Herby Garlic Dream Cream Cheese Spread to Remember

Q: I'm trying to watch my weight - is there anything I can do to make this garlic herb cream cheese healthier?

You can definitely lighten it up a bit! Use reduced-fat cream cheese as a starting point. Also, be mindful of the amount of olive oil you use when sautéing the garlic; a little goes a long way. Load up on the fresh herbs for added flavour and nutrients, which helps you feel more satisfied with less cream cheese.

Garlic Herb Cream Cheese My GoTo Dream Spread Recipe

By Elara MaeveAugust 19, 2025

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4.40 (5 Ratings)

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to jazz up your morning bagel? This garlic herb cream cheese recipe is your answer. Imagine a creamy, garlicky, herby spread that elevates everything it touches.

Brief Overview

This amazing spread has origins back to some other types of spreads such as Lutenica. It's unbelievably easy to make.

It's ready in 20 minutes. It yields around 12 servings. Perfect for sharing or, let's be honest, keeping all to yourself.

Main Benefits

Full of fresh herbs, this homemade flavored cream cheese offers a dose of vitamins. Serve it at your next brunch.

It's guaranteed to be a hit. This recipe is special because it's so customisable.

Ready to transform your cream cheese bagel toppings ? Let’s dive into the ingredients!

Unleashing the Herby Garlic Dream

Honestly, who doesn't love a good dip? And this garlic cream cheese dip takes the cake. Think of it as the ultimate herb cream cheese spread appetizer .

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

This isn't just any savory cream cheese recipe . We're talking a flavor explosion. The fresh herbs, the zing of lemon, the garlic... Oh my gosh.

Going Green: Considering a Vegan Twist

For my plant based pals, let's talk about vegan cheese recipes . While this recipe uses traditional cream cheese, you can totally swap it with a vegan cheese recipe cashew .

There are also fantastic vegan cheese no cashews options out there. You can also create quick easy vegan or vegan tzatziki .

Experiment and find your perfect vegan cheese recipes .

The Garlic and Herb Symphony

Four cloves of minced garlic create the base. Fresh parsley and chives give it that classic herby flavour. Don't forget the dill, and some lemon zest.

This is where the magic happens. Remember, always use fresh herbs for the best flavour. Dried herbs just don't have the same oomph.

Trust me on this one.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this Herby Garlic Dream: Cream Cheese Spread to Remember! Honestly, it's easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday.

I've tweaked this recipe over time, and these are the ingredients and tools that give me the best results. It's inspired by the classic Italian Aglio e Olio, where simplicity and quality ingredients shine.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (225g) softened. Go for full fat! It makes all the difference, trust me. You know, the cheap stuff just doesn't cut it.
Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Freshly minced is essential. Avoid the jarred stuff.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons . Good quality extra virgin olive oil, if you have it!
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (6g) , finely chopped.
Fresh Chives: 2 tablespoons (3g) , finely chopped.
Fresh Dill: 1 tablespoon (1.5g) , finely chopped.
Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon . Adds a lovely zing!
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon , or to taste.
Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon , or to taste.

When it comes to the herbs, freshness is key. They should smell vibrant, not musty. The cream cheese? It needs to be softened , not melted.

I usually leave it out for about 30 minutes. The garlic needs to be fresh and firm, not wrinkly or sprouting.

If you are looking for Vegan Cheese Recipes , you can substitute to a great Vegan Cheese Recipe Cashew based cream cheese alternative.

Many people want a Vegan Cheese No Cashews alternative, but I think cashews do the trick.

Seasoning Notes

This spread is all about balance.

Garlic and herbs are the stars. Don't skimp!
Lemon zest brightens everything up.
Salt and pepper? Season to taste.

For a savory cream cheese recipe , you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Or, use a dash of smoked paprika for warmth.

You can adjust the herbs to your liking. Experiment with basil, oregano, or even rosemary. If you're in a hurry, garlic powder works in a pinch, but I would recommend only using it if it's really an emergency and cannot get the fresh garlic.

Equipment Needed

Small skillet
Mixing bowl
Rubber spatula
Lemon zester

Don't have a lemon zester? A fine grater will do the trick! If you don't have a skillet, a small saucepan works just as well.

Honestly, you don't need fancy gadgets for this recipe. Just your basic kitchen essentials. You could easily whip up this amazing garlic herb cream cheese spread for your next gathering.

It makes a fantastic herb cream cheese spread appetizer that everyone will love. I love serving this as cream cheese bagel toppings .

And if you're looking for Quick Easy Vegan alternatives, simply swap out the cream cheese for a Vegan Tzatziki alternative that complements the flavors beautifully!

Alright, let's make some magic. Who doesn't love a good garlic herb cream cheese spread? It's seriously versatile. Think posh Ploughman's Lunch vibes, you know? This recipe? Super simple.

Even my mate Dave, who burns water, could nail it.

Prepping for Herby Garlic Cream Cheese Bliss

Herby Garlic Dream Cream Cheese Spread to Remember presentation

Essential Mise en Place

Right, first things first. Get your 225g of cream cheese softened. Honestly, this is crucial. Nobody wants a lumpy spread.

Mince your 4 cloves of garlic . Chop 6g of parsley , 3g of chives , and 1.5g of dill .

Zest a lemon. You know, the usual suspects.

Time Saving Tips

Chop your herbs while the garlic is cooking. Boom! Multi tasking. Get everything measured out before you start. It stops that "Oh my gosh, where's the salt?!" panic.

Unleash Your Inner Chef: step-by-step Instructions

Sauté the Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small pan over medium low. Add garlic. Sauté for 3- 5 minutes . Watch it like a hawk! We want golden, not burnt.
Combine everything: Grab a mixing bowl. Dump in softened cream cheese, garlic, olive oil (yes, all of it!), herbs, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest . Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper .
Mix Thoroughly: Use your spatula to mix until it's all creamy.
Chill Out: Cover and chuck it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . Flavors need to get to know each other.

Pro Tips for a Next Level Spread

Don't burn the garlic! Seriously, it ruins everything. Taste as you go. Add more salt and pepper if needed. It's your spread, after all.

This is a great herb cream cheese spread appetizer that is way better than shop bought. Want a vegan option ? Use a Vegan Cheese Recipe Cashew or even a Vegan Cheese No Cashews .

There are loads of Vegan Cheese Recipes to try. You can even make Vegan Tzatziki !

Enjoy this savory cream cheese recipe as a cream cheese bagel topping , or even as a garlic cream cheese dip .

Honestly, this homemade flavored cream cheese is addictive. Make it ahead. It keeps for about 3 days. I learned that the hard way when I ate it all in one sitting last Christmas.

Don't judge!

Alright, let's chat about making this Herby Garlic Dream: Cream Cheese Spread to Remember extra special!

Recipe Notes

This isn't just about following instructions. I'll give you some tips to make this your own! Honestly, that's the best part of cooking.

You know? It's like putting your own spin on a classic tune.

Serving Suggestions

Imagine this: a perfectly toasted bagel, slathered with our amazing garlic herb cream cheese . I personally love a good everything bagel. It makes the cream cheese bagel toppings shine!

Or, how about a fancy platter with crackers and fresh veggies? It's an easy and delicious herb cream cheese spread appetizer .

If you feeling adventurous, add it to a grilled cheese. It will totally elevate it!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No worries! This homemade flavored cream cheese keeps well. Just pop it in an airtight container and it will be good for up to 3 days in the fridge.

I wouldn't recommend freezing it. Cream cheese tends to get a bit weird after thawing. It will lose its creamy texture. No one wants that.

Variations

Fancy a vegan cheese recipes version? Use plant based cream cheese. Boom, done! For a Mediterranean twist, swap the herbs for basil and sun-dried tomatoes.

These quick easy vegan swaps are a game changer. Also you can create something similar to a vegan tzatziki , without using cashews and other items for your own vegan cheese recipe cashew .

You can find a vegan cheese no cashews version, by swapping this for other vegan options that you may like.

And hey, if it's summer, try adding some chopped fresh basil. In the fall, maybe a pinch of nutmeg.

Nutrition Basics

Each serving of this garlic cream cheese dip is roughly 75 calories. It also has 2g of protein and 7g of fat. Of course, that depends on the brands you use.

This is a delightful savory cream cheese recipe . Think of it as a little treat for your taste buds and soul! Remember, stats show that enjoying good food boosts your mood.

So go for it!

Making this spread is super simple. Plus, it is packed with flavour. It's a perfect way to impress your friends and family.

Now, go get in the kitchen and get mixing! You got this!

Delicious Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Secret Dip Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make garlic herb cream cheese ahead of time? I'm having a right knees-up next week.

Absolutely! In fact, making this garlic herb cream cheese ahead of time is recommended. It allows the flavours to meld together beautifully. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll be ready to go when your party starts!

Help! My garlic herb cream cheese is a bit lumpy. What did I do wrong, mate?

Lumpy cream cheese usually means the cream cheese wasn't soft enough to begin with. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened before mixing leaving it at room temperature for at least 30 minutes usually does the trick.

If it's still lumpy, you can try beating it with an electric mixer for a smoother consistency.

I'm not a fan of dill. Can I substitute another herb in this garlic herb cream cheese recipe?

Of course! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily substitute the dill with another herb you enjoy, such as basil, oregano, or even tarragon. Just remember that different herbs have different flavour profiles, so adjust the amount to your liking.

Taste as you go it's all about making it your own, innit?

How long does garlic herb cream cheese last in the fridge?

Garlic herb cream cheese will last for up to a week in the refrigerator, provided it's stored properly in an airtight container. Keep an eye on it for any signs of spoilage, like discolouration or an off odour, before tucking in. Though it's doubtful it will last that long - it's proper tasty, after all!

What are some good serving suggestions for this garlic herb cream cheese, other than just bagels?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Try spreading it on crackers or cucumber slices for a quick and easy appetiser. It's also fantastic stirred into mashed potatoes for a flavour boost, or used as a filling for omelettes and wraps.

For something a bit different, try dolloping it on grilled chicken or fish just before serving - posh nosh!

I'm trying to watch my weight - is there anything I can do to make this garlic herb cream cheese healthier?

You can definitely lighten it up a bit! Use reduced fat cream cheese as a starting point. Also, be mindful of the amount of olive oil you use when sautéing the garlic; a little goes a long way. Load up on the fresh herbs for added flavour and nutrients, which helps you feel more satisfied with less cream cheese.