Herb and Garlic Cream Cheese Spread [Recipe]
There’s nothing quite like a homemade bagel toasted with herb and garlic cream cheese. This is one of those super-simple options for a grab and go breakfast or lunch that is delicious and a little extra loaded with garden fresh nutrition.
This recipe make a smooth, spreadable cream cheese which is great for a quick breakfast or perfect to top off your most savory appetizers.
Ways to serve herb and garlic cream cheese
This recipe is super simple and so delicious! Here are a few great ways to serve it, but of course– use your imagination, and let me know in the comments what your big plans are!
- Breakfast (on a breakfast sandwich, bread or bagel)
- Brunch (on a sandwich, bread or bagel)
- Lunch (on an egg, tomato, or BLT sandwich)
- Snacks (on crackers or bread)
- Charcuterie (as a savory cheese option)
- Appetizers (piped into cucumbers, tomatoes, tortilla rolls, etc)
Ingredients
The secret to every recipe’s success begins with great ingredients. You don’t need name-brand excellence on everything you buy, but you do need to make sure you’re dealing with real food. Here are my tips.
Garlic
Garlic is the backbone of this recipe, full of rich flavor, and so good for your body (source). If you find the flavor of garlic easily overwhelming, you can try using half the garlic in this recipe with good results.
Cream cheese
Never use low fat cream cheese or cream cheese substitutes for this recipe. Get the real stuff; full fat, unsweetened, plain cream cheese.
Sour cream
Again, sour cream in this recipe is best at the highest fat percentage you can get it (at least 14% milk fat). This will make your spread more creamy, rich, and delicious.
Salt
Salt adds savor to this recipe and is absolutely essential for getting the right flavor! To make sure the salt at the right ratio for your liking, go ahead and salt this recipe to your taste.
Chives
Chives add a mild onion flavor to this recipe that’s right at home with the garlic. Use fresh chives from the garden for best results.
Parsley
Parsley is a mild, fresh, fragrant addition to this recipe that pulls it all together! Once again, my favorite is to use it fresh, right from the garden.
Substitutions or additions
While I can’t recommend substitutions for every ingredient, I can offer some simple ones to make this recipe a little easier. Here are my notes:
fresh Garlic
You can easily substitute dry granulated garlic for the fresh stuff in this recipe. See the recommended amount on the recipe card below.
Do not use garlic salt for this recipe.
fresh Chives
Chives can easily be substituted for finely chopped green onion, or you can use 1/2 tsp. dry minced onion in this recipe as a dried option.
fresh Parsley
Again, fresh parsley can be substituted for dried if you prefer according to the amounts recommended below. If you don’t have parsley, consider using another mild garden herb (such as basil) to make this herb and garlic cream cheese spread.
Additions:
- Other herbs (such as fresh oregano or basil)
- Parmesan cheese (fresh, grated)
- Cheddar cheese (white, grated)
You will need:
- Ingredients (see recipe card)
- Small pot or frying pan
- Garlic crusher
- Sharp knife
- Kitchen scissors
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Airtight containers (for storage)
Herb and Garlic Cream Cheese
This spreadable herb and garlic cream cheese spread is easy to make, pretty, and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic, minced and sautéed in 1/2 tsp olive oil (or 1/8 tsp granulated garlic + 1/4 tsp olive oil)
- 1 brick cream cheese softened
- 1 Tbsp sour cream
- 1/8 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 2 tsp minced fresh chives
- 2 tsp minced parsley (or 1/2 tsp dried)
Instructions
-
In a small saucepan or frying pan, sauté the garlic in oil until soft but not burned (about 30 seconds). Scrape into a small bowl to cool.
-
In a medium sized mixing bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the cooled garlic and remaining ingredients, and beat until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat a little longer to make sure everything is well incorporated and smooth.
-
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until serving. Serve on toast, bagels, or as an appetizer topping.
How to make herb and garlic cream cheese
The process for this savory cream cheese spread is super quick and simple. Here’s how you make it!
- In a small saucepan or frying pan, sauté the garlic in oil until soft but not burned (about 30 seconds). Scrape into a small bowl to cool.
- In a medium sized mixing bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the cooled garlic and remaining ingredients, and beat until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat a little longer to make sure everything is well incorporated and smooth.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until serving. Serve on toast, bagels, or as an appetizer topping.
If you like this recipe, you may also like:
- Spreadable Strawberry Cream Cheese
- Cream Cheese Filling
- Cucumber Cup with Basil Pesto Filling
- Pesto Caprese Salad
That’s all for today! If you like this recipe, go ahead and drop me a comment below or tag me in your savory cream cheese breakfast options on Instagram @naomicakesofficial.
Back soon,
Naomi
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