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Home » Recipes » Appetizers

Herbed Cream Cheese Recipe

Published: Oct 1, 2023 · Modified: May 12, 2025 by Timea · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Herbed Cream Cheese-Sliced and Served on Black Tray With Bread Slices

Indulge in a burst of fresh, aromatic flavours 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.

Herbed Cream Cheese Sliced and Served on Tray With Bread

Whether it's spread generously on a toasted bagel with chicken salami, dolloped onto a baked potato, or used as a flavourful dip for fresh veggies, this Herbed Cream Cheese adds a burst of flavour and a touch of tradition to every bite.

Jump to:
  • A Different Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make the Herbed Cream Cheese?
  • Cream Cheese Variations
  • F.A.Q.
  • Serving the Cream Cheese
  • Storage Instructions
  • Herbed Cream Cheese Recipe

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. It 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.
Milk, Cheddar, Butter, Corn Starch and Herbs on the Chopping Board

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 litre 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.

Warming Milk and Butter in the Pot

Thickening the Milk

After the butter has melted in the milk and before it reaches the boiling temperature (80-85°C), add the corn starch. 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. Will result a smooth and glossy cream cheese.

Grated Cheddar in the Milk

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

Melted Cheddar in the Milk

Seasoning

Although there are countless ways to flavour 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 colour, will give our product a special aroma and taste.

Chopped parsley, Thyme and Chives in the Warm Cheese

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

Warm Cheese With Herbs in the Pot

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 flavours combine. After it the herbed cream cheese can be consumed.

Warm Cheese With Herbs in the Glass Form

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 flavoured in various ways to create delicious variations. Here are some popular cream cheese flavour variations:

  • Garlic and Herb: Incorporate minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and dill. Add a pinch of black pepper and salt for a savoury and aromatic cream cheese.
  • Chive and Onion: Blend in chopped fresh chives and dried onion flakes for a classic flavour 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.

What herbs are in Philadelphia cream cheese?

Philadelphia cream cheese typically offers a variety of flavoured cream cheese products that may vary slightly between different brands and product lines. Some common flavours you might find include: Chive u0026 Onion, Garden Vegetable, Garlic u0026 Herb, Dill u0026 Cucumber, Savoury Garlic or Smoked Salmon.

Is herb and garlic cream cheese good?

Herb and garlic cream cheese is u0022goodu0022 for you depends on your personal taste preferences. The combination of herbs and garlic adds depth and complexity to the cream cheese, making it a tasty addition to both savoury and breakfast dishes. Their flavour pairs well with a wide range of ingredients, making it a versatile choice for various culinary creations.

What kind of cheese is Boursin?

Boursin is a brand of soft, creamy cheese known for its rich and flavourful profile. The original Boursin flavour is a blend of cream cheese, garlic, and fine herbs. But the brand offers a variety of flavours, including garlic and fine herbs, pepper, cranberry and spice, and more.

Serving the Cream Cheese

Herbed cream cheese is a versatile spread that can be served in various ways to enhance the flavour 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 flavoured crackers.
  • Sandwiches: Use herbed cream cheese as a flavourful spread for sandwiches. It adds a creamy and herbaceous element to cold or grilled sandwiches, especially those with turkey, chicken, or roast beef.
Herbed Cream Cheese Sliced and Served on Black Tray With Bread

Other Serving Ideas

  • 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 flavour 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 flavour.
  • Wraps and Roll-Ups: Spread herbed cream cheese on tortillas or flatbreads, then add sliced deli meats, lettuce, and other fillings to create flavourful wraps or roll-ups.
  • Baked Potatoes: Top hot baked potatoes with a dollop of herbed cream cheese for a creamy and savoury twist on a classic side dish.
  • Pasta Sauce: Mix herbed cream cheese into hot cooked pasta for a creamy and flavourful pasta sauce. Add some sautéed vegetables and cooked chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
  • Omelette and Scrambled Eggs: Swirl herbed cream cheese into your omelette or scrambled eggs for a creamy and savoury 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.
Herbed Cream Cheese Sliced and Served on Black Tray

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 odours from the refrigerator and maintains its flavour.
  • Check for Mould: Before using, check the cream cheese for any signs of mould or unusual odours. If you notice mould, 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.

Herbed Cream Cheese-Sliced and Served on Black Tray With Bread

Herbed Cream Cheese Recipe

Timea
Discover the secret to homemade Herbed Cream Cheese. Creamy, flavourful, and perfect for bagels, sandwiches, and more.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Cooling Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins
Course Appetizers, Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine International
Servings 8 servings
Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Saucepan
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 glass leaf pan

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 l milk semi-skimmed
  • 2 teaspoon sea salt kosher
  • 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
  • 120 g cornstarch
  • 200 g cheddar cheese grated
  • ½ bunch parsley fresh, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chives fresh, chopped
  • 5 sprigs thyme leaves only

Instructions
 

  • Heat the milk in a saucepan, then season with sea salt. If the milk has become warm, add the butter, and mix until it melts and dissolves.
  • Add the cornstarch and whisk continuously until you see that it thickens, resulting in a creamy consistency.
  • Add the grated cheddar cheese and continue to mix with the whisk until it fully melts and is incorporated into the mixture. Turn off the heat
  • Add the finely chopped parsley, chives, and thyme over the cheese and mix to incorporate the herbs.
  • Pour the cream cheese into a glass leaf pan that I lined with plastic cling film. Put the container in the refrigerator for two hours.
  • Spread herbed cream cheese generously on toasted bagels or serve with crackers, sandwiches, or as a vegetable dip.

Video

Notes

Cream cheese can be flavored in various ways like: garlic and herbs, chive and onion, smoked salmon, sundried tomato and basil, jalapeno and pepper.
If you use whole milk, you do not need to add butter to the milk.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 10gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 799mgPotassium: 240mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 809IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 346mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword cream cheese with herbs, herbed cream cheese, herbed cream cheese recipe, homemade herbed cream cheese
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Tried this recipe?Mention @WPRecipeMaker or tag #wprecipemaker!

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Hi, I am Timea and together with my husband Laci we decided to invite you to our virtual kitchen. You will see step by step how we cook and how tasty is the Transylvanian and Hungarian cuisine.

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