests are quick to dig into this delectable dip. With tender chunks of chicken and Asian seasoning, it's a nice switch from traditional taco dip.— Bonnie Mazur, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 61 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
15/35
Portobello Mushroom and Cream Cheese Taquitos
From the Recipe Creator:
This party appetizer was inspired by a dish I saw on an episode of Top Chef. I simplified it a little and tweaked the flavors a bit. The taquitos can be made ahead and reheated in a 250° oven for 10 minutes. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 375 calories, 25g fat (7g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
16/35
Pastrami Roll-Ups
From the Recipe Creator:
For a book club event, I created pastrami roll-ups with cream cheese and a pickle. Those tasty bites quickly pulled a disappearing act. —Merritt Heinrich, Oswego, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 25 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
17/35
Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs
From the Recipe Creator:
I was recently at a wedding reception where the menu was all small bites. Here’s my rendition of the pear pastries they served. They're the perfect combo of savory and sweet. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 puff: 105 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
18/35
Sausage Jalapeno Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy dip cooks like a dream in the slow cooker. Scoop it up with crunchy tortilla chips or raw veggies. —Gina Fensler, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without chips): 137 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 211mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
19/35
Roasted Brussels Sprouts & 3-Cheese Crostini
From the Recipe Creator:
Brussels sprouts for a snack? Oh, yes. Combine these roasted goodies with cheese for the ultimate toast topper. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 72 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 141mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
20/35
Crab and Spinach Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
In Maryland, we stayed at a hotel that sent guests home with a crab dip recipe and a spice pouch. Now I’ve made my own dip that rekindles memories of that trip. —Kristina Wenner, Jamison, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 170 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
21/35
Pumpkin Pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
Cream cheese, mozzarella and roasted red peppers make these pumpkin-shaped pinwheels devilishly delicious. They were a hit at my last Halloween party. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 112 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
22/35
Slow-Cooker Cheddar Bacon Beer Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize in our office party recipe contest. Other beers can work for this, but be sure to steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 213 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
23/35
Three-Cheese Pepperoncini Spread
From the Recipe Creator:
Our big family loves to celebrate with food. Here’s my take on a cheesy Greek spread known as Kopanisti. We serve it with pita crisps or crackers. —Michael Hall, Goodland, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons (calculated without crackers): 105 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
24/35
Jalapeno Popper Pocket
From the Recipe Creator:
For a fresh take on fried jalapeno poppers, we stuff chicken, cheeses and jalapenos inside puff pastry, then bake it. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 237 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 252mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
25/35
Baked Sweet Corn Croquettes
From the Recipe Creator:
These delicious corn croquettes are baked like muffins instead of fried. They can be served with butter, but my family prefers salsa as an accompaniment. —Karen Kuebler, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 52 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
26/35
Crispy Sriracha Spring Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
While in the Bahamas, friends suggested a restaurant that served amazing chicken spring rolls. When I got home, I created my own version. Such a great appetizer to have waiting in the freezer! —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 spring roll: 186 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
27/35
Lemon-Herb Salmon Toasts
From the Recipe Creator:
Quick, light and tasty, my salmon toasts make irresistible finger food. —Christie Wells, Lake Villa, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 63 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
28/35
Pimiento Cheddar Spread
From the Recipe Creator:
I was a theater major in college, and our director's mother always made sure we were well fed. I was particularly fond of her pimiento cheese sandwiches and tried making a similar spread for crackers. It tastes just as good as I remember! —Katrina Jameson, Brandon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 70 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
29/35
Cheesy BBQ Beef Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecued beef dip is a holiday staple in our house. My husband can't get enough! —Selena Swafford, Dalton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 279 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 578mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
30/35
Vegetarian Buffalo Chicken Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend made Buffalo chicken dip and that got me thinking about creating a vegetarian dip with the same flavors. This addictive dip is so amazing, no one will miss the meat. —Amanda Silvers, Old Fort, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 113 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
31/35
Sausage Pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
Filled with sausage, sweet pepper and cream cheese, these roll-ups are excellent for unexpected visitors, a cocktail party or a halftime snack. Besides being easy to make, they can be done way ahead and kept in the freezer. All you have to do is pop them into a hot oven! —Cindy Nerat, Menominee, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 46 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
32/35
Blue Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I put out a plate of these cute little appetizers, people come flocking. Good thing there are lots of peppers in each bag. —Tara Cruz, Kersey, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 73 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
33/35
Olives and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without baguette): 168 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
34/35
Chutney-Topped Cream Cheese Spread
From the Recipe Creator:
I've had the pleasure of introducing many of my friends and family to chutney, that sweet and savory fruit sauce. Prepare this spread even faster by using chive-flavored whipped cream cheese. —Michelle Torkelson, Ham Lake, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 146 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
35/35
Southern-Style Egg Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
Sausage, black-eyed peas and turnip greens give these unique egg rolls a decidedly southern accent. When I bring them to a party, I always come home with an empty plate. —Holly Jones, Kennesaw, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 egg roll with 4 teaspoons sauce: 373 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
Cream Cheese Appetizers FAQ
What easy appetizers can I make with cream cheese?
Easy cream cheese appetizers include stuffed mini peppers, deli pinwheels and simple layered dips with salsa or pesto. You can fill store-bought phyllo cups with seasoned cream cheese and top them with smoked salmon or fruit compote. To make a quick, no-cook option, mix a herby dip and serve it with celery sticks and cucumber rounds. Most of these can be made ahead and served right out of the fridge.
Can cream cheese be used in hot appetizers?
Yes, cream cheese melts smoothly and adds richness to hot appetizers like baked dips, cream-cheese stuffed mushrooms and crescent roll bites with ham and cheese. When heated, it softens into a creamy filling. Mix cream cheese with shredded cheese and spices for hearty dips or fold it into dough with savory fillings. For best results, let the cream cheese soften before mixing and bake in shallow dishes for even heating.
What crackers pair best with cream cheese dips?
Butter crackers, multigrain rounds and pita chips pair best with cream cheese dips because they’re sturdy, lightly salted and won’t overpower the dip. Thin rye crisps, crunchy bagel chips and pretzel thins add texture and work especially well with thicker or baked dips. For a sweet-savory contrast, try graham crackers or apple slices with fruit-based spreads. Arrange your crackers just before serving to keep them crisp and offer a variety to suit different tastes.
