Veggie Cream Cheese Spread
User Reviews
5
Veggie Cream Cheese Spread
Description
This spread starts with softened cream cheese mixed with acid from vinegar or lemon juice to add brightness. Fresh garlic lends pungency, while chopped cilantro and green onions provide herbal and onion notes. Freshly grated or chopped carrots and celery contribute slight sweetness and subtle crunch, adding freshness and texture within the creamy base.
The combination is pulsed in a food processor until the vegetables are finely incorporated but the spread retains enough texture to avoid being overly smooth. Alternatively, finely mincing or shredding the veggies by hand achieves a rustic texture. Seasoning with black pepper and optional red pepper flakes adds a mild heat and flavor complexity.
This spread can be served as is on breads and crackers or as a vegetable dip. It is versatile, incorporating a variety of fresh vegetables depending on availability and preference. Its freshness makes it suitable as a snack or an appetizer component.
Extending the vegetable variety includes radishes, onions, bell peppers, or broccoli; use what is fresh but avoid any slimy or off vegetables. The spread stores well chilled and can be prepared ahead for convenience.
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese regular or 1/3 fat, softened
- 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic fresh
- cilantro fresh, chopped
- 1-2 TBSP green onion chopped
- carrot start with just a little and add as you go!, fresh grated and/or chopped
- celery start with just a little and add as you go!, fresh grated and/or chopped
- salt pinch of salt, optional crank of black pepper or red pepper flakes
- black pepper
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Toss everything in a food processor and pulse to perfection!
- You can easily make this sans-technology by mincing or shredding the veggies [all you'll need is a knife or a box grater!] and chopping the herbs.
- Yup that's it! Now go spread it on everything in sight!
Notes
- You can add other fresh vegetables like radishes, onions, bell peppers, or broccoli chopped finely into the spread for extra flavor and texture.
- If you prepare by hand, mincing or grating the vegetables finely will help create a consistent spreadable texture.
- Add seasonings such as black pepper and red pepper flakes sparingly and taste to adjust heat to your preference.
- Store the spread covered in the refrigerator and use within a few days for best freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 100 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 100kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 31mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 94mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 51mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 1036IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 28mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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