Herbed cream cheese is a simple, flavorful way to make any snack or appetizer more delicious. With fresh herbs and creamy goodness, it’s perfect for spreading on crackers, dipping veggies, or adding a special touch to your favorite dishes. You’re going to love how easy it is to make!
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below and we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
There's nothing quite like good cream cheese! It's rich, creamy, and oh-so versatile! But for me, one cream cheese stands out above the rest, and that's herbed cream cheese. This delectable spread is perfect for just about anything. Smother it on some crusty bread and top with your favorite toppings, or use it as a dip for some fresh veggies!
If you're wondering what makes this herb and garlic cream cheese so great, it's just the perfect combination of creamy and flavorful! The cream cheese with herbs provides a smooth base, while the garlic and fresh herbs add a tantalizing flavor that keeps you hooked from the first bite. This spread is so good you'll be using it on everything!
Why You'll Love Making Herbed Cream Cheese
- Easy to Make: All you need is a few simple ingredients, and you have a delicious herbed cream cheese that can be used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Fresh Flavors: Packed with the vibrant taste of fresh herbs, it’s a delicious way to liven up any dish. The combination of creaminess and bright herb notes makes every bite irresistible.
- Customizable Blend: You can easily adjust the herbs and seasonings to match your taste or what you have on hand. Use your favorite fresh herbs or experiment with dried ones for a unique twist.
- Versatile Use: Works perfectly as a bagel spread, sandwich enhancer, vegetable dip, or even a quick appetizer topping. It also works wonderfully as a sandwich spread or dolloped onto roasted veggies.
- Cost-Effective: Dramatically cheaper than store-bought specialty cream cheese spreads, using simple ingredients you likely already own.
🧀 Every time I make a cheese ball, it reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen — she thought it was the perfect appetizer, and she was totally right!
Recipe Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Garlic
- Chives
- Dill
- Parsley
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Thyme
For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.
How To Make Herb And Garlic Cream Cheese
- Mince the herbs and add them to the softened cream cheese.
- Mix well, whipping if desired.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Recipe FAQs
I love eating this herb cream cheese fresh, but when stored the herbs and garlic will continue to infuse the cream cheese with flavor. At best, my herbed cream cheese will store in the fridge until the date specified on the cream cheese package. But as I use fresh herbs in my herbed cream cheese, I prefer to use it within 3-4 days of making it.
Yes! If you want to save yourself some time, you can absolutely make this in a food processor. Simply add all of the ingredients to the bowl of your food processor and pulse until combined. As a plus, a food processor will give my herb cream cheese and nice whipped consistency too!
The cream cheese itself is gluten-free, but always check your specific cream cheese brand to confirm.
While you can freeze cream cheese, the texture might change slightly upon thawing, so it's best enjoyed fresh.
Expert Tips
- Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth texture.
- Seasoning Technique: Add salt and black pepper gradually, tasting as you go to perfect the flavor balance.
- Mixing Method: Use a fork or spatula for gentler mixing, which prevents over-working the cream cheese and maintains a light texture.
- Flavor Boost: Consider adding a tiny bit of lemon zest or minced garlic for an unexpected depth of flavor.
- Texture Tip: If mixture seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or sour cream to achieve desired spreadability.
Serving Suggestions
With something as versatile as herb cream cheese, you're only limit is your imagination! For example, you can use it in place of mayo on your favorite sandwich or as a dip. If you're looking for some more inspiration, here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy this delicious recipe:
- On bagels, toast, or crackers
- Instead of sour cream on baked potatoes or instant pot chili
- As a dip for pretzels, chips, or veggies
- On top of grilled chicken or fish
- In omelets or scrambled eggs
- As a filling in stuffed peppers, mushrooms, or baked chicken breast
- Mixed with cooked pasta or rice
- On an easy green salad
Storage Tips
Storing your cream cheese with herbs is pretty straightforward. Transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator, where it'll stay fresh for 5-7 days. Always use a clean utensil when scooping to prevent introducing bacteria, and keep it away from strong-smelling foods that might impact its delicate herb flavor.
If you notice any separation or water pooling on top, just give it a quick stir before serving. For the absolute best taste and texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before spreading, which helps restore its creamy consistency.
More Favorites From Longbourn Farm
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ review and share it on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below and we will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you will get great new recipes from us every week!
Herbed Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block, softened)
- 2 tablepoons garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon chives (fresh)
- ½ teaspoon dill (fresh)
- 1 teaspoon parsley (fresh)
- 1 teaspoon basil (fresh)
- ½ teaspoon rosemary (fresh)
- ½ teaspoon thyme (fresh)
Instructions
- Mince the herbs and add them to the softened cream cheese.
- Mix well, whipping if desired.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- Transfer to a piping bag or squeeze bottle for more elegant and precise serving, especially for appetizers or garnishing.
- You can use dried herbs, though you'll want to use about ⅓ the amount compared to fresh.
- Works equally well with low-fat or whipped cream cheese varieties.
- If mixture seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or sour cream to achieve desired spreadability.
Denise Prater
This has a great flavor. If you are using fresh garlic and not jarred (I've never used jarred) then I would suggest cutting the garlic back. Maybe 2-3 tsp. Also, I would use a garlic press so the pieces of garlic are very small. I minced and it was not small enough. I made this spread (one of many) for breakfast at my work. I received two comments. 1. This herb spread was really good but I think I could melt steel with my breath. 2. This spread is magical. 🙂
Alli
Super simple!