28 cold cream recipes

One master cream soup recipe with a butter-flour roux and half-and-half, plus six variations: cauliflower, broccoli, cucumber, lima bean, spinach, and asparagus. Serve hot or cold.

Chilled avocado curry soup blends ripe avocados with chicken broth, curry powder, and cream into a velvety cold soup. No cooking needed, just 10 minutes and a food processor.

Mexicali corn stir fry combines two cans of corn with garlic, ginger, oyster sauce, and soy in a fast wok dish. A 20-minute side that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

No-bake crabmeat nachos piled high with a creamy, briny filling of cream cheese, black olives, and flaked crab. A cold seafood appetizer that's built for game day or cocktail hour.

A thick, fudgy chocolate pie packed with pecan halves and baked in a flaky crust. Sweetened condensed milk and cocoa create a dense, truffle-like filling. Serve warm or cold with a crown of whipped cream.

Caramel Apple Pie with Cream Cheese Topping recipe

Pad phed pladuk: a fiery Thai catfish curry built on a from-scratch pounded chili paste of lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime, with fish fried in fresh coconut cream. Bold, aromatic, and seriously hot.

Crispy breaded meatballs packed with ground pork, sauerkraut, and cream cheese, fried golden and served with a mustard-mayo dipping sauce. A bold German-style appetizer that makes 3 dozen.

Three-cheese ball with blue cheese, sharp cheddar, and cream cheese rolled in chopped walnuts or pecans. A classic make-ahead party appetizer with bold, savory flavor.

Blue cheese potato salad with red-skinned potatoes, sour cream, scallions, and celery salt. A tangy, creamy potato salad with no mayo, skins on, and bold peppery flavor.

Chicken thighs simmered in coconut cream with curry powder, cumin, ginger, and a whole ripe banana for natural sweetness. A rich, aromatic 25-minute curry loaded with vegetables and bold spice.

Hearty pork and beef chili simmered low with cocoa powder, cinnamon, cumin, and chili powder for deep, earthy heat. Pinto beans and cornmeal thicken the pot. Serve with sour cream, Parmesan, and chopped onions for a bold weeknight dinner.