How To Build A Stellar Snack

Pairing flavors is like curating the perfect outfit: It’s all about balance. Start with a star ingredient—the statement piece of your snack outfit—and then think about the flavors that make it sing. Is it sweet, tangy, salty, bitter, umami? One of our favorite stars to begin with is

Philadelphia Cream Cheese, for its creamy, smooth, ultra-recognizable tang. It’s got a soft enough flavor that it’s a welcome addition to both sweet and savory snacks, but it’s also strong enough that it won’t get overwhelmed in your pairings. Plus, it comes in endless flavor options, so you can get as creative as you like with your snacks.

Next up: choosing a base. While that statement piece is a stunner, it can’t do all the heavy lifting on its own. Let’s accessorize! We love carbs as something that’ll keep us full for a while—cornbread, crackers, bread, or cookies. But which to choose? Consider that star again: If you’re leaning into Spicy Jalapeño Philly, for instance, cut through that spiciness with sweet cornbread. For something a little lighter, lean into a veggie, like cucumbers or celery—a crunch-tastic, flavor-neutral base that pairs with any of Philly’s offerings.

Finally, it’s time to add the final flourish. Sweet honey, juicy apples, and luscious tomatoes are all excellent options. Choose a topping with both your star and your base in mind. Consider how each flavor comes together on your palate, then ponder what might be missing. Just as a single pair of earrings can transform an outfit, even a sprinkling of flaky sea salt can bring a snack to life—so think as big or as small as your kitchen allows.

Still stumped? Click and drag to reveal a few of our favorite combos:

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Cornbread + Philadelphia Spicy Jalapeño Cream Cheese + Honey

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Savory-sweet cornbread swirls together with Spicy Jalapeño Cream Cheese and honey to create this scrumptious snack. Enjoy it alongside bean dip, a bowl of chili, or a crisp beer.

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Philadelphia Whipped Chive Cream Cheese + Cucumbers

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A classic afternoon snack, cream cheese and cucumbers become even better with Philly’s herby Whipped Chive Cream Cheese. Dip the veggies right into the container for a quick and easy (and fun!) snack.

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Philadelphia Mixed Berry Cream Cheese + Ladyfingers

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Simple but oh so satisfying: Dip fluffy ladyfingers into Philly’s delectable Whipped Mixed Berry Cream Cheese for a lighter-than-air snack that’ll satisfy any sweets craving.

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Multigrain Bread + Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese + Tomatoes

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Nutty, toasty multigrain bread is the ideal partner for sweet and tangy Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese—and together they make the perfect complement to freshly sliced tomatoes.

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