Herbal Cheese Spread
A creamy, herbaceous cheese spread with bright lemon, fresh chives, basil, and marjoram, perfect for spreading on crackers or vegetables, ideal for entertaining or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer all ingredients except cream cheese in a saucepan for 15 minutes.
- Place the simmered mixture in a processor with the cream cheese.
- Blend until well combined.
- Chill the spread for several days to ripen flavors.
- Serve with crackers, celery sticks, or other vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before blending. If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute with vegetable broth or apple cider vinegar mixed with water for a similar acidity. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also be used for different flavor profiles. This spread can be adjusted to taste, so feel free to add more garlic or herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This herbal cheese spread pairs beautifully with crackers, celery sticks, or your favorite vegetables for a delightful appetizer. Consider serving it alongside dishes like Cheese Crumb Baked Tomatoes or as part of a Mediterranean platter with olives and pita. It also makes a great addition to sandwiches or wraps, enhancing their flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover herbal cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about a week. If you want to enjoy it warm, allow it to come to room temperature before serving, or gently reheat it in a microwave for a few seconds, stirring frequently to avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbal Cheese Spread contains roughly 851 calories, with 20g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (65% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1254mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
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 low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly less creamy. The flavors from the herbs and wine will still shine through, making it a delicious option for those looking for a lighter spread.
How long should I let the spread chill before serving?
It's best to chill the herbal cheese spread for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal to allow the flavors to fully develop. If you're in a hurry, even a couple of hours can enhance the taste, but longer chilling will yield a richer flavor.
Can I freeze this cheese spread?
Freezing is not recommended for this cheese spread, as the texture of cream cheese may become grainy once thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you anticipate having leftovers, consider halving the recipe.
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).