Best Cream Cheese Appetizers

The best cream cheese appetizers are here no matter what your taste or diet is.  There is something for everyone to love with these homemade hor d'oeuvres.  These recipes offer a variety that includes those with meat, for vegetarians, great dips, hearty cheese balls, and all are killer recipes.   Both cold or hot, spicy or savory, recipes with cream cheese are shared here by some of the best food bloggers.

If you need a recipe for the next potluck, Super Bowl party, holiday (check out the reindeer Christmas cheeseball below) these are the from-scratch cream cheese appetizer recipes you have been looking for.  I have included several that are perfect for make-ahead, healthy, or simple appetizers so you can enjoy every cream cheese bite and not have to cook or miss the fun during your next get-together.  I hope you find something new to make with cream cheese.   If you buy in bulk and wonder CAN YOU FREEZE CREAM CHEESE, I have all you need to know on the blog too.

Search the categories below to find exactly what you are looking for:

APPETIZERS BY THE SHORT ORDER COOK

APPETIZERS THAT ARE FUN AND UNIQUE

APPETIZERS WITH MEAT

APPETIZERS FOR VEGETARIANS

APPETIZER CHEESE BALLS OR DIPS

APPETIZERS BY THE SHORT ORDER COOK

The following appetizers are some of my favorites from the blog.  Cream cheese is an ingredient we eat often since it is tasty, versatile, and it goes a long way for a budget price. I cook with full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese in dips, with meat rolled up, and more, since most of the time since I try and eat a low-carb diet.

I hope you try all these cream cheese appetizers & first courses. This list will grow as I add more to the blog so come back often to see what is new.

Southern Pimento Cheese

Pimento (pimiento) Cheese is a true Southern staple for any get-together. This classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser and my version has only a bit of mayo but all the creaminess. This easy appetizer is wonderful for keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets.

Check out this recipe

Shishito Peppers with Cream Cheese & Bacon

Shishito Peppers are a mild pepper blistered in a pan and then tossed with cream cheese and bacon.

Check out this recipe

Holiday Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

Holiday appetizer with bright tangy cranberry sauce and a three-cheese spread.

Check out this recipe

Instant Pot Cream of Celery Soup

For the best homemade cream of celery soup, make it in the Instant Pot. It is a creamy, rich, and comforting recipe. As a bonus, this cream of celery soup is keto, gluten-free, grain-free, & low-carb.   

Check out this recipe

Homemade Low-Carb Sausage Balls

These homemade sausage balls are an easy low-carb recipe great for a keto breakfast, brunch, appetizer, or snack.  They are full of flavor, tender, simple, and packed with protein while also being gluten-free.

Check out this recipe

Keto Fat Head Rolls

Homemade soft keto rolls using almond flour are not just low carb (4 net carbs each!) but will please any appetite. They are sturdy enough for use as bread for sandwiches, buns for hamburgers, and great plain.

Check out this recipe

APPETIZERS BY THE BEST FOOD BLOGGERS

APPETIZERS THAT ARE FUN AND UNIQUE

So many of the best cream cheese appetizers are just what you need for the next holiday, party, or fancy dinner at home.   These include wonderful recipes for crescent rolls, party pinwheels, and more.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels

These cream cheese pinwheels offer a unique spin on party pinwheels. The cranberries provide a tangy twist. I think they are perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Check out this recipe

Pesto Turkey Pinwheels

Loaded with fresh ingredients, these Pesto Turkey Pinwheels are perfect for a simple lunch, party platter, or even a snack. Smoked provolone pairs well with this turkey and wrapped in a pesto cream cheese mixture that you will be coming back for more again and again!

Check out this recipe

Chili Cheese Dog Dip

This Chili Cheese Dog Dip combines two delicious appetizers “Pigs in a Blanket” and “Chili Cheese Dip” to provide classic Chili Cheese Dog Flavors all on one plate! A crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Check out this recipe

Smoked Salmon Pate

This smoked salmon pate made with poached salmon, cream cheese, and greek yogurt can be made ahead of time. Serve with veggies and crackers!

Check out this recipe

APPETIZERS WITH MEAT

These cream cheese appetizers offer a variety of meats including bacon, chicken, salami, sausage, and seafood like shrimp and tuna. They are all easy, tasty, and packed with protein.  Many of these appetizers with cream cheese are also low-carb, gluten-free, or keto-friendly.

Shrimp Ragoon Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

This cheesy Shrimp Stuffed Mini Bell Pepper appetizer is a party favorite! Stuffed with sweet shrimp, rich cream cheese, and tasty Gouda, your guests will gobble these up.

Check out this recipe

Easy Chicken Phyllo Cups

These easy chicken phyllo cup appetizers are a perfect addition to any party! These are loaded with a delicious chicken, mushroom, and spinach mixture that wows your tastebuds!

Check out this recipe

Salami Cornucopia

Salami rollups with cream cheese and fresh herbs are easy to make and fun to serve! Try these cream cheese roll-ups with Genoa salami in cornucopia for a fun finger food idea on your next meat and cheese tray.

Check out this recipe

Stuffed Cucumber Cups

Stuffed Cucumber Cups are a quick and easy, light appetizer that is perfect for any occasion!

Check out this recipe

APPETIZERS FOR VEGETARIANS

These appetizers offer a variety of the best recipes for vegetarians.  Whether you want a cream cheese appetizer with cauliflower, mushrooms, or other ingredients, there is something to love here.  Several are quick and great for a starter, snack, or even a side dish.

Buffalo Cauliflower Dip in a Bread Bowl

Buffalo Cauliflower Dip is a vegetarian alternative to traditional buffalo chicken dip. Serve as an appetizer at parties or Sunday game day!

Check out this recipe

Pan Fried Cheese Rangoons

Pan-fried rangoons that are perfectly crispy and delicious!

Check out this recipe

Green Goddess Stuffed Mushroom Caps

Herby, cheesy, and with a touch of garlic, these Green Goddess Stuffed Mushrooms are always gobbled up!

Check out this recipe

Cranberry Salsa and Cream Cheese

Cranberry salsa tastes even better when poured over a warm block of cream cheese! This salsa features fresh ingredients and can be made in a blender!

Check out this recipe

APPETIZERS CHEESE BALLS OR DIPS

These cheese ball and cheese dip recipes all include some cream cheese and so many amazing different ingredients. You are bound to find a few new cream cheese appetizers from this list that you will want to make today.   Get your favorite crackers, some crudite, and get ready to enjoy the best cheese ball or cheese dip recipes you can find.

Fresh Spinach Artichoke Dip with Goat Cheese & Leeks

This is not your ordinary spinach dip. The tangy goat cheese, leeks, and fresh ingredients elevate this classic dip to a new amazing level.

Check out this recipe

Neiman Marcus Dip

This Neiman Marcus Dip is a holiday classic, and pairs great with crackers. Loaded with bacon, cheese and almonds plus ready in under 10 minutes.

Check out this recipe

Easy Layered Salsa Dip

Easy and only 5 ingredients - wow! This cream cheese salsa dip is perfect for parties or watching a game.

Check out this recipe

Sausage Cream Cheese Dip

A creamy sausage dip flavored with green onion, garlic, and green chiles. This dip is super easy to make, with only 5 ingredients!

Check out this recipe

Everything Bagel Cheese Ball (Christmas Decorated)

This Everything Bagel cheese ball is budget-friendly and serves a crowd. Decorate to look like a reindeer for the holidays or leave plain for any occasion. Make up to a week in advance for stress-free party prep!

Check out this recipe

Pineapple Cheese Ball

Pineapple Cheese Ball is always a big hit with family and friends. The crushed pineapple adds an unexpected twist to this delicious appetizer.

Check out this recipe

Product Recommendations for this Article:

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PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

Best Cream Cheese Appetizers PIN

Best Cream Cheese Appetizers

Angela

All the quick, easy, and elegant appetizers you can make are listed here. The best food bloggers share recipes for appetizers using cream cheese. There are savory dips, cheese balls, finger foods, and more.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 0 mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

TRY ONE OR MORE OF THESE TASTY CREAM CHEESE APPETIZERS

• Shishito peppers w Cream cheese & Bacon
• Pimento Cheese
• Pesto Turkey Pinwheels
• Shrimp Ragoon
• Sausage Balls
• Salami Cornucopia
• Buffalo Cauliflower Dip
• Christmas Cheese Ball

Instructions

 

• Make 1 or more of these yummy appetizers.
• Enjoy

Keyword appetizer, bites, cheese, dairy, dip, easy, finger food, holiday, party, quick, small plate, spreads

Nutritional information for these recipes may be found on each individual listing. For more information on the health benefits and nutrition facts, check out Is Cream Cheese Healthy? 

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