Cream Cheese: Amazing Breakfast Ideas

Cream cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can elevate any breakfast dish. With its rich, creamy texture and subtle tang, it's no wonder why cream cheese has become a staple in many breakfast recipes. From classic bagels with cream cheese to more innovative creations, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we'll explore some amazing breakfast ideas that feature cream cheese as the star ingredient.

Cream Cheese Basics

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s cover the basics of cream cheese. Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese made from cream and milk. It’s available in various flavors, including plain, strawberry, and scallion. When shopping for cream cheese, look for high-quality brands that use real cream and minimal additives. Cream cheese can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, making it a versatile ingredient for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Cream Cheese and Bagel Combinations

A classic breakfast combination is cream cheese and bagels. The key to a great cream cheese and bagel combination is balance. You want to find a balance between the richness of the cream cheese and the flavor of the bagel. Some popular combinations include:

• Classic plain cream cheese on a toasted everything bagel
• Strawberry cream cheese on a sweet cinnamon raisin bagel
• Scallion cream cheese on a savory sesame seed bagel

These combinations are just the starting point, and you can experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your perfect cream cheese and bagel combination.

Cream Cheese Flavor	Bagel Type	Toppings
Plain	Everything	Smoked salmon, capers, and thinly sliced red onion
Strawberry	Cinnamon Raisin	Sliced strawberries, blueberries, and granola
Scallion	Sesame Seed	Thinly sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and fresh dill

Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

Cream cheese can also be used as a filling in French toast. This sweet and indulgent breakfast dish is perfect for special occasions. To make cream cheese stuffed French toast, you’ll need:

• 4 slices of thick bread
• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• ¹⁄₄ cup of granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¹⁄₄ cup of milk
• Cinnamon and nutmeg for sprinkling

Simply spread a layer of cream cheese on each slice of bread, then top with another slice to create a sandwich. Dip the sandwich in a mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar, then cook in a skillet until golden brown.

Cream Cheese and Fruit Parfait

A healthier breakfast option is a cream cheese and fruit parfait. This layered dish is perfect for warm weather and can be customized with your favorite fruits and toppings. To make a cream cheese and fruit parfait, you’ll need:

• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup of granola
• 1 cup of fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
• ¹⁄₂ cup of plain Greek yogurt
• Honey or maple syrup for drizzling

Simply layer the cream cheese, granola, berries, and yogurt in a bowl, then drizzle with honey or maple syrup.

Fruit	Granola	Cream Cheese
Strawberries	Vanilla almond granola	Plain cream cheese
Blueberries	Cinnamon apple granola	Strawberry cream cheese
Raspberries	Chocolate chip granola	Scallion cream cheese

Cream Cheese and Egg Breakfast Burritos

Cream cheese can also be used in savory breakfast dishes, such as breakfast burritos. This filling and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick breakfast on-the-go. To make cream cheese and egg breakfast burritos, you’ll need:

• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 4 large eggs
• ¹⁄₂ cup of diced bell peppers
• ¹⁄₂ cup of diced onions
• ¹⁄₂ cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 large tortillas
• Salsa and sour cream for topping

Simply scramble the eggs with the diced bell peppers and onions, then mix in the softened cream cheese. Wrap the mixture in a tortilla with shredded cheddar cheese, then top with salsa and sour cream.

Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon Breakfast Bagel

A more indulgent breakfast option is a cream cheese and smoked salmon breakfast bagel. This decadent dish is perfect for special occasions. To make a cream cheese and smoked salmon breakfast bagel, you’ll need:

• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 4 slices of smoked salmon
• ¹⁄₄ cup of thinly sliced red onion
• ¹⁄₄ cup of capers
• 4 everything bagels
• Lemon wedges for serving

Simply spread a layer of cream cheese on each bagel, then top with smoked salmon, thinly sliced red onion, and capers. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Cream Cheese Flavor	Smoked Salmon	Toppings
Plain	Smoked salmon	Thinly sliced red onion, capers, and lemon wedges
Scallion	Smoked salmon	Thinly sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and fresh dill
Strawberry	Smoked salmon	Sliced strawberries, blueberries, and granola