5 Cream Cheese Meatball Dishes You Must Try

Are you a fan of the classic meatball? It's time to elevate your culinary game with some innovative and delicious cream cheese meatball dishes. Whether you're planning a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests at your next party, these dishes add a creamy twist to the traditional savory spheres. Let's dive into five mouthwatering cream cheese meatball recipes that will make your taste buds dance.

1. Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Meatballs

This dish combines the heat of jalapenos with the creamy texture of cream cheese, creating a flavor explosion that's perfect for those who love a bit of spice. Here’s how you can make it:

• 2 lbs ground beef or pork
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced
• 1 block cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Breadcrumbs or crushed saltines for binding

Create the meatballs:

1. Mix the ground meat with seasonings, jalapeño, and breadcrumbs.
2. Form into balls, making a small indentation in each one.
3. Stuff each indentation with a bit of cream cheese, then mold the meat around the cheese to cover it completely.
4. Bake at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

🌶️ Note: If you want to tame the heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeno before dicing.

2. Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Turn the beloved buffalo chicken dip into a meatball form for a game day hit or an adventurous dinner.

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 4 oz cream cheese
• ¼ cup hot sauce
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp breadcrumb

To prepare:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Shape into meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
3. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.

🍗 Note: Serve these with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for the full buffalo experience!

3. Cheesy Cream Cheese and Spinach Meatballs

These meatballs are a nod to the classic spinach dip, adding a layer of nutrition and flavor to your plate.

• 1 lb ground beef or pork
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Follow these steps:

1. Mix all ingredients well in a bowl.
2. Form into balls and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes.

🥬 Note: If you prefer a stronger spinach flavor, you can double the amount of spinach in the recipe.

4. Cream Cheese Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs get a creamy makeover with cream cheese, making them even more irresistible.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 2 slices bread, soaked in milk
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tsp allspice

Here’s how to make them:

1. Combine all ingredients except for cream cheese. Shape into balls, hiding a small piece of cream cheese inside each one.
2. Cook them either by baking or pan-frying.
3. Serve with a traditional Swedish gravy for an authentic taste.

🥄 Note: For a creamier sauce, mix some cream cheese into your gravy before serving.

5. Jalapeno Popper Meatballs

This fusion of jalapeño poppers and meatballs offers a spicy treat with a creamy surprise inside.

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder

Steps to create:

1. Mix ground meat with spices and diced jalapeño.
2. Form into balls, insert a small piece of cream cheese in the center, and then reseal the meatball.
3. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

🍈 Note: Experiment with different cheeses for varied textures and flavors.

From classic recipes with a modern twist to outright culinary adventures, these cream cheese meatball dishes are sure to be a hit. Each recipe brings its own unique flavor profile, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're adding a spicy kick, a creamy surprise, or just enhancing the flavor, these meatballs are designed to impress and satisfy. In addition to being crowd-pleasers, they're also quite versatile, serving well as appetizers, main courses, or even party snacks.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

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Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it might slightly change the texture and flavor profile of the meatballs.

What can I use as alternatives to breadcrumbs?

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You can use crushed crackers, oats, or even ground nuts as a gluten-free alternative.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?

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Make sure the meat is well sealed around the cheese. Also, freezing the stuffed meatballs for a few minutes before cooking can help hold everything in place.