Savory Roasted Garlic & Cranberry Cream Cheese Delight
This Savory Roasted Garlic & Cranberry Cream Cheese Delight is a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors, designed to tantalize your taste buds with every bite. The roasted garlic brings a rich, aromatic quality, while the tart dried cranberries add a delightful contrast. This delectable spread is perfect for spreading on crackers or using as a filling in tea sandwiches, making it an ideal appetizer for gatherings or a luxurious addition to your cheese board. Easy to prepare, it showcases a winning combination of ingredients that are sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. Perfect for any occasion, this creamy spread exudes warmth and creativity, elevating your entertaining game effortlessly.
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
2 heads (Roasted until tender)
Dried Cranberries
1/2 cup (Soaked in warm water or rum)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (Softened to room temperature)
Salt
to taste (Seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (Seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by macerating the dried cranberries: soak them in warm water or a splash of rum for 20-30 minutes until softened. If you're short on time, you can microwave them briefly until plump.
2
While the cranberries are soaking, allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature. If using a block of cream cheese, you can speed up the process by microwaving it for 30 to 60 seconds - just be sure not to overheat.
3
Roast the garlic heads ahead of time by wrapping them in foil and baking at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes until caramelized and tender. Once cooked, allow to cool, then squeeze the softened garlic cloves from their skins into a bowl.
4
Use a fork to mash the roasted garlic into a paste. Combine this garlic paste and the soaked cranberries into the softened cream cheese, mixing thoroughly until fully incorporated.
5
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. For those leaning toward a sweeter flavor profile, consider adding a teaspoon of sugar or a preferred sweetener.
6
Transfer the spread to a serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least two hours; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
7
When ready to serve, enjoy the spread with an assortment of crackers, or use it as a savory filling for tea sandwiches, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
8.75g
Carbs
3.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
Savory Roasted Garlic & Cranberry Cream Cheese Delight.
How many heads of garlic are required?
You need 2 heads of garlic.
What is the oven temperature for roasting garlic?
The garlic should be roasted at 400°F (200°C).
How long does the garlic need to roast?
It should roast for 30-40 minutes until caramelized and tender.
How do you prepare the dried cranberries?
Macerate them by soaking in warm water or rum for 20-30 minutes.
Can I speed up the cranberry softening process?
Yes, you can microwave them briefly until they are plump.
How much cream cheese is used in this recipe?
8 ounces of cream cheese are required.
What is the best way to soften the cream cheese?
Allow it to reach room temperature or microwave it for 30-60 seconds.
How do you extract the roasted garlic?
Wait for it to cool, then squeeze the softened cloves from their skins into a bowl.
How do you turn the garlic into a paste?
Use a fork to mash the roasted cloves into a smooth paste.
How long should the spread be refrigerated before serving?
Refrigerate for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld.
What seasonings are added to the mixture?
Salt and pepper are added to taste.
Can I make this spread sweeter?
Yes, you can add a teaspoon of sugar or your preferred sweetener.
What are the suggested serving options?
Serve it with crackers or as a filling for tea sandwiches.
Is this recipe suitable for an appetizer board?
Yes, it is a luxurious addition to a cheese board or any gathering.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 160 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 12g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this spread?
There are 8.75g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per serving?
The spread contains 3.5g of protein.
How many main ingredients are needed?
There are 5 ingredients: roasted garlic, dried cranberries, cream cheese, salt, and pepper.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, fresh herbs make a great garnish when serving.
Is this a sweet or savory recipe?
It is a harmonious blend of both sweet and savory flavors.
How should the spread be stored in the fridge?
In a serving bowl covered with plastic wrap.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Begin by macerating the dried cranberries in warm water or rum.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include spread, appetizer, cream cheese, roasted garlic, cranberry, and savory.
What should I do after mixing the ingredients?
Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a serving bowl for chilling.
What is the texture of the garlic after roasting?
The garlic should be caramelized and tender.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is an easy recipe designed to impress guests effortlessly.
What gives the spread its aromatic quality?
The rich, roasted garlic provides the aromatic quality.
What is the role of the cranberries in this dish?
The tart dried cranberries add a delightful contrast to the savory garlic.