Pesto Cheese Spread
A flavorful, creamy pesto cheese spread with fresh herbs and Parmesan, perfect for dipping or spreading on bread, ideal for appetizers and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend parsley, basil, green onion, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor or blender until well-blended.
- Add cream cheese and margarine; blend thoroughly.
- Spoon into a serving bowl and chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother spread, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before blending. You can substitute the margarine with butter for a richer flavor or use olive oil for a healthier option. If fresh herbs are unavailable, try using dried herbs, but reduce the quantity to one-third, as they are more concentrated. This spread is a great addition to Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Pesto Cheese Spread is perfect for entertaining; serve it with toasted slices of French bread or crackers. It pairs beautifully with Garlicky Pesto Pasta Salad for a delightful appetizer spread. Consider adding a fresh salad or some Lemony New Potatoes to create a complete meal. Serve with fresh vegetables for a healthy snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, let the spread sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or gently warm it in the microwave in short intervals to avoid melting. It can be served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pesto Cheese Spread contains roughly 448 calories, with 21g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (169% of the Daily Value), iron (94% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 540mg per serving (23% 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 make this spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Pesto Cheese Spread up to two days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste when served.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. This will alter the flavor and texture slightly but will still yield a delicious spread.
Is this spread suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Pesto Cheese Spread is vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that the Parmesan cheese you use is made without animal rennet, as some cheeses may not be suitable for strict vegetarians.
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).