Herbed Cheese Spread
Herbed Cheese Spread offers a creamy, flavorful blend of fresh herbs and garlic, perfect for spreading on crackers or bread. Its vibrant herbs and tangy seasoning make it an ideal appetizer for gatherings or casual snacking, appealing to those who enjoy fresh, herbaceous flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced chives ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced fresh chervil or 1/4 tsp. dried chervil ⓘ
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. minced fresh tarragon or 1/4 tsp. dried tarragon ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. lemon-pepper seasoning ⓘ
- assorted crackers ⓘ
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the parsley, chives, chervil, garlic, tarragon, and lemon-pepper; mix well.
- Transfer to a serving dish.
- Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Remove from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese and butter soften at room temperature before mixing. If fresh herbs aren't available, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the amounts as dried herbs are more concentrated. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like dill or basil for a unique flavor twist. Pairing this spread with assorted crackers enhances the overall experience, especially with those featuring whole grains.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Herbed Cheese Spread with a variety of crackers for a delightful appetizer or snack. It pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables like celery sticks and bell pepper slices. For a complete spread, consider including other dips or spreads, like hummus or a fruit preserve. This dish also complements a cheese platter beautifully, making it perfect for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Herbed Cheese Spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For best flavor, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving again. It can also be used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, giving new life to leftovers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Cheese Spread contains roughly 141 calories, with 8g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (64% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 6g 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 make this cheese spread ahead of time?
Yes, this Herbed Cheese Spread is ideal for making ahead. Prepare it a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld, and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to take it out 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, enhancing its spreadability.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I want a lighter version?
You can use low-fat cream cheese or a Greek yogurt-based spread as a lighter alternative. Both will provide a nice tang and creamy texture, although the flavor will be slightly different. Adjust the herbs and seasonings accordingly to maintain a balanced taste.
Is there a way to make this spread spicier?
Absolutely! For a kick of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños. Alternatively, incorporating a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile. Just be cautious with the amount to avoid overpowering the delicate herbal notes.
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).