Holiday Herb Cheese Spread
A festive herb cheese spread with fresh chives, parsley, dill, and red bell pepper, perfect for holiday gatherings and served with crackers or bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat together cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
- Add remaining ingredients except red bell pepper; beat well.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap on a small cookie sheet.
- Spoon cheese mixture onto plastic wrap to form a log about 3 inches thick and 12 inches long.
- Fold up plastic wrap over cheese to encase.
- Refrigerate until cheese is firm, about 4 hours or overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese and butter soften at room temperature before beating. You can substitute the dried herbs with fresh ones for a more vibrant flavor, adjusting the quantities accordingly. If you want a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. This spread can also be enhanced with a splash of lemon juice for added brightness.
Serving Suggestions
This holiday herb cheese spread is perfect served with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Party Trifle as part of a festive spread. You can also serve it alongside a charcuterie board, complementing cured meats and olives for a delightful appetizer arrangement.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover herb cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure to wrap it tightly if you used plastic wrap to form a log. To serve, simply slice off the desired amount, letting it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften before spreading.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Herb Cheese Spread contains roughly 216 calories, with 9g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), iron (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 16g 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 cheese spread can be made up to two days in advance. Just ensure it is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when served.
What can I use as a substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or cottage cheese blended until smooth. For a dairy-free alternative, vegan cream cheese or cashew cream can work well, but may alter the flavor profile slightly.
How do I make this spread more suitable for a crowd?
To increase the quantity, simply double the ingredients and follow the same preparation steps. For a fun twist, consider adding diced olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the mixture for additional flavor and texture that everyone will enjoy.
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).