Herbed Cream Cheese Recipe

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Indulge in a burst of fresh, aromatic flavors with our Herbed Cream Cheese recipe. In just minutes, discover how to transform ordinary cheese into an irresistible spread that will elevate your breakfasts, brunches, and snacks to a whole new level of deliciousness.

This Herbed Cream Cheese recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it’s a piece of my family’s history, a taste of nostalgia, and a testament to the power of food in bringing people together. Whether it’s spread generously on a toasted bagel with chicken salami, dolloped onto a baked potato, or used as a flavorful dip for fresh veggies, this Herbed Cream Cheese adds a burst of flavor and a touch of tradition to every bite.

A Different Recipe

If you do a search on the internet, you will find the basic, original recipes for making cream cheese from milk. All are based on heating the milk and adding an acidic substance to break down the milk and then separate the cheese from the whey.

Because the original recipe can be a bit painstaking and time-consuming, I will take a different approach. I will heat the milk and incorporate grated cheddar cheese.

Let me show you which ingredients I used.

Ingredients

The main ingredients I will use in this recipe are:

• Milk, I use semi-skimmed which you can find in all stores;
• Grated Cheddar, perhaps the most popular cheese, which will give the basic taste of the dish;
• Cornstarch, in order to thicken the milk and give creaminess to the cheese;
• Butter, to add back to the milk the fat that was removed by skimming.

The other ingredients will be used to flavor the cheese, namely:

• Sea Salt, probably the most important spice for seasoning;
• Fresh Parsley, it has a peppery and clean taste and a bright green color;
• Chives, have a delicate aroma similar to young spring onions;
• Thymes, this aromatic herb will provide a perfect taste in combination with the other herbs.

How to Make the Herbed Cream Cheese?

Start With the Milk

Heat a liter of semi-skimmed milk in a saucepan, then season with two teaspoons of sea salt. If the milk has become warm, add a spoonful of unsalted butter, and mix until it melts and dissolves in the milk.

Thickening the Milk

After the butter has melted in the milk and before it reaches the boiling temperature (80-85°C), add the cornstarch and whisk continuously until you see that it thickens, resulting in a creamy consistency.

Add the Cheese

At this point, add the grated cheddar cheese and continue to mix with the whisk until it fully melts and incorporates into the mixture, resulting in a smooth and glossy cream cheese.

If you have obtained the desired consistency, turn off the heat, and move on to seasoning the cream cheese.

Seasoning

Although there are countless ways to flavor cream cheese, today, I decided to use these three herbs: parsley, chives, and thyme, all finely chopped and added over the cheese. These, in addition to color, will give our product a special aroma and taste.

Mix again, this time with a spatula or a spoon so that the herbs are incorporated evenly into the cream. It looks amazing.

Cooling

In order for it to cool down and to obtain a more special shape, I poured the cream into a glass leaf pan that I lined with plastic cling film. Put the container in the refrigerator for two hours so that the cream cheese cools completely and the flavors combine, after which it the herbed cream cheese can be consumed.

This was my herbed cream cheese recipe; in my opinion it’s quite easy to make and I assure you that the taste is special.

Cream Cheese Variations

Cream cheese can be flavored in various ways to create delicious variations. Here are some popular cream cheese flavor variations:

• Garlic and Herb: Incorporate minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and dill, along with a pinch of black pepper and salt for a savory and aromatic cream cheese.
• Chive and Onion: Blend in chopped fresh chives and dried onion flakes for a classic flavor that pairs well with bagels.
• Smoked Salmon: Mix in smoked salmon pieces, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a creamy spread with a delightful seafood twist, like in my best smoked salmon crem cheese.
• Sundried Tomato and Basil: Add finely chopped sundried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and a hint of garlic for a Mediterranean-inspired cream cheese.
• Berry Bliss: Sweeten your cream cheese with fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) or fruit preserves for a fruity, dessert-like spread.
• Jalapeño and Pepper: Spice things up by mixing in diced jalapeño peppers and crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty and spicy cream cheese.

F.A.Q.

Serving the Cream Cheese

Herbed cream cheese is a versatile spread that can be served in various ways to enhance the flavor of dishes. Here are some serving ideas for herbed cream cheese:

• Bagels: Spread herbed cream cheese generously on toasted bagels for a classic and delicious breakfast or brunch option. You can also top it with smoked salmon, capers, and red onion for a twist on the classic bagel with lox.
• Crackers: Serve herbed cream cheese with an assortment of crackers as an appetizer or snack. It pairs well with both plain and flavored crackers.
• Sandwiches: Use herbed cream cheese as a flavorful spread for sandwiches. It adds a creamy and herbaceous element to cold or grilled sandwiches, especially those with turkey, chicken, or roast beef.

• Vegetable Dip: Herbed cream cheese makes an excellent dip for fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers, and cucumber slices. It adds creaminess and flavor to your veggie platter.
• Stuffed Celery: Fill celery stalks with herbed cream cheese for a classic appetizer known as “ants on a log.” You can also top them with raisins or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Wraps and Roll-Ups: Spread herbed cream cheese on tortillas or flatbreads, then add sliced deli meats, lettuce, and other fillings to create flavorful wraps or roll-ups.
• Baked Potatoes: Top hot baked potatoes with a dollop of herbed cream cheese for a creamy and savory twist on a classic side dish.
• Pasta Sauce: Mix herbed cream cheese into hot cooked pasta for a creamy and flavorful pasta sauce. Add some sautéed vegetables and cooked chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
• Omelets and Scrambled Eggs: Swirl herbed cream cheese into your omelets or scrambled eggs for a creamy and savory breakfast treat.
• Canapés: Use herbed cream cheese as a spread on small pieces of bread or crackers, and then top with smoked salmon, cucumber slices, or other garnishes to create elegant canapés.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage is important to maintain the freshness and quality of herbed cream cheese. Here are some storage instructions for herbed cream cheese:

• Refrigeration: Herbed cream cheese should always be stored in the refrigerator to keep it at a safe temperature and prevent spoilage.
• Airtight Container: Transfer the herbed cream cheese into an airtight container with a secure lid. This helps prevent the absorption of odors from the refrigerator and maintains its flavor.
• Check for Mold: Before using, check the cream cheese for any signs of mold or unusual odors. If you notice mold, discard the affected portion.
• Freeze (Optional): While cream cheese can be frozen for longer storage, it may change in texture after thawing. If you choose to freeze it, place the cream cheese in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Because this recipe is ideal for serving as an appetizer, I also recommend other appetizer ideas such as: Turkey Liver Pate, Smoked Mackerel Spread, Vegan Garlic Mushrooms or Vegan Guacamole.