Festive Cream Cheese Gift Wrap Spread
Delight your holiday guests with this whimsical Festive Cream Cheese Gift Wrap Spread. This creamy, herb-infused cheese is designed to resemble a beautifully wrapped Christmas present, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday appetizer table. Enhanced with the fresh flavors of dill and garlic, it’s a delectable spread that pairs wonderfully with crackers or fresh vegetables. Creating this festive treat not only adds flair to your gatherings but also serves as a delicious conversation starter as guests unwrap this edible gift!
8
Servings
63
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
dried dill
1/2 teaspoon
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon
salt
1/8 teaspoon
scallion
1-2 (finely chopped for decoration)
red bell pepper
1/2 (cut into small squares or dots for decoration)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese with dried dill, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and evenly incorporated.
2
Prepare a rectangular container lined with plastic wrap, ensuring there's enough overhang to fold over the top later.
3
Carefully pack the cream cheese mixture into the lined container, pressing it down to remove any air pockets and achieve a firm shape.
4
Cover the top with the overhanging plastic wrap, pressing it down gently, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results.
5
Once chilled, remove the wrapped cheese block from the container and unwrap it, placing it on a decorative platter.
6
Create a bow from finely chopped scallions by tying them together in the middle, and place it atop the cheese block.
7
Decorate the cheese with small squares or polka dots of red bell pepper to mimic festive wrapping paper.
8
Optional: Cut a tiny gift tag from a piece of red bell pepper and place it beside the cheese for added charm.
9
Serve this delightful cheese spread with an assortment of crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies.
Nutrition Information
5.6g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festive Cream Cheese Gift Wrap Spread?
It is a whimsical holiday appetizer made of herb-infused cream cheese shaped and decorated to look like a beautifully wrapped Christmas present.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
How long should I refrigerate the spread before serving?
You should refrigerate the spread for at least 3 hours, though leaving it overnight produces the best results for firmness and flavor.
What ingredients are used to flavor the cream cheese?
The cream cheese is flavored with 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
How do I achieve the rectangular gift box shape?
Pack the cream cheese mixture into a rectangular container lined with plastic wrap and press down firmly to remove air pockets.
How do I make the bow decoration?
The bow is created by tying finely chopped scallions together in the middle and placing them on top of the chilled cheese block.
What is used to create the gift wrap pattern?
The 'wrapping paper' patterns, such as squares or polka dots, are made from small pieces of red bell pepper.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 63 calories, 5.6g of fat, 2.5g of carbohydrates, and 1.25g of protein.
Can I add a gift tag to the presentation?
Yes, you can cut a tiny gift tag from a piece of red bell pepper and place it beside the cheese for added charm.
What should I serve with this cream cheese spread?
It is best served with an assortment of crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables like carrots and celery.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How much cream cheese do I need?
You will need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese for this recipe.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese before mixing?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it mixes smoothly with the herbs and spices.
Why do I need to line the container with plastic wrap?
The plastic wrap prevents the cheese from sticking to the container and allows you to easily lift it out for serving.
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh dill, though you may want to increase the amount slightly as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
The recipe data indicates that the fiber content is negligible or null.
Can I use different colored peppers for decoration?
Absolutely, you can use green or yellow bell peppers to create different festive patterns and colors.
How do I avoid air pockets in the cheese block?
When packing the mixture into the container, press it down firmly with a spoon or spatula to ensure it fills all corners.
Can this be made a day in advance?
Yes, making it the night before is recommended to help the shape set firmly.
What is the primary category for this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a holiday appetizer or cheese spread.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: cream cheese, dried dill, garlic powder, salt, scallions, and red bell pepper.
What is the purpose of the garlic powder in this spread?
The garlic powder adds a savory depth of flavor that complements the creaminess of the cheese.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but the spread may be slightly softer; ensure it is chilled thoroughly to maintain the gift box shape.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients in the spread are gluten-free, but be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or vegetables.
Can I freeze this spread?
Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of the cream cheese, making it crumbly or watery.
How do I make the scallions easier to tie into a bow?
If the scallions are stiff, you can briefly dip them in warm water to make them more pliable for tying.
What makes this a good 'conversation starter'?
Its unique visual appearance as a Christmas gift makes it stand out on an appetizer table compared to traditional cheese balls.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, you could mix in crushed pecans or walnuts for added texture if desired.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this is a savory spread and contains no added sugar.