Whipped Cream Cheese

• Whipped cream cheese is often sold in tubs, as its fluffier texture is too soft to package in foil. The only difference between whipped and regular cream cheese is its texture. Because the cream cheese has been whipped, it contains air pockets making it light and fluffy. Whipped cream cheese spreads easily and is often preferred for use on English muffins, bagels or fruit breads. Because cream cheese increases in volume when whipped, it is a good way to stretch the amount of cream cheese when it is used as a spread. For example, an 8-ounce tub of whipped cream cheese will cover more bagels or crackers than regular cream cheese of the same weight.

Flavored Cream Cheese Spread

• Flavored cream cheese, sold in tubs, is often sweetened with fruit or made savory with herbs. When spread on bagels or muffins, flavored cream cheese adds delicate flavor to the bread. It can even serve as a dip with fruit or veggies and may entice picky eaters to try out new veggies and fruits. Herbed varieties add flavor to crackers or can be added to sandwiches for a another layer of taste. Some cream cheese spreads are softer than regular cream cheese, but lack the fluffy texture of whipped cream cheese.

Regular Cream Cheese

• Regular cream cheese works best for adding to sauces, casseroles and pasta, or in recipes such as beef stroganoff. Unless your recipe specifies whipped cream cheese, use the regular variety. Substituting whipped cream for regular cream cheese in recipes alters the texture and flavor intensity. Allow cream cheese to warm to room temperature, unless otherwise noted, before adding it to recipes. This makes blending ingredients easier.

Neufchâtel

• In the United States, neufchâtel cheese can be found in the same packaging as regular cream cheese and serves as a low-fat version of cream cheese. This cream cheese is creamier and lighter than regular cream cheese, but should not be confused with French neufchâtel cheese, which is actually another variety of cheese. Substitute neufchâtel for a lighter and lower-fat version of your favorite recipes.