Herbed Yogurt Cheese Delight
Herbed Yogurt Cheese Delight is a creamy and flavorful spread that makes a delicious alternative to traditional butter or margarine. Perfect for slathering on crackers, bread, or crostini, this herby version is sure to impress your guests. With its bright flavors from fresh herbs and the added crunch from green onions, it's both refreshing and indulgent. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an appealing presentation. This versatile spread can be enjoyed plain or jazzed up with your favorite ingredients. Best of all, it can be refrigerated for up to a week, making it a convenient addition to any meal or snack. When making this dish, ensure you choose yogurt free of gelatin to achieve the perfect consistency.
2
Servings
120
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yogurt
8 ounces (Use yogurt that contains no gelatin; mix for a creamy texture.)
Green onions
2 (Finely chopped, include both green and white parts.)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (Finely chopped.)
Fresh basil
1 tablespoon (Finely chopped or substitute with 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.)
Salt
to taste (Use as needed.)
Pepper
to taste (Use as needed.)
Instructions
1
Start by lining a fine-mesh strainer with a paper towel and place it over a bowl, ensuring there's at least 2 inches of clearance at the bottom.
2
Carefully spoon the yogurt into the lined strainer. Cover the yogurt with plastic wrap to prevent contamination, and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours or up to 2 days to allow the whey to drain, resulting in a thick yogurt cheese.
3
Once the draining time is complete, discard the liquid collected in the bowl.
4
Transfer the thickened yogurt cheese to a mixing bowl.
5
Add the finely chopped green onions, parsley, basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding additional herbs or spices as desired.
7
Serve immediately with crackers, bread, or crostini, or store the herbed yogurt cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
15g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Yogurt Cheese Delight?
It is a creamy and flavorful spread made from strained yogurt mixed with fresh herbs and green onions, serving as a healthy alternative to butter.
What type of yogurt is best for this recipe?
You should use plain yogurt that does not contain gelatin to ensure it reaches the correct thick consistency.
How long does the yogurt need to drain?
The yogurt needs to be refrigerated and drained for at least 8 hours, or up to 2 days for a thicker cheese.
What equipment do I need to strain the yogurt?
You will need a fine-mesh strainer, a paper towel to line it, and a bowl to catch the liquid.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, for example, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh basil with 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 2 servings.
What is the calorie count for this herbed cheese?
There are approximately 120 calories in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
How much fat is in the Herbed Yogurt Cheese Delight?
This recipe is low fat, containing only 1 gram of fat.
How long can I store the finished spread?
The herbed yogurt cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What should I do with the liquid that drains off the yogurt?
The liquid, known as whey, should be discarded once the draining process is complete.
What are the best items to serve with this spread?
It is delicious when served with crackers, fresh bread, or toasted crostini.
How should I prepare the green onions?
You should finely chop 2 green onions, including both the white and green parts.
Can I substitute the paper towel lining?
Yes, a clean cheesecloth or a coffee filter can be used in place of a paper towel for straining.
What is the protein content of this dish?
The recipe contains 12 grams of protein.
How do I prevent the yogurt from drying out in the fridge?
Cover the top of the yogurt with plastic wrap while it is straining in the refrigerator.
Is there a lot of fiber in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains 0 grams of fiber.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Absolutely, you can taste the mixture and add additional herbs, salt, or pepper to suit your preference.
How much fresh parsley is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates in this recipe.
Why must the strainer be 2 inches above the bowl bottom?
This ensures the draining whey does not touch the bottom of the strainer and soak back into the yogurt.
Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used and may result in a thicker cheese even faster due to its lower initial moisture content.
Does this spread contain cholesterol?
Based on the nutritional data provided, the cholesterol content is negligible or not listed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check your yogurt label for additives.
Can I freeze the yogurt cheese?
Freezing is not recommended as it can change the creamy texture and cause the cheese to become grainy.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a more appealing and professional presentation.
Can I use this as a vegetable dip?
Yes, it makes an excellent healthy dip for fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, or cucumbers.
What should the consistency look like?
It should be thick and spreadable, similar to the consistency of softened cream cheese.
Is this a good appetizer for parties?
Yes, it is tagged as a party appetizer because it is easy to make ahead and pairs well with many snacks.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, finely minced garlic would be a great addition if you enjoy a more savory flavor.