Nothing beats a creamy, savory cheese spread that can be used in endless ways! This easy 8-ingredient recipe comes together quickly and can be customized to suit any taste.
Made with a creamy blend of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and bold seasonings, it's the perfect start for an appetizer spread or addition to countless dishes.
Follow along as we share tips for making, serving, and storing this versatile cheese spread. Let's get started!
Tips for Making This Recipe Your Own
Part of the fun of a cheese spread recipe is experimenting and customizing it to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas for ways to put your own spin on this classic blend:
Switch up the mix-ins.
Instead of pimientos and parsley, try adding your favorite chopped nuts, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or blanched spinach. Get creative!
Adjust the seasonings.
In addition to the garlic, onion, salt, and pepper, consider adding paprika, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, dill, or any other herbs and spices you enjoy.
Make it spicy.
For a kicked-up flavor, blend in hot sauce or a minced jalapeño or habanero pepper. Start with just a little bit and increase to your desired spiciness.
Boost the tang.
Sour cream, lemon juice, or white wine vinegar can all add some welcome brightness. But go easy, as you don't want the spread to get too thin.
Change up the base.
Swiss, gouda or mascarpone cheese can be subbed in for all or part of the cream cheese. And Greek yogurt is a tasty lower-fat swap for some or all of the mayo.
Customize the texture.
For an ultra-smooth and velvety spread, use a food processor. But if you prefer some texture, mix by hand or pulse just a few times.
Let the flavors meld.
For best results, make the spread ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavors to fully develop.
Get inspired by your favorite dips and spreads!
The possibilities are endless for ways to put your personal spin on this versatile cheese spread.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Homemade Cheese Spread
A homemade cheese spread like this one can be used in so many ways! Here are some ideas for how to serve and enjoy this versatile recipe:
- As a dip for crackers, chips, pretzels, or fresh vegetables. Provide an assortment for scooping and dipping.
- Spread on bagels, toast, or sandwiches. Slather it on plain or everything bagels for breakfast or lunch.
- Stuffed into celery sticks or halved cherry tomatoes. For a pretty party hors d'oeuvre, top with a parsley leaf.
- As a burger topping. Spread it on burger buns for extra richness and flavor.
- As a stuffing for mushrooms. Spoon it into roasted or raw mushroom caps for an earthy flavor combo.
- Swirled into hot pasta. Toss it with hot buttered noodles for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- Served alongside grilled or roasted meats. It's great alongside chicken, steak, pork chops, or sausages.
- Baked into bread. Add dollops of the spread into bread dough or muffins before baking.
- Used as a filling for crêpes or omelets. For a savory brunch dish, fill rolled-up crêpes with the cheesy spread.
- Topped with baked potatoes. For an easy-loaded potato, add it on top of baked russets along with bacon and scallions.
Let your imagination run wild and come up with your own ways to serve this versatile cheese spread! It makes an excellent addition to a cheese board, can be used as a sandwich condiment, or served warm as a creamy, comforting fondue.
Storage and Serving Tips
This flavorful cheese spread will be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Here are some storage and serving tips:
- Store in an airtight container. Use a lidded plastic container or tightly seal the bowl with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
- Smooth top before refrigerating. Use a spatula to smooth out the top surface for a neater appearance before storing.
- Allow to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Cold dulls the flavors, so let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving if chilled.
- For longer shelf life, store up to 3 months in the freezer. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- For optimal safety, discard after 1 week in the fridge. To extend the shelf life, make smaller batches you can consume within a week.
- Consider canning for long-term storage. Follow a tested recipe for safely canning cheese spreads. Once sealed, jars can be stored up to 1 year.
- Prevent "weepage" by not over-stirring right before serving. Excess stirring can cause liquid to release and pool on top. Gently fold in any separated liquid just before serving instead.
- Set out with crackers, chips, veggies, or bread slices. Provide a variety of dippers and spreads to let guests customize their own cheese spread experiences.
- Garnish with extra herbs before serving. A fresh sprinkle of minced parsley or chives over the top adds lovely color.
With proper storage in the fridge or freezer, you can enjoy this flavorful cheese spread again and again for up to a week or longer. Just remember to let it soften before serving for the creamiest texture and fullest flavors.
Cheese Spread
Ingredients
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 2 ounce jar diced pimientos, drained
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the drained diced pimientos and fresh parsley. Fold these ingredients into the cheese spread until just combined. Do not overmix.
- That's it! Your cheese spread is ready to enjoy or refrigerate.
- If you want an even smoother, creamier texture, you can transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse a few times until it reaches your desired consistency. But this optional step is not necessary.
FAQs
What ingredients can I add or swap in this recipe?
There are endless options for customizing this recipe! Try different herbs, spices, vegetables, cheeses, nuts, or cured meats. Just remember to adjust any extra liquid if needed. Some ideas are cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, crumbled bacon, roasted garlic, and pine nuts.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! For a kicked-up heat, add hot sauce or minced peppers like jalapeños or habaneros to the blend. Start with small amounts and adjust to your desired spiciness.
Does the cheese spread need to be refrigerated?
Yes, for food safety it's important to store this spread in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will keep for up to 1 week in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. Allow to soften at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I make it in advance?
Definitely! In fact, it's best to make it a day ahead. This allows the flavors to fully meld and develop. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
What is the best way to serve this spread?
There are endless possibilities! Try it as a dip, spread, stuffing, topping, or baked into dishes. Offer with crackers, chips, veggies, bread, or bagels. Get creative with serving methods!
Does it need any special equipment to make?
Nope, just a bowl and spoon! For an extra smooth texture, you can use a food processor to blend it. But this step is optional.
Conclusion
With just a few simple ingredients and minutes of prep time, you can make this do-anything cheese spread anytime.
Store it in the fridge for instant access to creamy flavor for sandwiches, crackers, dips, and more. Or customize the recipe with your favorite mix-ins and create a cheese spread that's uniquely your own.