Easy Herb And Cheese Spread
A creamy, flavorful herb and cheese spread perfect for entertaining or snacking. Its smooth texture and savory herbs make it ideal for pairing with crackers and fresh fruit. Quick to prepare and versatile, it's a crowd-pleasing appetizer that adds a burst of flavor to any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cream cheese, dry garlic and herb salad dressing mix, and milk together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
- Sprinkle with ground pepper on top.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve with crackers and fruit.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your herb and cheese spread, consider adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley. If you don't have milk, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for a creamier texture. For a spicier kick, incorporate a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. This spread is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste, making it a great addition to any American recipes gathering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this herb and cheese spread with a variety of accompaniments such as crunchy crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit like apples and grapes. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or as a dip for vegetable sticks. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Macaroni And Vegetable Salad for a delightful spread at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the spread becomes too thick after chilling, you can stir in a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. Avoid freezing this spread, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Herb And Cheese Spread contains roughly 197 calories, with 7g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dry seasoning?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh herbs! Just remember to chop them finely and increase the quantity slightly, as fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried. About three times the amount of fresh herbs should work well to match the flavor profile of the dried mix.
Is there a dairy-free option for this spread?
Absolutely! You can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, which is widely available in stores. Additionally, you can replace the milk with a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk to keep it dairy-free while maintaining a delicious spread consistency.
How can I make this spread more flavorful?
To boost the flavor, consider adding ingredients like finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or a splash of lemon juice. This will add depth and acidity to the spread, making it even more delicious and complex, perfect for a variety of occasions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).