Cream Cheese Spread
This simple cream cheese spread is a versatile staple you'll find yourself using again and again. Blended with fresh herbs, a touch of sour cream, and a hint of lemon zest, it’s light, creamy, and full of subtle flavour.
Think of it as an easy base that can be customised with whatever additions you like - garlic, spices, roasted vegetables, or even a touch of heat. Perfect for tortilla wraps, sandwich appetisers, or anytime you need a flavourful alternative to butter, this spread adds a fresh, creamy lift to all kinds of dishes.
Ingredients:
Makes approximately 3/4 cup of spread.
- 125g (4 oz) cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- Fresh parsley or other herbs
- Optional extras: crushed garlic, pesto, spices, lemon zest, finely diced capsicum or chilli etc
Useful Equipment:
Step-by-Step Method:
Prepare Ingredients
- Finely chop the fresh herbs. A neat way to do this is to gather them into a small bundle, then slice them thinly.
- To finish chopping them finely, hold the knife by the tip and handle, and gently rock it back and forth over the herbs.
Finely chopping the herbs.
- Add the cream cheese and sour cream.
- Mash it all together until it's smooth and spreadable.
Adding the cream cheese and sour cream, mashing together.
The spread is now ready to use. It can be used as-is as a spread, or as a decorative component on canapés or appetisers.
For decorative use, transfer it to a piping bag and fit with a piping nozzle to create a neat, piped effect. If the spread will be hidden, you can still use a piping bag for easy application, but skip the decorative nozzle.
Putting the spread into a piping bag ready to use.
Using the cream cheese spread with a star nozzle.
Finished Spread
This basic cream cheese spread is wonderfully simple and deliciously creamy. It's an ideal foundation for canapés or appetisers of all kinds.
The neutral profile allows it to pair beautifully with a wide range of ingredients, and it's easily adaptable to whatever flavours you want to highlight. Whether you're adding fresh herbs, spices, or more robust toppings, this versatile spread provides a reliable and tasty base for any occasion.
Cream cheese spread used on appetisers.