Cucumber Chive Cream Cheese Delight
Elevate your snacking and sandwich game with this Cucumber Chive Cream Cheese Delight! Perfect for gatherings or a refreshing treat on a hot day, this spread combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the crispness of fresh cucumber and the vibrant flavors of chives and mint. Not only does it make elegant sandwiches, but it also serves as a delightful dip for fresh vegetables, crackers, and savory scones. Pair it with smoked salmon, prawns, or tuna for a sophisticated touch. The flexibility of this spread means it will be a hit at brunches, picnics, and light lunches. Consider salting the cucumbers beforehand to prevent excess moisture if preparing it a day in advance, ensuring your spread remains perfectly creamy and delicious.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened to room temperature)
cucumber
1/2 medium (finely diced)
fresh chives
2 tablespoons (chopped)
spring onion
1 (finely diced)
fresh mint
1 tablespoon (chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried mint)
salt
to taste (as needed)
black pepper
to taste (as needed)
Instructions
1
Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to soften.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the chopped chives, diced spring onion, and mint. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Ensure to check the flavor balance after adding the seasoning.
4
Gently fold in the finely diced cucumber, taking care not to overmix and release too much moisture from the cucumber.
5
Transfer the spread to a serving bowl or an airtight container. If making in advance, refrigerate the spread for up to 2 days for optimal flavor.
6
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a sandwich spread, or pair it with fresh vegetables, crackers, or scones for a delightful appetizer. Enjoy with smoked salmon and blinis for an exquisite touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cucumber Chive Cream Cheese Delight?
It is a refreshing spread or dip made from cream cheese, diced cucumbers, chives, and mint, perfect for snacks or sandwiches.
How long should I soften the cream cheese?
Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before mixing.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped mint with 1 teaspoon of dried mint.
How long can I store this spread in the refrigerator?
The spread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days for optimal flavor.
What are the best items to pair with this spread?
It pairs excellently with smoked salmon, prawns, tuna, fresh vegetables, crackers, and savory scones.
How do I prevent the spread from becoming too watery?
You can salt the cucumbers beforehand to draw out moisture and fold them in gently at the final step.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all the primary ingredients including cream cheese, cucumbers, and herbs are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I serve this at a party?
Absolutely, it is a versatile appetizer that is a hit at brunches, picnics, and elegant gatherings.
What type of onion is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one finely diced spring onion to provide a mild and vibrant flavor.
How do I dice the cucumber for this recipe?
The cucumber should be finely diced to ensure it incorporates well into the creamy spread without overpowering the texture.
Can I use this as a sandwich spread?
Yes, it is specifically designed to elevate your sandwich game and works wonderfully for tea sandwiches.
Is this a good recipe for a hot day?
Yes, the combination of crisp cucumber and refreshing mint makes it a perfect treat for warm weather.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 7 main ingredients: cream cheese, cucumber, chives, spring onion, mint, salt, and black pepper.
Should I use fresh or dried chives?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives for the best flavor.
Can I prepare this spread in advance?
Yes, you can make it a day in advance, just be mindful of the cucumber's moisture content.
Can I serve this with seafood?
Yes, pairing it with smoked salmon and blinis provides an exquisite and sophisticated touch.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator to let it soften at room temperature.
How do I season the mixture?
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, checking the flavor balance after the initial addition.
Should I use a food processor to mix the cucumber?
No, you should gently fold in the finely diced cucumber by hand to avoid releasing too much liquid.
Is the mint flavor very strong?
The mint provides a refreshing hint that complements the chives and cucumber without being overpowering.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
While the recipe calls for standard cream cheese for richness, you can substitute with a lower-fat version if preferred.
What makes this spread unique?
The blend of spring onion, fresh mint, and chives provides a more complex flavor profile than standard cucumber spreads.
Is it necessary to peel the cucumber?
The recipe doesn't specify, but you can peel it if you prefer a softer texture or leave the skin for extra color.
Can I use this as a dip for crackers?
Yes, it serves as a delightful dip for crackers and various crisp breads.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, a small amount of minced garlic could be added for extra punch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The spread itself is gluten-free, though you should serve it with gluten-free crackers or vegetables.
Should the spread be served cold?
It can be served chilled or at room temperature depending on your serving preference.
How many cucumbers do I need?
You only need 1/2 of a medium cucumber, finely diced.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The serving size is not specified, but it uses 8 ounces of cream cheese as the base.