Savory Roasted Garlic and Herb Cheese Spread
Indulge in this delightful Savory Roasted Garlic and Herb Cheese Spread, perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home. Silky cream cheese combines with the rich, mellow flavors of roasted garlic, complemented by creamy butter and a hint of fresh chives. Whether you’re spreading it on crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables, this spread elevates any snack to gourmet status. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, it's sure to become a staple in your entertaining repertoire.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole head of garlic
1 (Top trimmed)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (For drizzling)
cream cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
unsalted butter
1/4 cup (Softened)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
snipped fresh chives
1/4 cup (Optional)
Instructions
1
Note: If using salted butter, consider reducing the amount of added salt or omitting it altogether for a balanced flavor.
2
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
3
Trim the top third of the garlic head without removing the papery skin, exposing the individual cloves.
4
Drizzle olive oil generously over the exposed top of the garlic head until well saturated.
5
Place the garlic cut side down in an ovenproof ramekin or a small baking dish.
6
Roast in the preheated oven for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the garlic cloves are soft and tender.
7
Once roasted, allow the garlic to cool slightly before squeezing the cloves out into a mini food processor (or a mixing bowl if whisking by hand).
8
Add the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, salt, and black pepper to the food processor.
9
Pulse the mixture until it reaches a creamy, smooth consistency.
10
Transfer the spread to a serving or storage dish.
11
Fold in the snipped fresh chives for added flavor and color, if desired.
12
Serve this delightful spread with an assortment of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
3g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Roasted Garlic and Herb Cheese Spread?
It is a gourmet spread made with a combination of roasted garlic, cream cheese, butter, and fresh chives, ideal for serving with crackers or bread.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include a whole head of garlic, olive oil, cream cheese, unsalted butter, salt, black pepper, and fresh chives.
How long does it take to roast the garlic?
The garlic should be roasted for 60 to 75 minutes until the cloves are soft and tender.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the garlic head for roasting?
Trim the top third of the garlic head to expose the cloves, leaving the papery skin intact, and drizzle generously with olive oil.
Can I use salted butter in this recipe?
Yes, but the recipe recommends reducing or omitting added salt if using salted butter to maintain a balanced flavor.
How do I extract the garlic cloves after roasting?
Allow the garlic to cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins into a food processor or bowl.
What equipment is recommended for mixing the spread?
A mini food processor is recommended to achieve a smooth consistency, though you can also whisk it by hand.
What should I serve with the Savory Roasted Garlic and Herb Cheese Spread?
It is delicious with an assortment of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Is the cream cheese used in this recipe softened?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 8 ounces of softened cream cheese for easy blending.
How much fat is in one serving of this spread?
Each serving contains approximately 12 grams of fat.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 150 calories per serving.
How much protein does this cheese spread provide?
It contains 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
Are there carbohydrates in this recipe?
Yes, there are 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter.
Are the chives mandatory?
No, the fresh chives are optional and are added for extra flavor and color.
How is the garlic placed in the baking dish?
Place the garlic cut side down in an ovenproof ramekin or small baking dish before roasting.
Can this spread be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spread and transfer it to a storage dish for later use.
What is the texture of the final product?
The spread should have a silky, creamy, and smooth consistency.
How much olive oil is used for the garlic?
Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil for drizzling over the garlic head.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for gatherings, entertaining, and party food.
What type of pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, adjusted to taste.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
The recipe contains 7 ingredients total.
What is the prep level for this dish?
It is tagged as an easy recipe that is simple to prepare.
Can I use fresh garlic only?
The recipe specifically requires roasting a whole head of garlic to achieve the desired mellow, rich flavor.
What kind of herbs are used?
The primary herb used is fresh snipped chives.
Should the garlic be peeled before roasting?
No, you should roast it with the papery skin still attached, only trimming the top off.
When do I add the chives to the mixture?
Fold in the chives after the garlic, cheese, and butter have been pulsed into a smooth mixture.
What type of dish should I use for roasting?
An ovenproof ramekin or a small baking dish is appropriate.
Is the garlic flavor very strong?
Roasting the garlic makes the flavor rich and mellow rather than sharp or pungent.