Homemade Herb Cream Cheese

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8
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Homemade Herb Cream Cheese is a delightful spread that transforms any meal with its fresh, vibrant flavors. Perfect for breakfast bagels or a party appetizer, this recipe offers a creamy, herb-infused delight that's easy to make and hard to resist.

Ingredients for Homemade Herb Cream Cheese

Cream cheese forms the creamy base of this spread, offering a rich and smooth texture. Fresh chives add a mild onion-like flavor, while fresh dill contributes a fragrant, slightly sweet and grassy note. Garlic powder and onion powder provide a subtle depth of flavor that complements the herbs. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors, and a touch of milk helps achieve the perfect, spreadable consistency.

Tips & Tricks

  • For easy chopping, use kitchen scissors to cut the chives directly into the bowl.
  • If you prefer a chunkier texture, mix by hand using a spatula instead of a hand mixer.
  • Adjust the amount of milk depending on how thick or thin you want your spread.
  • For a stronger garlic kick, add a small pinch of fresh minced garlic instead of the powder.

Serving Suggestions

Spread this herb cream cheese on freshly toasted bagels or use it as a dip for fresh vegetables like carrots and celery. It's also wonderful slathered on a sandwich or as a filling for savory crepes. For an elevated appetizer, serve it alongside smoked salmon and capers on a platter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce the amount by half, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
How long does homemade herb cream cheese last?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can I freeze this cream cheese spread?
It's not recommended to freeze cream cheese as it can change the texture, making it crumbly once thawed.

Homemade Herb Cream Cheese Recipe Walkthrough

First, you'll want to take the cream cheese out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This softens it, making it easier to work with. While it's softening, you can chop the fresh chives and dill. Once the cream cheese is nice and pliable, toss it into a medium bowl. Add the chopped chives and dill, along with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Now, use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to mix everything together. Aim for a smooth, even consistency where the herbs and spices are well distributed throughout the cream cheese. If the mixture feels too thick, gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creaminess. This will ensure the spread is perfect for smearing on bread or crackers.

Once mixed, transfer the cream cheese mixture to a serving bowl. Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the spread.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare and requires minimal ingredients.
  • Customizable with your favorite herbs.
  • Perfect for meal prep, making your mornings easier.
  • A fresh and flavorful alternative to store-bought spreads.
  • Ideal for entertaining guests with a gourmet touch.

Ingredients

16 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp milk

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chives, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix well using a hand mixer or a spatula until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a serving bowl and chill for at least 1 hour before serving for the flavors to meld.

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