If you love cream cheese, you probably have at least one brand in your fridge. But unless you’re an expert on the spreadable treat, it’s possible that your collection isn’t as varied as it could be or should be!
But the truth is that there are many different types of cream cheese, each offering its delicious spin on the classic spreadable cheeses.
Check out this list of all the different kinds of cream cheese to discover new favorites. Therefore, learn more about the different types of cream cheese that you already know and love!
What Is Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese is a soft, mild-tasting fresh cheese originating in Eastern Europe. It’s usually made from cow’s milk and has a higher fat content than most hard cheeses, which helps it spread quickly on bagels and other bread products.
However, this makes it one of America’s favorite breakfast treats. To make cream cheese, small curds are drained in warm water to separate them from excess liquid. Then, they are pressed together before being packaged and sold at grocery stores across America.
The color of your cream cheese will vary depending on how long you cook it. Many producers add dyes to give their products a deeper yellow or orange color.
Benefits of Cream Cheese
There are several reasons why cream cheese is such a popular spread. For one, it’s versatile: you can pair it with sweet fruits, such as strawberries and apples, or savory toppings, like bacon, olives, and capers, for an entirely different flavor sensation.
In addition, you can mix different types of cream cheese with other foods. We’ve rounded up six of our favorite ideas for cooking with different kinds of cream cheese. So, what are you waiting for?
Therefore, check out these unique ways to use your favorite spread in tasty new recipes today!
Different Types of Cream Cheese
1. Garlic & Herb Cheese
This is a fresh, herbaceous cheese that’s perfect on a cracker or with fresh vegetables. The flavor is subtle, so you won’t get overwhelmed by garlic and herb flavors.
However, if you want a spicy taste, go for a more aged variety like old cheddar. Not sure how to tell if your cheese is aged? Aged cheeses are firmer in texture and have darker rinds than other different types of cream cheese.
Brie is one of my personal favorites. It’s soft and creamy, with an airy, white rind and a golden-yellow interior. Go for an unfrozen variety; the weaker it is, the better it tastes!
2. Mango Habanero Cream Cheese
This cream cheese brings some tropical heat to your breakfast or brunch spread. Made with tangy mango and habanero peppers, it will quickly wake up your taste buds. Spread it on a bagel or drizzle it over some French toast for an extra boost.
However, not into fruity flavors? Check out these other flavor-packed different types of cream cheeses instead. They’re sure to please any palate.
3. Jalapeño Cheddar Cream Cheese
Most Americans are familiar with plain old cream cheese or a sweet version, and there’s a whole world to discover. If you’re bored with your usual spreads and want to try something new, try jalapeño cheddar cream cheese.
In addition, Jalapeño cheddar cream cheese is exactly what it sounds like. A spicy spread that combines jalapeno pepper flavor with creamy, melty American cheeses.
It is usually served in bagels or English muffins in restaurants and delis across America. However, Jalapeño cheddar also makes an excellent addition to pizza or pasta.
4. Cranberry & Pecan Cream Cheese
This is a favorite. The creamy cheese and sweetened cranberries make for a perfect spread for scones or muffins. Some chefs even like to use it in cake recipes, unlike some other different types of cream cheese.
Because cranberries are so tart, they can also be eaten on their own as a savory appetizer, similar to olives or nuts.
5. Chipotle Avocado Cream Cheese
Traditional cream cheese has a delicious and balanced flavor; chipotle cream cheese adds an unexpected spice to any meal.
Stir it into mac and cheese or pasta dishes, dip it in crackers, or spread it on bread. The spicy kick will wake up your taste buds.
However, Chipotle and other types of cream cheese are excellent options for people who love spicy food. But I don’t want to load up on unhealthy ingredients like hot sauce.
If you can get past its intimidating name, you’ll learn that Chipotle and other different types of cream cheese are easily made at home. All you need is sour cream, whipping cream, and a little bit of cayenne pepper.
6. Apple Butter Cream Cheese
Apple butter is a tried-and-true fall staple for those who grew up in New England. It’s usually served at breakfasttime and is a perfect partner for bagels and toast.
This slightly sweet spread often uses tart apples, usually McIntosh or Cortland. But some recipes also use softer apples like Braeburn or Honeycrisp.
Apple butter has a texture between butter and jam—making it an excellent condiment for sweet and savory dishes.
7. Littauer Cream Cheese
The yogurt-based cream cheese from France is known as Lípatái in its native tongue. It is one of the different types of cream cheese. It is made with milk and cream rather than milk and yogurt.
Moreover, Lípatái was first produced in 1949 by Parisian cheesemaker Maurice Lippman. It became such a hit that it’s available almost anywhere French cheese is sold.
However 2009, President Obama even selected Lipatauer as his favorite among the different types of cream cheese. Now that’s saying something!
8. Pumpkins Spice Cream Cheese
This may be heresy to some, but most pumpkin-flavored products are sweeter than pumpkin. That’s what makes them ideal for coffee creamers. They add natural sweetness without adding calories.
However, different types of cream cheese brands offer plenty to choose from. A word of caution: Not all coffee creamers have zero calories (many contain 30 or more). So be sure to check nutrition labels. And if you’re trying to watch your waistline?
9. Caviar Cream Cheese
We love cream cheese, but sometimes trying something different is nice. Caviar is probably right up your alley if you like fish, eggs and love cream cheese.
However, Caviar is made from smoked fish roe and tastes incredibly salty. It pairs well with crackers or toast and makes for a good snack. Because it’s so high in protein, Caviar is commonly used as a meat substitute in vegan diets.
Therefore, if you want to enjoy something different but can’t stomach dairy, try picking up some vegan caviar online.
It comes in flavors like truffle zest or spicy and offers all kinds of flavor combinations that are fun to experiment with.
10. Chocolate Cream Cheese
Few desserts are more decadent than cheesecake, but many don’t realize it’s as easy to make at home. Most different types of cream cheese can be used for baking.
So, a chocolate cream cheese cheesecake is a showstopper if you want to impress your friends and family. All you need is flour, eggs, sugar, and butter.
Then you can go wild with how you dress it up. However, Chocolate-covered strawberries? Yes, please. Crushed Oreos? Absolutely. Cherries and whipped cream? As long as they don’t cover that glorious cheesecake crust.
Therefore, that delectable combination is reason enough to try homemade chocolate cream cheese cheesecake.
11. Funfetti Cream Cheese
Every bite of different types of cream cheese is like a party in your mouth. Funfetti cream cheese is a definite winner for anyone who has been feeling bored about their morning bagel routine.
This option blends swirled vanilla flavor with white confetti sprinkles and chunks of real yellow cake. However, it’s not for those afraid to go wild with their food options.
Funfetti cream cheese will take your breakfast from zero to fun in 60 seconds. Therefore, you can also use it to make sweet cupcakes. People will be asking you how you got so creative.
12. Apple Pie Cream Cheese
Pairing tart Granny Smith apples with a light, creamy spread is easy to pack flavor into morning tea. It’s also a great twist on holiday recipes like cheesecake and crumb cake.
This recipe calls for fresh apples, but you can substitute apple pie filling for less work if you have time. However, ensure it’s homemade (or from a can) so your topping doesn’t have added sugar and corn syrup. Get our Apple Pie Cream Cheese recipe.
13. Honey Walnut Cream Cheese
Look no further than honey walnut cream cheese for a sweet treat to spread on your morning bagel. This variety has more calories and fat than other types of cream cheese, but it’s also higher in protein and calcium, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or lunch.
In addition, Honey walnut cream cheese has 25% fewer carbs than your average cream cheese spread. So say goodbye to those sugar-filled jams and jellies, which are being chucked out as we speak.
14. Cinnamon Cream Cheese
One thing that sets cinnamon cream cheese apart from other types of cheese is its sweet taste, which comes from a combination of cinnamon and sugar.
However, Cinnamon cream cheese works well as a spread for bagels where you need an extra hint of sweetness. To make cinnamon cream cheese, stir together room-temperature cream cheese with two teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
If you’d like your cream cheese to be extra sweet, add 1-2 teaspoons more sugar. Therefore, If you find yourself using it sparingly (or don’t like sweet foods), consider cutting back on some or all of these ingredients to make less sweet (and more savory) variations.
15. Plain Cream Cheese
This is a classic and possibly one of my favorite styles over other different types of cheese cream. Plain cream cheese has been around for decades, yet it remains underappreciated by many.
However, it’s perfect for simple sandwiches with sliced tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil on toasted bread. Instead of butter, use it in baked goods (instead of butter) or whip it into mashed potatoes.
Therefore, if you haven’t tried plain cream cheese yet, ensure you do so soon. You won’t regret it, I promise!
Conclusion
Don’t get us wrong—store-bought cream cheese can be delicious. But we think it’s time to consider all the different types of cream cheese out there, from flavors like dill and chive to dessert types like lemon pudding.
However, it’s incredible how many different types of cream cheese are out there. That said, we’re not recommending you buy every type you see. But feel free to try something new occasionally for variety in your sandwiches or bagels.
Therefore, from tacos to dips, don’t forget about other ways to use your favorite type. It never hurts to experiment with a bit of cream cheese.
