Herby Garlic Cream Cheese

Hey there, foodies! If you’re looking for a super simple, yet totally delicious spread or dip, you’ve landed in the right spot. My Herby Garlic Cream Cheese is just what you need to add a burst of flavor to your next snack or gathering. With just a few ingredients and 10 minutes of your time, you’ll have a creamy, herby delight that’s sure to impress. Let’s get started!

Try my Tomato Basil Hummus recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

→ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes—perfect for when you need something tasty, fast!

→ Versatile: Use it as a dip, spread it on bagels, or dollop it on crackers. The possibilities are endless.

→ Full of Flavor: The garlic, parsley, and lemon juice pack a punch in every bite.

→ Plant-Based Friendly: Made with plant-based cream cheese, so everyone can enjoy it.

→ Minimal Ingredients: Just five simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

What’s not to love, right?

Try my Tofu ‘Cheese’ Spread recipe.

What You'll Need To Make

Let’s Talk About the Star Ingredients:

→ Plant-Based Cream Cheese: This is the creamy base that ties everything together. It’s rich, smooth, and oh-so-spreadable—perfect for this recipe.

→ Fresh Parsley: Adding parsley gives it a pop of freshness and that lovely herby flavor we’re going for. Plus, it makes the spread look pretty with those green flecks! 🌿

→ Shallot: A milder, sweeter cousin to the onion, the shallot adds just the right amount of savory depth without overpowering the mix.

→ Garlic: The real MVP here! One clove is all you need to pack a punch of garlicky goodness. 🧄

→ Lemon Juice: This little splash of citrus brightens everything up, balancing out the creaminess with a zesty kick.

With just these simple ingredients, you’ll have a flavor-packed spread that’s anything but boring!

NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.

What You'll Need To Do

Time required: 10 mins

Pop everything into a food processor and give it a few pulses until it’s nice and smooth. Give it a taste, and if it needs a little zing, add some salt and pepper. Now, serve it up as a dip or spread—your choice!

Glycemic Index: 27 (low) Glycemic Load: 1 (low)

Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks

Recipe Swaps:

• Dairy Cream Cheese: Not plant-based? No problem! Swap the plant-based cream cheese with regular cream cheese for the same creamy texture.
• Cilantro or Dill: Out of parsley? Try fresh cilantro for a bold flavor or dill for a more delicate, refreshing twist.
• Red Onion: No shallot? Use a small amount of finely chopped red onion for a slightly stronger kick.
• Roasted Garlic: Want a sweeter, milder garlic flavor? Roast your garlic clove before blending.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: No lemon juice? A small splash of apple cider vinegar works as a tangy substitute.

Try my Rosemary White Bean Dip recipe.

Creative Tweaks:

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat. 🌶️
• Cheesy Boost: Stir in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or grated parmesan for extra cheesy vibes. 🧀
• Zesty Herb Blend: Toss in some chives or basil along with the parsley for a more complex herby flavor.
• Nutty Texture: Mix in a handful of finely chopped walnuts or toasted almonds for some crunch.
• Sweet & Savory: Drizzle a tiny bit of honey or maple syrup on top when serving to balance the garlic’s savory punch with a hint of sweetness.

These swaps and tweaks make it easy to customize this recipe to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry!

Try my Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing recipe.

Useful Tips for Success

Useful Tips for Making Herby Garlic Cream Cheese:

1| Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before blending. It’ll make the mixing process so much easier and smoother!

2| Chop Before Blending: Roughly chop the parsley, garlic, and shallot before adding them to the food processor for a more even blend.

3| Adjust to Taste: Start with a little less garlic or lemon juice and add more as you go. You can always add, but you can’t take away!

4| Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley gives the best flavor and texture—dried won’t cut it here!

5| Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, let the cream cheese chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes after blending to let the flavors meld together.

6| Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.

7| Multipurpose Spread: This isn’t just a dip—spread it on sandwiches, bagels, or even use it as a base for wraps or veggie platters.

These little tips will make sure your Herby Garlic Cream Cheese turns out absolutely perfect every time!

Try my Roasted Red Pepper, Carrot and Feta Dip recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Ideas for Herby Garlic Cream Cheese:

1| Spread on Bagels: The perfect way to upgrade your morning bagel with creamy, herby goodness. 🥯

2| Dip for Veggies: Serve it as a dip with carrots, celery, cucumber, or bell pepper sticks for a fresh and healthy snack. 🥕🌶️

3| Cracker Companion: Pair it with your favorite crackers or breadsticks for an easy party appetizer. 🍞

4| Sandwich Spread: Use it as a flavorful base for sandwiches or wraps—great with roasted veggies or deli-style fillings. 🥪

5| Topping for Baked Potatoes: Dollop it onto a hot baked potato for a creamy and garlicky twist. 🥔

6| Pizza Base: Swap out traditional pizza sauce and use this spread for a white pizza base—topped with fresh veggies or herbs, it’s amazing! 🍕

7| Charcuterie Board Star: Add it to your charcuterie board for a standout creamy dip option. 🍷🧀

8| Stuffed Mushrooms: Use it as a filling for baby portobello mushrooms, then bake for a fancy yet simple appetizer. 🍄

These serving ideas will make sure your Herby Garlic Cream Cheese gets the attention it deserves!

Try my Jalapeño and Cilantro Yogurt Sauce recipe.

Storage Suggestions

Storage Options for Herby Garlic Cream Cheese:

1| Airtight Container: Store the cream cheese in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.

2| Refrigeration: Keep it chilled in the fridge, and it’ll stay good for 3-4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.

3| Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare it a day in advance for parties—the flavors only get better as they meld together.

4| Freezing: Not recommended since cream cheese tends to separate when frozen, but if you must, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and mix well before serving.

5| Portion Control: Divide leftovers into smaller containers if you don’t plan to use it all at once. This way, you can take out only what you need.

With these options, your Herby Garlic Cream Cheese will be fresh and flavorful whenever you need it!

Try my other dips and sauce recipes, here.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! A creamy, dreamy, herby garlic cream cheese that’s perfect for dipping, spreading, or just devouring straight from the bowl (no judgment here!). I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do—trust me, it’ll be a hit at your next party or snack time. Enjoy, and don’t forget to let me know how it turns out!

Recipe Card